Madrid · Izakaya · casual
Yokaloka Taberna
Japanese izakaya / robatayakiJapanese-ownedPioneerMadrid Japanese cult favourite
Yokaloka Taberna is the first full restaurant by Yoka Kamada, a Japanese chef who spent 17 years building a cult following at her market stall in Mercado de Antón Martín before opening this izakaya in Las Letras in 2024. The menu spans sushi, robata skewers, ramen, gyoza and takoyaki.
- Price
- ¥¥
- Area
- Barrio de las Letras
- Since
- 2024
- Chef
- Yoka Kamada
Plate № 121
About
Yoka Kamada arrived in Madrid in 2007 following her heart, and then spent 17 years quietly proving she had one of the city's best Japanese palates. Her tiny stall in the Mercado de Antón Martín became a cult destination for those seeking honest Japanese food at fair prices, drawing praise from ELLE, Guía Repsol and Time Out long before the concept of 'authentic Japanese' became fashionable. In 2024 she finally opened Yokaloka Taberna in Plaza Matute, translating the spirit of an izakaya into a full restaurant setting: robata-grilled skewers, house-made sushi, takoyaki and a warmth of hospitality that feels entirely Japanese. Turismo Madrid calls her 'the Japanese who conquered Madrid from the Mercado de Antón Martín.'
Neighborhood & visiting
Yokaloka Taberna sits in Barrio de las Letras, one of Madrid's neighborhoods where authentic Japanese kitchens have taken root. The house does not publish an online booking link; call ahead to secure a seat, especially on weekends. Check the posted hours before you go — traditional izakaya restaurants often close between service periods.
Why it's on Washoku Guide
- Founded by a Japanese chef who built a 17-year cult following at Madrid's most famous market stall
- Authentic izakaya spirit with robata grill, sushi, takoyaki and gyoza under one roof
- Featured by ELLE, Guía Repsol and Turismo Madrid as a pioneer of authentic Japanese food in Madrid
- Relaxed neighbourhood atmosphere in the vibrant Barrio de las Letras
Full restaurant opened 2024. Original stall at Mercado de Antón Martín, Calle de Santa Isabel 5, since 2007.
More authentic izakaya in Madrid
See all →
Other authentic cuisines in Madrid
See all →
Authentic izakaya in other cities
See all →
Frequently asked
About Yokaloka Taberna
- Is Yokaloka Taberna an authentic japanese izakaya / robatayaki restaurant in Madrid?
- Yes — Yokaloka Taberna is featured in Washoku Guide because it meets our authenticity standard for japanese izakaya / robatayaki in Madrid: a kitchen grounded in Japanese technique, ingredients and preparation consistent with Japanese practice, and a focused izakaya format.
- Where is Yokaloka Taberna located?
- Yokaloka Taberna is located at Plaza de Matute, 7, 28014 Madrid, Spain, Madrid, Spain in the Barrio de las Letras neighborhood.
- Do I need a reservation at Yokaloka Taberna?
- Yokaloka Taberna does not publish an online reservation link. Walk-ins may be possible, but for popular izakaya restaurants in Madrid we recommend calling ahead.
- What is the price range at Yokaloka Taberna?
- Yokaloka Taberna sits in the ¥¥ price range — typical for japanese izakaya / robatayaki of this format in Madrid.
Keep exploring