Koy Shunka is a shining example of the newish MediterrAsian genre and indeed the new breed of Asian chefs in the city (particularly Japanese), who take delicate techniques from home and apply them to local products. Ferran Adrià was a vocal admirer of the style and emulated it at El Bulli, but – and I say this in a whisper – chef Hideki Matsuhisa does it better in the Barri Gòtic. The dining room is beautiful, all dark grey slate, polished wood and zen-like vibes, but the best place to sit is at kappo-style counter to watch the masters at work, honing pristine plates of stone-seared prawns and peas, and hake cheek and shiso tempura.

Koy Shunka is one of the best Japanese restaurants in Barcelona, and was awarded with its first Michelin star in 2013. The venue is the second and most sophisticated of chef Hideki Matsuhisa’s outlets, opened after the initial success of Shunka, big brother of Koy Shunka. Its menu offers the chef’s elaborate savoir-faire in an exquisite mixture of the most refined flavors of Japan with the best of fresh Mediterranean produce.

It's an understatement to say their Michelin star is well-deserved. Everything on the menu is out of this world, but the nigiri really steals the show: they come directly from the hands of chef Hideki Matsuhisa and arrive on your plate with no change in temperature. And they practically melt in your mouth.

Down a narrow lane north of La Catedral, chef Hideki Matsuhisa's Michelin-starred Koy Shunka opens a portal to sensational dishes from the East – mouth…

Avinguda del Paraŀlel, 148, 08015 Barcelona Carrer del Dr. Fleming, 11, 08017 Barcelona Passeig de Picasso, 32, 08003 Barcelona Koy Shunka Located in the heart of Barcelona just off Via Laietana, Koy Shunka is sure to grab the attention of any foodie, if not for its Michelin star, but also for its name, which translates as ‘intense seasonal flavour’. Koy Shunka‘s menu is extensive, so if you want to try a bit of everything we recommend the tasting menu, which consists of eleven dishes and desserts. Japanese noodles ‘nyumen’, squid socarrat, lobster ikegime and shrimp tartare are just some of the delicacies featured on this menu (and plenty more sushi, of course!).

I was still mulling over the Catalan passion for Japanese food when I arrived at Koy Shunka, a new and wildly popular restaurant that opened in the Barri Gòtic a few months ago. Seated at the wooden counter bordering its open kitchen and watching one of the 10 chefs carefully make a nori-wrapped roll of rice and salmon, I finally got it. Of course the Catalans love sushi, since they’d inevitably be fascinated by another take on two of the foods they love best — rice and seafood — and be attracted by a cuisine that prizes pedigreed produce as much as their own does.

Whilst we highly recommend sampling authentic Spanish dishes such as pisto, croquettes, and gazpachos on your next visit to the city, there’s no reason why you can’t try something totally out of the ordinary. Venture down a narrow lane close to Barcelona Cathedral, at the heart of the city, and you’ll find Koy Shunka – Barcelona’s only Japanese restaurant with a Michelin star. Many call it a “portal” into a whole new world of mouthwatering Asian food, a bucket-list restaurant that cannot be forgotten about if you’re a gastronome exploring Spain.

With a name that translates as ‘intense seasonal flavour’, this restaurant is already half way there to grabbing any foodie’s attention, and once you’ve glimpsed the menu, you’ll be there in a flash. Koy Shunka‘s menu is extensive, so if you want to try a bit of everything we advise ordering the tasting menu (wallet permitting!), consisting of eleven dishes and desserts. Japanese noodles ‘somen’, caviar, grilled oysters, raw fish niguiris and wagyu veal tataki with wasabi sauce, are just some of the delicacies featured on this menu.

From the three Michelin stars of Martín Berasategui's Lasarte, Jordi Cruz's Àbac and the cuisine of Disfrutar, headed by Oriol Castro, Eduard Xatruch, and Mateu Casañas and recognized as one of the 50 best restaurants in the world; the fusion cuisine of Dos Palillos, by Albert Raurich and Tamae Imachi, and Koy Shunka, by Hideki Matsuhisa and Caelis (Romain Fornell), among many others, Barcelona has hundreds of restaurants waiting to surprise you and to prove why Catalan cuisine is one of the most renowned in the world.

As per Ferran Adrià, this eatery offers the finest nigiri globally, and according to culinary enthusiasts, it ranks as the best Japanese restaurant throughout Europe. Hideki Matsuhisa masterfully works to guarantee each sushi piece arrives at the diner’s lips with ideal structure and temperature. The meticulous fish cutting, the ingredient freshness, and the techniques deserving of a Michelin star ensure an evening of delight with any of the three tasting menus.

In front of a nigiri with the sushi being freshly made in front of everyone at the table, Koy Shunka is on the high end for top Japanese food in the city. With an open-view kitchen in one dining room, visitors can watch the chefs prepare for the classical meals with a combination of ingredients guaranteed to make it a unique experience. It isn’t the casual type of restaurant, so you’re expected to dress more businesslike, which mean no shorts or t-shirts.

A block north of La Catedral, this casual Japanese oldtimer is all minimalist decor and open kitchen. The short but sweet menu is divided into rice, seafood, meat, udon, sushi, sashimi, and maki; standout dishes include white fish carpaccio with straw mushrooms, and anything with toro (fatty tuna belly). The 10-course surprise tasting menu is worth the splurge.• Carrer d’en Copons, 7 • Nearest metro: Jaume I • +34 934 12 49 91

Japanese chef Hideki Matsuhisshunka first opened Shunka (which translates from Japanese as "seasonal flavour") in 2001 just off Avenue de la Catedral. Seven years later, Koy Shunka ("intense seasonal flavour") opened just around the corner, taking his excellent Japanese cuisine one step further with a more fine dining offering, which was recognised by Michelin in 201l, awarding him his first star. Open for lunch and dinner.

If you enjoy Japanese cuisine and the spectacle of superb nigiri and sushi prepared in front of you, then this one-starred michelin restaurant is the place for you. There is an open-view kitchen standing in the middle of one of the dining rooms. The passionate chef is known for preparing Japanese dishes with a creative touch, which he manages to cleverly combine with the cuisine and products of the Mediterranean.

Located in the emblematic Barrio Gòtic, Koy Shunka is the first restaurant in Barcelona to be awarded a Michelin star. Its chef and owner, Hideki Matsuhisa, is considered the Japanese Ferran Adrià for offering fresh ingredients in refined but, above all, very tasty dishes. It also offers the possibility of trying a tasting menu, which is a spectacle of oriental flavours.

Koy Shunka, a distinguished sushi restaurant in downtown Barcelona's heart, has earned its acclaim, notably being Barcelona's first Japanese eatery to receive a Michelin star. This accolade sets the tone for a unique and spectacular dining experience, marking it as a destination for those seeking authentic and exquisite Japanese sushi. Photo via Koy Shunka website

It opened earlier this year, a collaboration between the 1 Michelin * holder Hideki Matsuhisa (Koy Shunka) and Iñaki López of the Sagardi group. Besides Koy Shunka, Matsuhisa also has the historically oversubscribed everyday Japanese spot Shunka and Kak Koy which specializes in Robata grill dishes. Robata hasn’t been reopened since its closure for refurbishment.

Fighting for the position of best Japanese sushi and traditional Japanese cuisine in Spain, the beloved Shunka is another place of the award-winning chefs Xu Zhangchao and Hideki Matsuhisa and they seem to do magic around the big cedar sushi bar. They have a Michelin star, so maybe the average price of € 90 per person will be too much. Koy Shunka (Copons, 7)

Considered by many to be the best Japanese restaurant in Barcelona, Koy Shunka received its Michelin star in 2013. Koy Shunka is co-owned by Xu Zhangchao and Hideki Matsuhisa, with the latter also skilfully performing the duties of chef. Locals and tourists seeking Japanese food can ready themselves for some exceptional Omakase cuisine at Koy Shunka.

Koy Shunka, with its one Michelin star, stands as the best Japanese restaurant in Barcelona. Here, the marriage of Japanese techniques and Mediterranean ingredients creates a distinct and delightful gastronomic experience. The open kitchen invites diners to witness the skilled chefs’ artistry, adding an element of excitement to the meal.

Unique in Barcelona as the only Michelin starred Japanese restaurant in the city, and one of few in Spain. Koy Shunka offers delicious Japanese cuisine, made with the freshest mediterranean ingredients. An unobstructed view of the kitchen means you get to see your meal prepared in front of you, another unique aspect of the restaurant.

Koy Shunka is a 1 Michelin star Japanese restaurant that not only has a mix of delicious, savory meals and sushi, it is a very entertaining restaurant to go to. Make sure to book the bar so you can watch all the chefs prep the many types of dishes you’ll be having that night. Address: Carrer d’en Copons, 7, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

This is the proposal of the chef Hideki Matsuhisa and Xu Zhangchao, who have opted to combine Japanese techniques with Mediterranean products. Here respect for the primary ingredients prepared with meticulous care is their mantra for each and every product. Considered by many to be one of the best Japanese restaurants in Europe.

One of the most coveted restaurants in Barcelona for sushi and haute cuisine lovers is Koy Shunka, awarded with a Michelin star. This restaurant, led by chef Hideki Matsuhisa, is known for its innovative approach that fuses Japanese tradition with Mediterranean ingredients of the highest quality.

Carrer de Copons, 7, 08002 Barcelona, Spain +34 934 12 79 39 Website. In the heart of Barcelona’s Gotico neighborhood, in a secluded alley, discover a chic and refined restaurant offering sushi of great quality. The atmosphere, hospitality, and service is excellent but what about sushi?

I’d highly recommend Koy Shunka if you’re looking for a Japanese Michelin-star restaurant in Barcelona. The Asian food served here fuses art, aesthetics and flavour. The name refers to powerful seasonal aromas, and the food that’s created with flair really does reflect this ethos.

If you’ve pigged out on patatas bravas one too many times on your Barcelona travels, and fancy something lighter this Michelin-starred Japanese joint is a great bet. Not cheap, but fans of sushi, sashimi and Asian cuisine in general won’t go home disappointed.www.koyshunka.com

It is a Japanese restaurant with a wooden bar from which the diner can see the entire kitchen service, and it also has different tables for a more intimate service. Two tasting menus are available: Koy for 115€ per person and Gastro for 177€ per person.

Koy Shunka in Barcelona blends Mediterranean ingredients with Japanese cooking techniques, highlighting fresh flavors and careful preparation. Diners praise its thoughtful approach and welcoming atmosphere, creating a refined yet inviting experience.

Koy Shunka can be said to be the best Japanese restaurant in Barcelona. Hideki Matsuhisa runs a tight ship with 10 cooks, and they do a tasting menu only, that takes about 2-3 hours. Notes: I recommend booking a few weeks in advance for dinner.

You can go all the way from Koy Shunka sushi, Pakta fusión, Carlota Akaneya, bbq to Koku ramen and then nasty sushi buffet spots. Personally I think most medium priced sushi restaurants really aren’t worth the prices they charge.

Owned by the same people as Japanese Shunka, and a short walk away, it’s also a very good restaurant and sometimes it’s easier to get a table here. Calle Copons 7, 08002 Barcelona. Tel: 934 127 939 Website: www.koyshunka.com

Koy Shunka is a Japanese Michelin star fine dining restaurant. It has an open view kitchen, which gives you a great view of the chef preparing your sushi right in front of you. The ingredients used are of top quality.

Koy Shunka offers an in-depth exploration of Japanese cuisine. It places special focus on sushi and kaiseki-style dishes. Michelin awarded the restaurant for its authenticity and consistent excellence.

Barcelona bites (clockwise from top left): The owners of Tickets, Restaurant Me, bomba at Paco Meralgo, open kitchen at Koy Shunka, Milk Bar & Bistro, local sausage with beans at Cal Pep./caption

It is located two minutes away from the Catedral of Santa Eulalia, a must-see when in Barcelona. They provide two tasting menus and a large a-la-carte menu as well. Take your time and enjoy.

Widely considered to be Barcelona’s best Japanese restaurant. A real delight for those Japanese food lovers who want to eat in a restaurant where quality is the most important thing.

Koy Shunka is widely considered to be Barcelona's best Japanese restaurant. Koy Shunka has a Michelin star since 2013. The name means "intense seasonal flavou ...Read More...

Chef Kideki Matsuhisa grew up with good food as the son of a sushi master and knows how to transform the finest products into explosions of flavour.

The best restaurants ranking in Catalonia is led by Ca l’Enric, followed by La Boscana, Koy Shunka, Lluerna i Cuina Germans Torres.

Arrive comfortably at Plaza Cataluña with Aerobús and from there, take a short ride to Koy Shunka to enjoy an unforgettable dinner.

So if you into nice Japanese fine dining it’s a really habe to, to visit that great restaurant and team!