Hattori Hanzo, Japanese restaurant in Universidad district, Madrid, Spain.
Hattori Hanzo is a Japanese restaurant in the Universidad neighborhood of Madrid, serving dishes such as sushi, sashimi, ramen, okonomiyaki, and yakitori. The space is divided into several seating areas, including a raised platform section in the Japanese style and a yatai-style counter facing the kitchen.
The restaurant opened in 2014 and brought the izakaya concept to Spain, a style of Japanese dining that was largely unknown in the country at the time. Before that, Japanese food in Spanish cities was mostly associated with sushi-only spots.
The name Hattori Hanzo comes from a real 16th-century samurai later made famous by a popular film. The menu follows the izakaya principle of small shared dishes, sake, and an easygoing pace at the table.
The restaurant is on Calle de Mesonero Romanos, close to the Gran Vía, and easy to reach on foot from the city center. Opening hours vary by day, so checking them in advance is a good idea before heading over.
At the yatai counter, guests can watch the chef prepare ramen broth up close, something rarely seen in Madrid restaurants. This spot tends to be favored by regulars who enjoy following the cooking as it happens.
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