Barcelona · Izakaya · casual
Can Kenji
Japanese izakaya / Mediterranean tapasJapanese-ownedGràcia neighbourhood favouriteJapanese-Mediterranean tapas
Can Kenji is the original Barcelona restaurant of Japanese chef Kenji Ueno, who arrived from Japan around 2003 and created a beloved neighbourhood izakaya fusing Japanese technique with a Mediterranean tapas philosophy. A local institution in the Eixample since the mid-2000s.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Eixample Dreta
- Chef
- Kenji Ueno
Plate № 101
About
Kenji Ueno arrived in Barcelona from Japan around 2003 and opened Can Kenji as an exploration of what Japanese cooking could look like when it engaged honestly with its Mediterranean surroundings. The result is an izakaya where seared tuna arrives with guacamole, teriyaki salmon shares a menu with Iberian-inflected preparations, and the spirit of Japanese hospitality — warmth, attention, generosity — infuses a relaxed neighbourhood dining room. The name 'Can Kenji' itself blends Catalan ('can' meaning 'house of') with the chef's given name, a telling signal of the restaurant's dual cultural roots. Yelp reviewers note that 'this restaurant is run by Japanese so the food is fresh, clean and very authentic' — a reputation Ueno has maintained across his three Barcelona establishments.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- A Japanese chef's love letter to Barcelona: Japanese technique meeting Mediterranean ingredients since 2003
- Consistent quality from an owner who personally maintains standards across three Barcelona restaurants
- Perfect for those who want genuine Japanese cooking in a relaxed neighbourhood izakaya atmosphere
- Highlights include tuna nigiri (a house speciality), teriyaki salmon and Japanese-inflected cooked dishes
Owner Kenji Ueno (Japanese). Also owns Sato i Tanaka and Aiueno. Instagram: @cankenjibcn.
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Frequently asked
About Can Kenji
- Is Can Kenji an authentic japanese izakaya / mediterranean tapas restaurant in Barcelona?
- Yes — Can Kenji is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese izakaya / mediterranean tapas in Barcelona: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Can Kenji located?
- Can Kenji is located at Carrer del Rosselló, 325, 08037 Barcelona, Spain, Barcelona, Spain in the Eixample Dreta neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Can Kenji?
- Can Kenji accepts reservations online. For an authentic izakaya experience, especially at a focused counter, booking ahead is strongly recommended.
- What is the price range at Can Kenji?
- Can Kenji sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese izakaya / mediterranean tapas of this format in Barcelona.
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