📍 Barcelona food recommendation | tempura 🍤Omakase

🍤 Merikenko, Barcelona: Tempura Excellence with a Front-Row Seat to the Magic Nestled on Carrer de Sèneca in Gràcia, this intimate Japanese restaurant is a tempura lover’s paradise. Focused on golden, crispy fried delicacies—think shrimp, fish, scallops, seasonal mushrooms, and veggies—every bite here is a celebration of fresh ingredients and skilled craftsmanship. 🌟 The Experience: Hot, Crisp, and Timed to Perfection What makes Merikenko special? Two Japanese chefs manning large fryers, cooking each tempura piece as you eat. They pace the meal to match your rhythm, ensuring every dish arrives at its peak—hot, shatteringly crisp, and full of flavor. The batter? Thin, light, and fried to a golden crunch that “cracks” with every bite. Pair it with a sprinkle of sea salt or their tangy tempura sauce, and the ingredients’ natural sweetness and umami shine through. Sitting at the counter, watching the chefs work? It’s like a culinary show—engaging and delicious. 🍱 The Tasting Menu: A Feast of 18 Dishes I went for the €58 “Menú Degustación,” which includes appetizers, tempura, sushi, and dessert. Fair warning: It’s generous—I left stuffed. (Smaller appetites can order à la carte.) Standouts: Bluefin Tuna Tartare 🐟 Tender, pink, and buttery—like “tuna ice cream,” with rich, melting fat that coats your mouth. Pure indulgence. Shiso Shrimp Tempura 🍤 A highlight. Light, crispy batter wraps around juicy shrimp mixed with fragrant shiso leaves. The herb’s aroma blends with the shrimp’s sweetness, creating a burst of flavor. Seasonal Mushroom Tempura 🍄 Ultra-thin batter lets the mushrooms’ natural shine. Tender, earthy, and proof that veggies can be just as exciting as seafood. Fig & Vanilla Ice Cream 🍧 The perfect end: sweet, ripe figs paired with creamy vanilla ice cream. A light, refreshing finish to a rich meal. ✨ Why It’s Worth It Freshness: Ingredients are exceptional—you can taste the quality in every bite. Service: Attentive and thoughtful, with chefs who care about your experience. Vibe: Cozy and focused on the food—no distractions, just great tempura. Pro tip: Book ahead! It’s small, so reserve via phone or their website to avoid missing out. Merikenko is more than a restaurant—it’s a masterclass in tempura. For crisp, flavorful fried dishes and fresh sushi, this spot delivers. 📍 Carrer de Sèneca, 28, Gràcia, 08006 Barcelona #BarcelonaTempura #JapaneseFoodHeaven #FoodieDelight