Sakura-Ya
Sakura-Ya
Sakura-Ya is a pioneering Japanese sushi bar inside L'Illa Diagonal shopping centre in Les Corts, founded in 1997 by Anna Saura -- Spain's first sushi bar in a shopping mall. Exclusively Japanese-trained sushimen prepare all food at the counter.
Background
About Sakura-Ya
The Story
Sakura-Ya was founded in July 1997 by Anna Saura, a Barcelona-born psychologist and university lecturer who left academia after extensive travel to Japan. It was Spain's first Japanese sushi bar inside a shopping mall. The name is a double meaning: 'Saura' (the founder's surname) and 'Sakura-ya' ('house of the cherry blossom' in Japanese). Saura was the first to conduct sake tastings and show-cooking demonstrations in Barcelona, and pioneered the introduction of mochi to the region. The restaurant also supplies sushi to FC Barcelona's changing rooms.
The Cuisine
The kitchen serves traditional Japanese cuisine with a focus on sushi, prepared by exclusively Japanese-trained sushimen behind the counter. The menu features nigiri, maki, sashimi, the moriawase platter (23.50 EUR), tempura, yakisoba, katsudon, and gyoza. Also sells takeaway sushi and Japanese ingredients and ceramics. Around 30 EUR per person without drinks.
The Team
Founded by Anna Saura, who regularly travels to Japan to absorb culinary traditions. Head chef Suryaman Maharjan (Sury) was trained under Master Tan, a third-generation Japanese chef. Sushi chef Yan was trained under legendary itamae Yasu Nasu. Google reviewers give it 4.0/5 from 640 reviews.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Sakura-Ya Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
Japanese, sushi, noodles, gyoza, takeaway
Diner Ratings
4.0
640 reviews
Yelp
4.3
8 reviews
Professional recognition includes Macarfi food 7.1/10. Diners rate it 4.0/5 on Google (640 reviews) and 4.3/5 on Yelp (8 reviews).
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Reservations
How to Book Sakura-Ya
Booking
Reservations recommended as the restaurant has only about 20 bar seats and 4 tables. Book by phone at +34 934 052 645 or via the . After-hours dinner may be available by advance reservation.
Reserve
Experience
Sakura-Ya Dining Experience
An intimate sushi bar inside L'Illa Diagonal shopping centre with about 20 counter seats and 4 tables. Japanese-trained chefs prepare all food in full view behind the counter. Casual dress code. Suitable for solo diners at the bar, friends, and quick lunches.
Navigate
Sakura-Ya Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Located on the lower level (Planta -1, El Rebost) of L'Illa Diagonal, one of Barcelona's upscale shopping centres on Avinguda Diagonal in the Les Corts district. An intimate sushi bar with counter seating where Japanese-trained chefs prepare food in full view.
Nearby
Les Corts is a residential district in western Barcelona, home to L'Illa Diagonal shopping centre, Camp Nou, and a mix of university and residential areas. Avinguda Diagonal is the major thoroughfare connecting the neighbourhood to the rest of the city.
Details
Sakura-Ya Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 12:30–21:00 |
| Tuesday | 12:30–21:00 |
| Wednesday | 12:30–21:00 |
| Thursday | 12:30–21:00 |
| Friday | 12:30–21:00 |
| Saturday | 12:30–21:00 |
| Sunday | 12:30–16:00 (May–September only; closed October–April) |
Sakura-Ya hours verified 2026-04-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Recommended
Good to Know
Social
From sakura_yaoficial on Instagram
Ya puedes dejarnos tus reseñas en Google Maps. Solo tienes que acercar tu móvil a este dispositivo o escanear el código QR. ❤❤❤❤❤
No te pierdas la ruta de tapas en L'illa Diagonal. Tapa + bebida 4€ #lilladiagonal 📷 @bcngourmet
Es así: ante un buen plato de gyozas, suculentas empanadillas japonesas de carne y verduras, pocas cosas nos pueden hacer cambiar de opinión. ¡Es el must de cualquier comida! #sakuraya #sakurayabcn #illadiagonal #gyoza #empanadillas #delicious #instagood #instafood #dinner #japanesefood #foodies #f
Combinado de sushi de 4 colores. Combina un total de 12 piezas, incluyendo maki de aguacate, salmón, atún y mango. Pídelo en nuestro restaurante o también para llevar en Glovo. #sushi #maki #sushilover #restaurantejapones #barcelona #lilla
😋🍾🥂🥢 #sakura #sakuraya #illadiagonal #sashimi #barcelona #barcelonacity #foodporn #maguro #surycooks
El toc d'elegància i sabor que les vostres celebracions mereixen. 🎁 El desembre a Sakura-Ya té gust de celebració. Hem preparat una selecció de safates i menús especials, pensats per elevar les vostres reunions festives amb la màxima qualitat de la cuina japonesa. Des del sashimi més fresc fins al
Questions
Sakura-Ya FAQ
What can I see in photos of Sakura-Ya?
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Sakura-Ya is an intimate sushi bar with about 20 counter seats and 4 tables inside L'Illa Diagonal shopping centre. Japanese-trained chefs prepare all food in full view behind the counter, creating an interactive dining experience. The restaurant also functions as a Japanese product shop selling ingredients, ceramics, and kitchen utensils.
What do reviews say about Sakura-Ya?
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Sakura-Ya receives positive reviews with 4.0/5 and 4.3/5.
Does Sakura-Ya serve mochi?
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While the menu data doesn't specify mochi offerings, founder Anna Saura was a pioneer who introduced mochi to the Barcelona region. The restaurant focuses on traditional Japanese cuisine including sushi, tempura, yakisoba, katsudon, and gyoza, and also operates as a Japanese product shop.
What makes Sakura-Ya historically significant in Barcelona?
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Sakura-Ya was Spain's first Japanese sushi bar inside a shopping mall, founded in 1997 by Anna Saura, a pioneer of sushi culture in Barcelona. Saura was the first to conduct sake tastings and show-cooking demonstrations in Barcelona, and pioneered the introduction of mochi to the region.
Who are the chefs at Sakura-Ya and what's their training?
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Head chef Suryaman Maharjan (Sury) was trained under Master Tan, a third-generation Japanese chef. Sushi chef Yan was trained under legendary itamae Yasu Nasu. All sushimen are exclusively Japanese-trained and prepare food in full view behind the counter.
How much does it cost to eat at Sakura-Ya?
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Expect around 30 EUR per person without drinks. The moriawase platter (7 nigiri + 6 maki) costs 23.50 EUR, tekkadon/sakedon is 26.30 EUR, and maki rolls start from 12.10 EUR. A large 46-piece sharing tray is available for 63.50 EUR.
Do I need reservations at Sakura-Ya?
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Reservations are recommended as the restaurant has only about 20 counter seats and 4 tables. Book by phone at +34 934 052 645 or. After-hours dinner may be available by advance reservation.