Akiro
Akiro
Akiro is a Nikkei hand roll bar on Carrer de Mallorca in the Eixample. Chef Luis Arevalo. Japanese-Peruvian cuisine. Signature: ebi furai, acevichado, toro sashimi.
Background
About Akiro
The Story
Akiro brings the Nikkei hand roll bar format to Barcelona. Chef Luis Arevalo, one of the most respected figures in Spain's Japanese restaurant scene, created the concept in Madrid and expanded it to Barcelona, where it has earned an extraordinary reputation in a short time. The format is deliberate: a spacious restaurant with four bar counters and minimalist wood decor, where guests sit and watch the kitchen prepare each hand roll, nigiri, and piece of sashimi to order. No reservations, no formality, complete focus on the food.
The Cuisine
Akiro's kitchen speaks Nikkei, the Japanese-Peruvian fusion tradition that emerged from Peru's significant Japanese immigrant community in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The hand rolls are the stars: the ebi furai (tempura-battered shrimp with chili-garlic mayo) and the acevichado (corvina sea bass with aji amarillo strips in vinegar, cilantro and avocado) anchor the a la carte list. For purists, the nigiri and sashimi selection runs from torched salmon with aji amarillo to wagyu with Maras salt. The menu also features tiraditos, ceviche, tempura and toro tartare. Average spend is approximately €40 per person.
The Team
Chef Luis Arevalo is the creative force behind Akiro, bringing his Nikkei expertise, developed over years in Madrid, to the Barcelona location. The kitchen team at the bar counters is trained in the precision and speed that the format demands: preparing each hand roll and nigiri to order while guests watch. The service is polished and attentive without being formal.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Akiro Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Triple threat: great food, cool minimalist design, flawless service
Diner Ratings
4.9
3,686 reviews
Akiro is recommended by The Infatuation, which calls it a triple threat of great food, cool minimalist design and flawless service. Diners rate it 4.9/5 on Google (3,686 reviews).
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Reservations
How to Book Akiro
Booking
Akiro does not take reservations. All seating is walk-in, first-come, first-served at the bar counters. The restaurant is open daily for lunch (Monday to Thursday 13:00–16:00, Friday and Saturday 13:00–16:15, Sunday 13:30–16:15) and dinner (Monday to Thursday 20:00–23:30, Friday and Saturday 20:00–00:00, Sunday 20:00–23:15). Arrive before opening to secure a seat at busy periods, particularly Friday and Saturday dinner. The no-reservations policy is part of the concept, the bar format means turnover is relatively quick.
Reserve
Experience
Akiro Dining Experience
Akiro is one of the Eixample's most exciting bar-format dining experiences. The large, airy space features four counters in minimal wood and stone, where guests sit and watch the kitchen prepare each piece to order. The energy is lively without being loud, a foodie crowd who came specifically for the hand rolls, focused on the food, curious about the kitchen. The design is cool and minimalist, and the service polished. No tablecloths, no formality, just great Nikkei food in a room that takes it seriously. Perfect for dates and impressing visitors. The no-reservations format keeps the buzz genuine.
Navigate
Akiro Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Akiro is on Carrer de Mallorca in the Dreta de l'Eixample, the right side of Barcelona's grid-plan expansion district, one of the city's densest concentrations of quality restaurants. It sits close to Passeig de Gracia and is surrounded by some of Barcelona's most celebrated addresses, including Compartir Barcelona (144m), Lasarte (234m), and Gresca (279m). The Eixample location means easy access from anywhere in the city.
Nearby
La Dreta de l'Eixample (the right side of the Eixample) is one of Barcelona's most restaurant-dense neighbourhoods, a compact section of the city's 19th-century grid plan that contains a remarkable concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, celebrated wine bars, and acclaimed casual addresses. Carrer de Mallorca and the streets around Passeig de Gracia are where many of Barcelona's best restaurants have planted their flags, and Akiro's placement here puts it in excellent company.
Nearby Restaurants
Compartir Barcelona
Mediterranean
Mediterranean tapas restaurant offering creative small plates designed for sharing.
Lasarte
Basque
€€€€Basque kitchen led by chef Paolo Casagrande in la Dreta de l'Eixample.
Gresca
Creative
€€€€Playful, irreverent modern bistro celebrating offal, game, and seasonal produce.
Details
Akiro Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 13:00–16:00 & 20:00–23:30 |
| Tuesday | 13:00–16:00 & 20:00–23:30 |
| Wednesday | 13:00–16:00 & 20:00–23:30 |
| Thursday | 13:00–16:00 & 20:00–23:30 |
| Friday | 13:00–16:15 & 20:00–00:00 |
| Saturday | 13:00–16:15 & 20:00–00:00 |
| Sunday | 13:30–16:15 & 20:00–23:15 |
Akiro hours verified 2026-04-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
No reservations taken, walk-in only. Bar seating on a first-come, first-served basis. Arrive early to avoid a wait, especially at dinner.
Good to Know
Social
From akiro.es on Instagram
Nikkei cuisine 🔥 Madrid • Barcelona • Chicago
La dedicación y la pasión son el centro de nuestra experiencia Nikkei. 🔥
GURU HUB — PLATES, POURS & PEOPLE Segunda edición. Esta vez recibimos a @akiro.es , que toma la cocina de Guru Lab para una noche de street food japonesa, cócteles de la casa y disco funky de los 70. Una experiencia urbana donde chefs y bartenders se encuentran, la gente se mueve libremente por el
Los ingredientes más frescos, en cada handroll. Madrid, Hermosilla 40 Barcelona, Mallorca 237 Bis
Nuestro viaje nikkei, lleno de sabor y creatividad. Nos vemos en la barra! Madrid, Hermosilla 40 Barcelona, Mallorca 237 Bis
Handroll: tradición, sabor y cultura que se disfruta en cada pieza.
Questions
Akiro FAQ
Does Akiro have Michelin stars?
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Akiro does not hold a Michelin Star.
How much does it cost to eat at Akiro?
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The average spend at Akiro is approximately €40 per person for food. Individual hand rolls and nigiri are priced individually, with a typical meal of 4-6 pieces per person. Wine and drinks are additional.
Can you book a table at Akiro?
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Akiro does not take reservations. All seating is walk-in, first-come, first-served at the bar counters. Arrive before opening (13:00 for lunch, 20:00 for dinner) to secure your seat, especially on weekend evenings when the restaurant stays open until midnight.
Who is the chef at Akiro?
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Akiro was created by chef Luis Arevalo, one of Spain's most respected figures in Japanese cuisine. Arevalo developed his Nikkei hand roll bar concept in Madrid and brought it to Barcelona, where it has quickly built a strong reputation.
What are the must-order dishes at Akiro?
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Two hand rolls stand out as the top Nikkei picks: the ebi furai (tempura-battered shrimp with chili-garlic mayo) and the acevichado (chunks of tender seabass in spicy aji amarillo vinegar). For Japanese purists, the toro sashimi and seared tuna nigiri are the pieces to seek out. All dishes are prepared to order at the counter.
Is Akiro wheelchair accessible?
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Akiro has wheelchair-accessible entrance and accepts credit cards and contactless payment. Note that the format is bar-seating with high chairs at the counters, which may not be suitable for all accessibility requirements. Contact the restaurant directly for specific needs.
What makes Akiro special?
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Akiro stands out for its exceptional Nikkei hand roll format, where skilled kitchen staff prepare each piece at the counter. The combination of great food, cool minimalist design, and polished service has made it one of the Eixample's most talked-about openings.