As a longtime culinary capital, Madrid has its fair share of gourmet restaurants, and interestingly, the local scene continues to evolve. One of the recent arrivals that has shaken up the local scene is Ta-kumi, an upscale Japanese restaurant smack in the middle of the city’s fashionable Salamanca neighbourhood. Occupying a 243 sqm. (approx. 2,616 sq.ft.) unit spread over three floors of a fairly sizeable 1970s residential building, the restaurant features an interior design by acclaimed Spanish interior design practice Paco Lago Interioriza. Following hailed outposts in Málaga and Marbella, Ta-kumi has opened its doors what’s arguably Spain‘s most competitive culinary scene, and in a very short period of time, it has already garnered very favourable reviews. And no, we’re not only talking food, people.

The sober and minimalist concept that represents the Marbella branch serves as a starting point to create the new concept of Madrid, while also taking ample cues from patterns of Japanese fabrics. Interestingly, the latter element has been applied it in a conceptual way, adding a dynamic touch to the settings, and as such, to the dining experience. The premises are permeated with daylight, but the settings, infused with dark woods, cement and the aforementioned fabrics, retain very much an intimate atmosphere that’s backed up by ‘warm’ lights in the evening. The restaurant features different seating areas, including a sushi bar, main dining area, upstairs dining area, and last but not least, a private dining room. Ta-kumi is supervised by chefs Toshio Tsutsui and Álvaro Arbeloa who offer a menu of expertly made sushi and a wide range of à la carte dishes.