Ponja Nikkei — Restaurant in Madrid

The food was great, the service, not so much. There’s room for improvement for sure. I agree with a couple of people that the food is good, but portions are small, and that the service could be better.

I will tell my experience: I was waitlisted for lunch at 1:45 pm. I got a call saying there was a spot for me. They sat me down at the bar as I requested. I grabbed the menu and the mane of the dishes looked very interesting since they were in Japanese (at least they sounded Japanese).

I ordered still water, and they brought sparking one. They apologized for the confused and changed it for the one I ordered.

The waiter came to take my order. I told him I wanted the otoro sashimi and the maki anticuchero. He asked me if I wanted to get more food, and I said yes, but I wanted to keep looking at the menu since there were so many options. I just didn’t make up my mind at the time. He told me that they were booked and that the food might take longer if I did not order by then or any time soon. To what I said, I need to check the menu again.

To be fair, the place was not empty, however, by any means, it was full. No line outside, no people waiting, and again not a full house. Therefore, there was going to be plenty of time to get my order without much waiting. I felt pressure to order which I obviously did not appreciate. I was by myself, so I pretty much was going to eat and leave, so again, I did not see the reason of being rushed. The food came, and everything was good. The guy who came to torch the makis was not savvy at using it, which is fine, but he talked to me as someone experienced but he clearly was not.

I was done with the sashimi and the makis, and decided to ordered a ceviche clásico, which like I expected came very fast. I asked for the check and as I was corroborating it, I noticed that there was an extra charge for a cut of sashimi that I did not order.

The regular sashimi order comes with three pieces of otoro, and yes, I did get 4 pieces. I saw that in a picture I took. Nonetheless, I do not acknowledge asking him to bring him 4 pieces.

The lady who came with the PSO said that the waiter said I ordered an extra piece, which was not true. She told me the waiter will get me the new bill. I was trying to tell her that I looked at the picture, and that indeed, there was an extra piece that I did not order, but I ate and I was willing to pay. However, she said to me that she had nothing to do with the order, and that was just there to get the payment.

The waiter came with the new bill, I asked him where he got the idea of me asking for an extra piece of sashimi, and he said that he asked and I said I wanted an extra piece.

I am not sure what happened there. It came to the point in which it was his word against mine.

I told him I was going to pay for the piece ate, but he said that it was fine.

I was very dissatisfied by the service. The waiter was nice, but was so eager to get me to order more, stopping by my side many times that I was in fact annoyed by that… specially when there was not a full house (and he was claiming otherwise).

In any case, food wise is good, but the service...

A Fusion Feast to Remember at Ponja Nikkei, Madrid

Ponja Nikkei, the charming restaurant tucked away in the vibrant streets of Madrid, left me utterly delighted with its fusion of Peruvian and Asian cuisine. My visit on a bustling Saturday night proved to be a culinary journey to remember.

The star of the evening, undoubtedly, was the food. Ponja Nikkei's menu seamlessly blends the flavors of Peru and Asia, creating a delightful array of dishes that tantalized my taste buds. From the delicate ceviche to the savory sushi rolls, every bite showcased the chef's meticulous attention to detail. The fusion of flavors and textures was a testament to the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence. Each dish was a harmonious marriage of diverse ingredients, resulting in a symphony of taste that left me craving for more.

No visit to a Peruvian-inspired restaurant is complete without a sip of the classic Pisco Sour, and Ponja Nikkei did not disappoint. The bar served up a perfectly balanced and refreshing Pisco Sour, which complemented the flavors of the dishes exceptionally well.

As expected on a Saturday night, Ponja Nikkei was a full house well into the late hours. The lively atmosphere and the hum of satisfied diners added to the overall charm of the restaurant. Despite the bustling crowd, the service remained impeccable and careful. The staff was attentive, providing recommendations and ensuring that our dining experience was nothing short of exceptional. Empty plates were promptly cleared, and our glasses were always filled.

One of the highlights of Ponja Nikkei is its cozy and unpretentious ambiance. It strikes the right balance between being an intimate setting for couples and a convivial space for friends and family to gather. The warm lighting and tasteful decor create an inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation and relaxation.

What pleasantly surprised me was the fairness of the bill. Given the quality of the food, the classic Pisco, and the attentive service, I expected a heftier check. However, Ponja Nikkei proved that it is possible to enjoy a fine dining experience without breaking the bank.

In conclusion, Ponja Nikkei in Madrid is a hidden gem for those seeking a culinary adventure that marries the flavors of Peru and Asia. Whether you're a fan of fusion cuisine or simply looking for a cozy and unpretentious place to enjoy a night out, Ponja Nikkei has it all. The delectable food, classic cocktails, attentive service, and fair pricing make it a must-visit dining destination. I left Ponja Nikkei with a satisfied palate and a desire to return for another...

I can’t see how this place can get less than 5 stars! We have been more than 1 week here, and although we’ve been to some really excellent restaurants - this was the best!

All the products are super fresh (obviously), But nevertheless every dish we had was more than just good, it was between perfect to the level that made me literally say “mmm mmm mmh”, and that’s including the desert and the cocktails. We followed the recommendations of our waiter (Bryan) so maybe that’s the reason why.

Besides of that, the service was excellent! As a waiter in my past I know how to appreciate good service, and the service we got there was flawless! Not just our super kind waiter, but the entire staff.

I really don’t have anything to comment for improvement - it was just “Comme il faut”

About the atmosphere - we really enjoyed it as a couple, it was both romantic, chill, but not too quiet - could fit for families as well.

I would have post some photos if the food, the dishes looks amazing as they taste. But the lightning of the restaurant(which fits the atmosphere perfectly) just wouldn’t do justice with the actual appearance of the dishes (or maybe Im just a bad photographer). My point being - if you judge this restaurant by the pictures posted in google - note that in reality they look better.

Kudos to...