Washoku, Vallehermoso Market

Washoku is the sushi bar that kick-started the market again. They have a blast with their neighboring stallholders...that can be seen a mile away. But it’s only when sitting on one of their stools as they cook traditional Japanese food that the vibe can be felt. They have moved on from the days of Donzoko and DiverXO, concentrating on their stall, dedicated to good market produce at a fair price. They buy their fish from the Abad Brothers (by their reckoning, one of the best in Madrid—Gustavo says he wouldn’t know what to do without their fishmonger). They make nigiri, gunkan, sashimi, onigiri, makis, and many other dishes using fresh fish. Try their incredible Japanese curry (as part of the menu or as a special) made with chicken, onion, carrot, potato, rice on the side, and pickled turnip, or the sweet flavor of their Udon, with thick Japanese noodles in a pork stock, and Okinawa miso ribs. Have a Sapporo beer and, if you’re daring enough to try your hand at homemade sushi, you’ll find all the ingredients you need.

A feature of Madrid’s Chamberí neighborhood since 1933, the Vallehermoso Market’s raison d’etre is the same as when it first opened its doors to the public: selling quality products. However, today it does so under a new business model in which customers can not only shop there, but also go out for tapas, lunch, or dinner at one of its many catering outlets.