Sato i Tanaka
RepsolSpain's Repsol Guide awards up to 3 Soles for culinary excellence. One sol: notable quality.Sato i Tanaka
RepsolSpain's Repsol Guide awards up to 3 Soles for culinary excellence. One sol: notable quality.Sato i Tanaka is a 16-seat omakase sushi counter in Barcelona's Eixample, owned by Kenji Ueno and Neus Busquets of Can Kenji. Itamae Aki Tanaka and Kazutoshi Komuta prepare nigiri, maki, and sashimi at the counter. One of Barcelona's hardest reservations, book weeks ahead.
Background
About Sato i Tanaka
The Story
Sato i Tanaka opened in 2017 as Barcelona's most coveted sushi counter. The restaurant is owned by Kenji Ueno and Neus Busquets, the couple behind Can Kenji and Aiueno, Japanese tapas restaurants that brought the izakaya spirit and the concept of shun (seasonality) to Barcelona. Named after its founding itamae Ryuta Sato and Aki Tanaka, the 16-seat counter quickly became one of the city's hardest reservations. It was awarded 1 Repsol Sol in 2021, reconfirmed in 2025. Ryuta Sato has since opened a second venue, Sensato, in the Gracia neighbourhood, while Aki Tanaka continues to lead Sato i Tanaka alongside Kazutoshi Komuta.
The Cuisine
Pure omakase, the chef decides everything. Two lunch sets are offered: 9 nigiri + 3 maki (€52) or 12 nigiri + 3 maki (€65), both with appetiser, miso soup, dessert, and water or tea. The evening tasting (€85) includes appetisers, 12 nigiri + 3 maki, miso soup, and dessert. An a la carte sushi option (12 nigiri + 3 maki, €70) is also available. The fish, turbot, toro, sea urchin, eel, red prawn, red mullet, is prepared and served piece by piece at the counter. The sea urchin tofu and baby cuttlefish are recurring highlights. A short sake list and well-chosen wine selection complement the meal.
The Team
Itamae Aki Tanaka and Kazutoshi Komuta lead the counter, preparing, explaining, and serving each course directly to guests in the Japanese tradition. The integration between chef and diner is total, each dish is presented with its story and technique. Owners Kenji Ueno and Neus Busquets oversee the operation, bringing their decade-plus experience running Japanese restaurants in Barcelona.
Highlights
What Diners Say
Consensus
Sato i Tanaka Ratings & Reviews
Professional Ratings
1 Sol, awarded 2021, reconfirmed 2025
€65/person
Aggregated across multiple platforms
Diner Ratings
4.8
1,097 reviews
TheFork
9.9
TripAdvisor
4.8
151 reviews
Yelp
5.0
2 reviews
Professional recognition includes 1 Repsol sol and Macarfi food 7.9/10. Diners rate it 4.8/5 on Google (1,097 reviews), 9.9/10 on TheFork, 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor (151 reviews), and 5.0/5 on Yelp (2 reviews).
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Reservations
How to Book Sato i Tanaka
Booking
Sato i Tanaka is one of Barcelona's hardest reservations to secure. With only 16 seats, demand consistently outstrips supply. Booking several weeks to months in advance is essential, particularly for dinner service and weekends. Reservations available via CoverManager (covermanager.com), OpenTable, or Resy. The restaurant also accepts bookings in Japanese.
Reserve
Experience
Sato i Tanaka Dining Experience
An intimate 16-seat counter with comfortable stools where everything is prepared in full view. The minimalist space focuses entirely on the interaction between itamae and diner, pure Japanese omakase tradition transported to Barcelona's Eixample.
Navigate
Sato i Tanaka Location & Neighbourhood
Getting There
Sato i Tanaka is located on Carrer del Bruc in Eixample Dret, a quiet residential street between Girona and Passeig de Gracia metro stations. The unassuming entrance leads to the intimate 16-seat counter. Paid street parking available.
Nearby
Eixample Dret is one of Barcelona's most prestigious residential neighbourhoods, characterised by its Modernista architecture and grid-plan streets. The area around Carrer del Bruc hosts a mix of established restaurants and newer openings. Sato i Tanaka sits on a quiet stretch between Girona and Passeig de Gracia metro stations, within walking distance of several other top-ranked restaurants.
Nearby Restaurants
Imprevisto
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Moments
Creative
€€€€Seasonal Catalan creative tasting menus crafted by chef Raul Balam Ruscalleda.
Details
Sato i Tanaka Reservations, Hours & Contact
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | 13:00–15:00 & 20:30–23:00 |
| Wednesday | 13:00–15:00 & 20:30–23:00 |
| Thursday | 13:00–15:00 & 20:30–23:00 |
| Friday | 13:00–15:00 & 20:30–23:00 |
| Saturday | 13:00–15:00 & 20:30–23:00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
Sato i Tanaka hours verified 2026-03-01. Contact the restaurant to confirm.
Contact
Essential, book weeks to months in advance. Via CoverManager, OpenTable, or Resy.
Good to Know
Social
From satoitanaka on Instagram
_ 🔺 tanquem del 24 de desembre al 8 de gener.🔺cerramos del 24 de diciembre al 8 de enero. 🔺 12月24日〜1月8日までクリスマス-年末年始の休暇を頂きます。🔺 We will be closed on Dec 24-Jan 8. #satoitanaka bones festes i feliç 2024 felices fiestas y feliz 2024 メリークリスマス。あきお目🐲。 merry xmas and happy new year ☆〜
_ 🔺 tanquem del 24 de desembre al 9 de gener.🔺cerramos el 24 de diciembre al 9 de enero. 🔺 12月24日 から9日までクリスマス-年末年始の休暇を頂きます。🔺 We will be closed from the 24th of Dec from the 9th of Jan. #satoitanaka bones festes i millor 2023. felices fiestas y mejor 2023. メリークリスマス。 明けましておめでとう。 merry xmas and hap
_ bones festes felices fiestas メリークリスマス。 merry xmas ☆〜
Questions
Sato i Tanaka FAQ
Does Sato i Tanaka have Michelin stars?
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Sato i Tanaka does not hold Michelin stars and is not listed on the Michelin Guide. However, it holds 1 Repsol Sol (Spain's most respected domestic guide, awarded 2021, reconfirmed 2025) and a food score of 7.9/10.
How much does it cost to eat at Sato i Tanaka?
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Lunch sets are €52 (9 nigiri + 3 maki) or €65 (12 nigiri + 3 maki), both including appetiser, miso soup, dessert, and water or tea. The evening tasting is €85 and includes appetisers, 12 nigiri, 3 maki, miso soup, and dessert. A la carte sushi (12 nigiri + 3 maki) is €70. Drinks are extra.
Who are the chefs at Sato i Tanaka?
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The counter is led by itamae Aki Tanaka and Kazutoshi Komuta. The restaurant was co-founded with Ryuta Sato, who now also runs Sensato in Gracia. The restaurant is owned by Kenji Ueno and Neus Busquets, who also operate Can Kenji and Aiueno.
How far in advance do I need to book Sato i Tanaka?
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Sato i Tanaka is one of Barcelona's hardest reservations. With only 16 seats and omakase-only service, booking several weeks to months ahead is essential, especially for dinner and weekends. Reservations via CoverManager, OpenTable, or Resy.
What is omakase?
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Omakase means 'I'll leave it up to you' in Japanese. At Sato i Tanaka, there is no a la carte menu, the itamae prepares a sequence of dishes based on the best available seasonal fish, served course by course at the counter. Each dish is explained as it arrives.
Is Sato i Tanaka good for a special occasion?
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Yes. The intimate 16-seat counter, personal attention from the itamae, and the theatre of omakase service make it ideal for anniversaries, birthdays, and special celebrations. However, it is not suitable for young children or large groups.
What is the connection between Sato i Tanaka and Can Kenji?
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Both are owned by Kenji Ueno and Neus Busquets. Can Kenji is a Japanese tapas izakaya, while Sato i Tanaka is a dedicated omakase sushi counter. They also operate Aiueno, another izakaya-style restaurant in Barcelona.