Ikoya Izakaya
Ikoya Izakaya
Ikoya Izakaya is a Tokyo-style izakaya facing the Mercat de Santa Caterina, opened in January 2022 by chef Hideki Matsuhisa (also of Michelin-starred Koy Shunka) and Inaki Lopez de Vinaspre (Grupo Sagardi). Features a central robata grill, sushi counter, and over 50 artisanal sakes and decor.
Background
About Ikoya Izakaya
The Story
Ikoya Izakaya opened in January 2022, born from the collaboration between chef Hideki Matsuhisa and Inaki Lopez de Vinaspre of Grupo Sagardi. Matsuhisa, the first Japanese chef in Spain recognised by the Michelin Guide, describes Ikoya as 'the gift I give to myself and to Barcelona, after more than 25 years cooking together.' The name IKOYA is a Japanese cry of happiness. The concept recreates the atmosphere of Tokyo's izakaya taverns through market-fresh ingredients and pure Japanese technique, particularly the robata charcoal grill.
The Cuisine
Chef Hideki Matsuhisa, also behind Michelin-starred Koy Shunka, blends Mediterranean market products with Japanese technique. The menu spans sashimi (12-29 EUR), nigiri and maki (7-28 EUR), robata-grilled meats and fish, ramen, and shared plates. Signature dishes include bluefin tuna tartare (20 EUR), sashimi moriawase (25 EUR), chef moriawase sushi (28 EUR), and robata-grilled octopus (25 EUR). A sake corner offers artisanal references. Around 60 EUR per person without drinks.
The Team
Chef Hideki Matsuhisa leads the kitchen, bringing his experience from Koy Shunka (Michelin-starred since 2013) and over 25 years in Barcelona. Inaki Lopez de Vinaspre, co-founder of Grupo Sagardi with his brother Mikel, provides the hospitality framework.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Ikoya Izakaya Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Japanese, izakaya, sushi, robata, celebrity chefs, bar
Diner Ratings
4.7
4,069 reviews
TripAdvisor
4.6
292 reviews
Professional recognition includes Macarfi food 7.0/10. Diners rate it 4.7/5 on Google (4,069 reviews) and 4.6/5 on TripAdvisor (292 reviews).
Been to Ikoya Izakaya? Share your experience with the community.
Reservations
How to Book Ikoya Izakaya
Booking
Reservations recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. Book by phone at +34 933 101 818, or by email at reservas@gruposagardi.com. Walk-ins accepted on quieter days.
Reserve
Experience
Ikoya Izakaya Dining Experience
A Tokyo-style izakaya designed by Txema Retana, facing the Mercat de Santa Caterina. The central bar wraps around the open kitchen with sushi counter and robata grill. Lamps crafted from hake skin, a wooden ship hull overhead, and brick walls create an immersive atmosphere. A sake corner designed as a Mount Fuji-inspired cabin houses over 50 artisanal references. Terrace seating facing the market.
Navigate
Ikoya Izakaya Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on Avinguda de Francesc Cambo facing the Mercat de Santa Caterina in Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera (el Born). The space was designed by Txema Retana with a central bar wrapping around the open kitchen, sushi counter, and robata grill. Lamps crafted from hake skin and a wooden ship hull overhead create an immersive izakaya atmosphere.
Nearby
Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera is a vibrant neighbourhood in the Ciutat Vella district, centred around the Mercat de Santa Caterina and the Basilica de Santa Maria del Mar. The area blends medieval architecture with a thriving restaurant scene in the Born quarter.
Nearby Restaurants
Llamber
Catalan-Asturian
Creative Asturian-Catalan fusion restaurant blending northern Spanish traditions.
El Xampanyet
Catalan Tapas
Historic family-run cava bar and tapas on Carrer de Montcada since 1929.
MAE Barcelona
Creative
€€€€Creative cuisine blending Spanish, Colombian, and Costa Rican influences.
Other Grupo Sagardi restaurants in Barcelona
1881 per Sagardi
Mediterranean
Mediterranean cuisine and Basque-style grill with port views from Palau de Mar.
Cadaques
Mediterranean Seafood
Wood-fired rice and Emporda cuisine by Sagardi Group in the Porxos d'En Xifre.
Golfo de Bizkaia
Creative
Creative cuisine in Sant Pere, Santa Caterina i la Ribera, rooted in local produce.
Irati Taverna Basca
Basque
Basque pintxo bar and grill pioneering San Sebastian-style tapas since 1994.
Kresala
Basque Seafood
Basque seafood grill with impeccably grilled fish and fresh shellfish.
Oaxaca
Mexican
Authentic Oaxacan Mexican cuisine by chef Joan Bagur near the Born quarter.
Sagas
Catalan
Farm-to-table gourmet sandwiches and tapas from Els Casals in El Born.
Details
Ikoya Izakaya Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 13:00–16:00 & 19:00–00:00 |
| Tuesday | 13:00–16:00 & 19:00–00:00 |
| Wednesday | 13:00–16:00 & 19:00–00:00 |
| Thursday | 13:00–16:00 & 19:00–00:00 |
| Friday | 13:00–17:00 & 19:00–00:00 |
| Saturday | 13:00–17:00 & 19:00–00:00 |
| Sunday | 13:00–17:00 & 19:00–00:00 |
Ikoya Izakaya hours verified 2026-04-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended
Good to Know
Social
From ikoyaizakaya on Instagram
📍Ikoya Izakaya - Barcelona @ikoyaizakaya Comida asiática a la brasa, todo cocinado en su robata!! ⭐️ Platos que más nos gustaron: - Berenjena, gamba y miso - Toro tataki - Pluma ibérica - Souflé de té matcha y Chococake 💵 40/50€ pp
@ikoyaizakaya ha estat reconegut entre els primers llocs del Top 100 de restaurants de Barcelona, segons les valoracions de la comunitat de @thefork_es Ens omple de satisfacció que els visitants reconeguin i gaudeixin la cura i dedicació que posem en cada detall de l'experiència Ikoya. Reserva la
Vetes fines, infiltració noble i la màxima untuositat. Així és el nostre wagyu, tasta'l amb l'incofusible sabor de la robata o en format nigiri.
És temps de ramen i a @ikoyaizakaya oferim un dels millors segons @macarfi_com De miso o shoyu, preparat amb chashu tradicional, ou dur marinat, naruto, yakisoba, bambú i alga nori. Deixa't envoltar per l'aroma captivadora que desprèn i gaudeix de tots els matisos del seu sabor.
Tota la cremositat i textura del wagyu concentrada en un niguiri, lleugerament flamejat i acabat amb un toc de wasabi i la nostra salsa casolana d'anguila.
A la izakaya de @hideki_koyshunka t'endinses en un espai on el foc, la precisió i el respecte pel producte marquen el ritme de l'experiència. Des del nigiri fins a les elaboracions a la robata i el peix salvatge... cada plat està pensat per fer-te descobrir la cuina japonesa amb tots els sentits. 67
Questions
Ikoya Izakaya FAQ
What's on the menu at Ikoya Izakaya?
+
The menu features Tokyo-style izakaya dishes including sashimi (12-29 EUR), nigiri and maki (7-28 EUR), robata-grilled meats and fish, ramen, and shared plates. Signature dishes include bluefin tuna tartare (20 EUR), sashimi moriawase (25 EUR), and chef moriawase sushi (28 EUR). The restaurant also offers a sake corner with artisanal references in a Mount Fuji-inspired cabin.
What are the average prices at Ikoya Izakaya?
+
Expect to spend around 60 EUR per person without drinks. Sashimi ranges from 12-29 EUR, with the chef's premium sushi selection at 28 EUR. Small plates and robata dishes range widely, like karaage de pollo (11 EUR), yakisoba (12 EUR), and navajas a la brasa (18 EUR).
Who is the chef behind Ikoya Izakaya?
+
Chef Hideki Matsuhisa leads the kitchen and also runs Michelin-starred Koy Shunka, making him the first Japanese chef in Spain recognized by the Michelin Guide. The restaurant is a collaboration between Matsuhisa and Inaki Lopez de Vinaspre, co-founder of Grupo Sagardi.
What makes Ikoya Izakaya stand out in Barcelona?
+
Ikoya Izakaya stands out for its collaboration between chef Hideki Matsuhisa, who also runs Michelin-starred Koy Shunka, and Grupo Sagardi, bringing together Japanese technique and Mediterranean market products. The restaurant is noted for its authentic Tokyo-style atmosphere, central robata charcoal grill and sushi counter, and a sake corner with over 50 artisanal references.
What makes Ikoya Izakaya's atmosphere unique in Barcelona?
+
The restaurant recreates an authentic Tokyo izakaya atmosphere with a central bar wrapping around the open kitchen, sushi counter, and robata grill. Designed by Txema Retana, it features lamps crafted from hake skin, a wooden ship hull overhead, and a sake corner designed as a Mount Fuji-inspired cabin. The restaurant faces the Mercat de Santa Caterina and includes terrace seating.
Does Ikoya Izakaya take reservations?
+
Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and weekends. You can book by phone at +34 933 101 818, or by email at reservas@gruposagardi.com. Walk-ins are accepted on quieter days.