Merikenko
Japanese Tempura · Gràcia, Barcelona · €€
Open since 2024
Kenji Ueno and Neus Busquets's ten-stool Kanto-tempura bar in Gràcia — egg-enriched batter, sesame and sunflower oils, omakase only. The tempura is fried 50 cm from the diner; everything else (sashimi, vegetables, nigiri, miso) circles back to the fryer.
The Delekta Review
Run by Kenji Ueno and Neus Busquets — couple-owned, ten stools around the cooking station Opened 2024 on Carrer de Sèneca — described by Barcelona press as the city's first dedicated gourmet tempura bar
Kanto-style tempura — the batter carries egg, the oil is a blend of untoasted white sesame and sunflower Omakase only — €62 at dinner, additional shorter midday format on the menu since spring 2024 Menu arc through one service: white-wine noodles, sashimi, six vegetable pieces, six fish/seafood pieces, three nigiri, miso to close
Langostino is the first tempura piece — served twice across the menu, in two different builds Maitake mushroom; squash; seasonal fresh fish — chosen by the kitchen, no menu choice
Discrete black door, ten stools wrapping a counter at the cooking station — pieces leave the oil 50cm from the diner
Local Catalan wines accompany the meal; dinner omakase at €62 Tue–Sat 13:00–15:30 and 20:00–23:00
Quoted in
“A good tempura should sound 'tsaku tsaku' — crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.” — Kenji Ueno · Metrópoli Abierta
“The tempura is a homage to the product.” — Rais Esteve · 7 Caníbales
What the critics say
- Time Out Barcelona — Merikenko
- Metrópoli Abierta — Primera barra de tempura gourmet de Barcelona
- 7 Caníbales — Merikenko, oda a la tempura en Barcelona
- Ara — Merikenko
- Time Out Barcelona — Merikenko
- Merikenko | Macarfi
Visit
- Address
- Carrer de Sèneca, 28, Gràcia, 08006 Barcelona, Spain
- Phone
- +34 937 43 15 19
- Website
- instagram.com/merikenkobcn