I know what you’re thinking: "Japanese food in Spain?" Madrid, is actually brimming with some seriously top-notch Japanese establishments. And when you've got Spain's incredible seafood bounty, it’s a match made in gastronomic heaven. So, if you're looking for a detour from tapas, sushi is where you should go.
We went for lunch, and it turns out we had the entire place to ourselves. The decor is a departure from your typical minimalist Japanese joint – it's all dark wood and moody lighting, creating a surprisingly chic vibe. They also boast a rather impressive selection of Japanese wines. Service was generally excellent - can’t be more attentive as we were the only customer. Our chef, who was trained in France and Japan before moving to Madrid, bringing a wealth of experience to the table.
Now, for the main event: the food. Overall, it was a triumph! The starters were an absolute flavour explosion. The fried shrimp paste? Crispy, bursting with shrimpy goodness, and perfectly complemented by the shiso leaf. I could eat a bucket of those. The lobster was incredibly fresh, and the broth was so good I almost licked the bowl clean.
The sushi itself was, across the board, excellent. The fish quality was superb, and the rice? Perfection. The subtle sourness of the rice balanced beautifully with the delicate fish. While the individual sushi pieces were on the smaller side, because you get about 20 pieces! I’d rather have smaller, perfectly formed ones than giant ones. It was fascinating to learn that many of the ingredients, like the white fish, tuna, and some shellfish, are sourced locally from Spain – a true testament to the quality of Spanish produce. The sushi was served in a traditional style, without too much fancy "cooking" or unnecessary adornment, which I personally prefer. However, I did find myself wishing for a little more in the way of marinades/aging to elevate certain pieces.
My only two minor moan? The dessert was a bit of a letdown, and there was no tamago to finish the course. Also, despite being the only guests, there was a surprisingly long wait between the starters and the sushi.
Verdict: A quality omakase experience, offering exceptional freshness and a reasonable price for what you get. It absolutely deserves its Michelin star. If you're in Madrid and craving a quality Japanese meal, book well in advance .
Ratings
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| 2 years of Michelin 1 star |
We went for lunch, and it turns out we had the entire place to ourselves. The decor is a departure from your typical minimalist Japanese joint – it's all dark wood and moody lighting, creating a surprisingly chic vibe. They also boast a rather impressive selection of Japanese wines. Service was generally excellent - can’t be more attentive as we were the only customer. Our chef, who was trained in France and Japan before moving to Madrid, bringing a wealth of experience to the table.
 |
| different decor compare to typical omakase restaurant |
Now, for the main event: the food. Overall, it was a triumph! The starters were an absolute flavour explosion. The fried shrimp paste? Crispy, bursting with shrimpy goodness, and perfectly complemented by the shiso leaf. I could eat a bucket of those. The lobster was incredibly fresh, and the broth was so good I almost licked the bowl clean.
Love the lobster
The sushi itself was, across the board, excellent. The fish quality was superb, and the rice? Perfection. The subtle sourness of the rice balanced beautifully with the delicate fish. While the individual sushi pieces were on the smaller side, because you get about 20 pieces! I’d rather have smaller, perfectly formed ones than giant ones. It was fascinating to learn that many of the ingredients, like the white fish, tuna, and some shellfish, are sourced locally from Spain – a true testament to the quality of Spanish produce. The sushi was served in a traditional style, without too much fancy "cooking" or unnecessary adornment, which I personally prefer. However, I did find myself wishing for a little more in the way of marinades/aging to elevate certain pieces.
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| Love the tuna |
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| Wish it was a Spanish scallop, but a Hokkaido one is still superb |
My only two minor moan? The dessert was a bit of a letdown, and there was no tamago to finish the course. Also, despite being the only guests, there was a surprisingly long wait between the starters and the sushi.
 |
| Dessert is average |
Verdict: A quality omakase experience, offering exceptional freshness and a reasonable price for what you get. It absolutely deserves its Michelin star. If you're in Madrid and craving a quality Japanese meal, book well in advance .
Ratings
Food: 5/5 Every bite was a symphony of fresh flavours.
Service: 5/5 Impeccable and attentive service, especially for a private lunch.
Decor: 4.5/5 Chic, sophisticated, and a pleasant departure from traditional.
Value: 4/5 Justified cost for a high-quality, memorable experience.
Overall: 4.75/5 Highly recommended for an authentic, high-end omakase.
Estimated cost per person: €250 up
Restaurant Info:
Restaurante Toki
Service: 5/5 Impeccable and attentive service, especially for a private lunch.
Decor: 4.5/5 Chic, sophisticated, and a pleasant departure from traditional.
Value: 4/5 Justified cost for a high-quality, memorable experience.
Overall: 4.75/5 Highly recommended for an authentic, high-end omakase.
Estimated cost per person: €250 up
Restaurant Info:
Restaurante Toki
Address: Calle de Sagasta, 7 28004 Madrid, Spain
Telephone: +34 910 88 56 65
Website: https://www.restaurantetoki.com/en/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tBwV2wM38qVw5F9H8
Telephone: +34 910 88 56 65
Website: https://www.restaurantetoki.com/en/
Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/tBwV2wM38qVw5F9H8
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