Location: Barcelona, Spain
Cuisine: Japanese
Japanese food is everywhere in Barcelona. Walk a few blocks in almost any neighbourhood, and you will pass a ramen bar, a sushi counter, or a minimalist dining room serving donburi and tempura. The city has developed a genuine fascination with Japanese cuisine and culture over the past decade.
When I travelled to Japan in November 2024, I was struck by how many Spanish voices I heard around me. In Tokyo, in Kyoto, and even in smaller towns, there were Spanish tourists at ramen counters and sushi bars. The connection goes both ways. Barcelona’s love for Japan feels deep and ongoing rather than a passing trend.
Within that landscape, Can Kenji stands out. I have been several times, and it has become one of my favourite menú del día spots in the city. It manages to combine precision, generosity, and serious value without ever feeling rushed or formulaic.
The Menú del Día, Done Properly
At lunchtime, you can choose between the standard menú del día or what they call the menú degustació migdia, which allows you to experience more variety across three courses. The structure is simple but thoughtfully designed.
For the first course, you can choose between miso soup, somen noodles, or a mini amanida. I have tried the miso soup, which is comforting and well-balanced, but my favourite is the somen. The noodles are light and refreshing, deeply flavourful yet clean, setting the tone for the rest of the meal without overwhelming it.
The second course offers tataki de bonítol, onigiri, or ales de pollastre. I almost always choose the tataki. It arrives sliced and arranged in a chilled, gazpacho-like base that adds brightness and acidity to the rich fish. It is a clever combination that feels at home in Barcelona while still rooted in Japanese technique.
For the third course, you can select salmó teriyaki, entrecot, or kakiage de bolets. I usually go for the salmon, which is consistently excellent. The glaze is glossy and balanced, sweet but not cloying, and the fish is cooked precisely so it remains tender and moist. We have also tried the kakiage, a generous plate of various mushroom tempura. It is delicious but substantial, so I would recommend sharing it and splitting the mains if you are dining with someone else.
You can also add sushi as an extra course, either a half or a full portion. For the quality, the price feels more than fair, and it elevates the meal into something that rivals far more expensive lunch options in the city.
Precision Without Pretension
What I appreciate most about Can Kenji is that it does not rely on trendiness. The dining room is calm and understated, and the service is efficient without being cold. There is a sense of care in the pacing and presentation, even within the structure of a set lunch menu.
We usually finish with dessert, often choosing a scoop of red bean ice cream and one of green tea. I love the green tea for its slightly bitter edge, though it can be intense for those who prefer something sweeter. The red bean is softer and more comforting, a gentle way to close the meal.
Barcelona may be full of Japanese restaurants, but not all of them strike this balance between authenticity, creativity, and value. Can Kenji manage to feel serious about its food while remaining accessible, making it one of the most reliable lunch spots in the city.
For me, it has become a place I return to whenever I want a midday meal that feels thoughtful and satisfying without being heavy. In a city obsessed with Japan, it is one of the places that justifies the obsession.
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