A few steps from the Arc de Triomf, on Rec Comtal Street, 12, Barcelona has welcomed Sophie Kai, a new establishment enriching the Asian gastronomic scene. This project represents the evolution of the restaurant Sophie, now reinterpreted as an open, contemporary Japanese house with local roots, driven by the Banco de Boquerones group, under the direction of Bruno Balbás and Sofía Matarazzo.
The technical rigor of Japan coexists with products, gestures, and sensibilities typical of the Mediterranean.
The name of the establishment, Kai, which in Japanese means sea, connection, and community, defines the spirit of this cuisine which aims to act as a bridge between cultures. The menu pays homage to contemporary Japan, combining sushi, ramen, and robata with local nuances, such as olive oil and mild spices, constantly seeking balance.
Among the most notable proposals are the eel and avocado uramaki, the hamachi sashimi with miso leaf, the Chilean wagyu tataki prepared on the robata, or the pork ramen with chashu and naruto. The fusion is evident in creative dishes like the kimchi croquettes with saffron, the oxtail gyozas, or the scallops over warm corn cream with coriander touches.
Far from aiming to be a classic Japanese temple, Sophie Kai presents itself as a Barcelona perspective on contemporary Japan: accessible, aesthetic, and sincere. It is a space designed to slow down the pace and enjoy sake, discovering how the East and the Mediterranean naturally meet on the plate.
