SISCU'S DIARY
Top 5 casual sushi restaurants in Barcelona
Barcelona is a city that never completely stops, which is probably why I love finding places to eat well without having to think too much about it. I'm a big fan of sushi, but I don't always feel like something sophisticated. Sometimes I want something more relaxed, a quiet place to go with friends, share dishes, and have a good time.
Over the years, I've discovered many places around the city that strike that perfect balance between quality and a relaxed atmosphere. Great food and great energy!
In this post, I share my top 5 favorite casual sushi spots in Barcelona. If, like me, you believe that good sushi doesn't have to be formal, this post is for you!
1. Can Kenji
This is a Japanese izakaya-style restaurant in the Eixample district. It may not look like much from the outside, but once you step inside, you'll probably thank me. Can Kenji serves authentic Japanese dishes and sushi made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. I love their selection of dishes to share, often with subtle Mediterranean touches. The space is small and unpretentious, but the food is exceptional, the prices are reasonable, and the overall izakaya experience is truly special.
P.S. I highly recommend making a reservation!
2. Kibuka
This sushi place in Gràcia is definitely one of those places I can't stop going to. I love it for its fresh uramakis, wide variety of rolls, and fusion touches, from classic sashimi to more creative combinations. The atmosphere is calm and welcoming, and the service is very friendly. It's not the most formal sushi experience in town, and that's exactly the point. It has a relaxed vibe and a generous menu that make it the perfect place to go when you're in the mood for casual Japanese food with real personality.
3. Takenori Mito Daruma
This Japanese restaurant in the Eixample district offers, in my opinion, an incredible experience. It's a very cozy and unpretentious place, with that authentic Japanese tavern atmosphere that I love. What I like most is reserving a seat at the teppanyaki bar and putting myself in the hands of chef Takenori Mito, who, apart from being talented, is also very funny. The food is of exceptional quality; both the meat and vegetables cooked on the grill and the sushi are truly delicious. Watching the chef cook and prepare each dish right in front of you makes for a unique dining experience. What's more, unlike other Japanese restaurants of this caliber, the value for money is excellent. It has undoubtedly become one of my favorite places in Barcelona.
4. Kitsune
Kitsune is a place in Barcelona that always surprises me with its modern take on Japanese cuisine. They serve fresh sushi and sashimi, of course, but also creative rolls, crispy tempura, and other incredible dishes. What I love is how each dish seems to be prepared with great care: the ingredients are fresh, the flavors are perfectly balanced, and there's that touch of creativity that keeps me coming back. Good food, good atmosphere, and a truly fresh take on Japanese cuisine.
5. Chiqui Bar
This place may look like a classic neighborhood bodega from the outside, but inside it hides a real surprise: its sushi! It's not what you'd expect from a traditional bodega, and yet they manage to serve fresh, well-balanced sushi and sashimi. It's exactly the kind of place I tell my friends about when they're looking for something delicious, different, and totally local in Barcelona. The atmosphere stays true to its roots with a friendly, informal vibe, but the quality of the sushi makes it a little hidden gem. For me, Chiqui is a place where good sushi and local character go hand in hand.
