1/04/2008

Have you noticed any strange behaviour in your friends lately? Maybe quick to rise tears, sudden perfect matches between people who previously ignored each other, a continuous and generalised tendency towards autism, a little bit of prowling the night and howling at the full moon? Yeah, I have a friend that howls, so what? Alright, so maybe your friends are not as sensitive as mine, but if you pay attention the signs are everywhere that spring has arrived. If you were to ask my friends about my behaviour they would tell you that I have developed an addiction. It’s not the first time my addictive personality surfaces into somewhat disturbing manifestations, but that’s another story. In any case, my latest craze, is… sushi. Sometimes when early mid day hunger pangs begin to ease into my mind, all I can think of is exactly what kind of Niguiri piece to get for lunch. Salmon, avocado, tuna, sweet water eel… If I’ve tickled your glutton button, here are my favourite places for sushi in Madrid:

Everyday Finger Licking good:

Janatomo: My favourite, for years. A family owned fantastic restaurant, the Janatomo has always been there to comfort me. Some of the best Japanese chefs pass by the Janatomo’s kitchen before going to more expensive restaurants, like Miyama. Everything is good, the inari sushi, tofu wrapped rice, is a little piece of heaven. The decoration modern and simply chic. It is a non pretentious special treasure, for those who like to keep it simple.
calle Reina 27
+34 91 521 55 66

19 Sushi: A clear bet on Izakaya cuisine, this great sushi spot mixes traditional plates with some unexpected experimental dishes, like the sea urchin cocktail in tempura.
calle Salud, 19 (semi-esquina Gran Via)
+34 91 524 05 71

99 Sushi bar: From the same brothers who created the 19 Sushi bar, this is another one of their spots in a different location.
Calle Ponzano, 99 (semiesquina Raimundo Fernandez Villaverde)
+34 91 536 05 67

Pink Sushi Man: Just for the name, it’s worth checking out this place that has become very trendy. Affordably yummy sushi bar with more options for those of you who bring along someone who has yet dared to go raw.
Calle Caballero de Gracia, 10
+34 91 360 5608


The Deliciously Luxurious

Kabuki sushi bar : Probably one of the best Japanese restaurants in the city. A more upscale option, subtle luxury contained in the decoration, service, and dishes. For example the white fish sashimi with green moho. Great sushi options that vary from what you may expect.
Avenida Presidente Carmona, 2
+34 914 176 415‎

Miyama: Translated into pretty mountain, Miyama rock stone decoration and back sushi bar midst a garden is a great setting for its ambitious approach to sushi, sashimi and tempura. Hiroo Miki, owner and chef, surprises with a touch of fusion.
Calle Flor Baja,5
+34 91 540 13 86

Ginza Sushi restaurant: Both a sit down restaurant, and a quick self service sushi bar, Ginza has been a solid favourite for many years in Madrid, thanks to the quality of the ingredients.
Plaza de las Cortes 3
+34 91-429-76-19

Shiratori: I haven’t been. I hear it’s amazing. How about you go first, and let us know…
Paseo de la Castellana 36
Tel: 91 577 3733