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Shibari Sushi and GrillB+Worth Trying

Name: Shibari Sushi and Grill
Address: C. de Mira el Río Baja 20, Pl. del Campillo del Mundo Nuevo, 8, 28005 Madrid, Spain, Madrid, Spain
Rating: 4.7

C. de Mira el Río Baja 20, Pl. del Campillo del Mundo Nuevo, 8, 28005 Madrid, Spain · Japanese restaurant, Authentic Japanese restaurant, Izakaya restaurant · 4.7/5 Google (793 reviews)

Reservations

Creative Japanese sushi and robata with standout ingredients and inventive touches; excellent food but small portions, slow service, and high prices divide opinions.

Why it gets a B+ for overall quality

Shibari Sushi and Grill delivers exceptional food quality with pristine nigiri and masterful robata grilling that justifies its destination reputation in Madrid's Japanese dining scene. However, inconsistent execution on omakase balance and variable service pacing prevent a higher grade, while tight seating and cramped conditions during peak hours limit the overall experience. Worth visiting for adventurous eaters who prioritize ingredient quality over portion size and ambiance.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and bustling with the open robata perfuming the entrance. Servers often explain each course, and one diner noted, "Service was kind, though pacing swung from slow to rushed." Expect creative plates and energetic evenings in a lively La Latina pocket. Cooking leans modern Japanese with inventive, produce-driven touches: pristine nigiri, smoky scallops, and dengaku eggplant alongside fusion flourishes like bone marrow with tuna or kimchi accents. It suits adventurous eaters who value technique and premium fish more than big portions. Families can make it work, but the menu reads sophisticated: nigiri, simple grilled fish, and cheesecake are likely kid-friendly anchors. There is no clear kids menu, portions are small, and flavors skew bold, so picky eaters may struggle.

At a Glance

Outstanding fish quality and precise robata grilling
Creative modern Japanese with memorable signature bites
Small portions and high prices; value debates are common
Slow pacing and occasional rushed turnover on busy nights
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

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What People Love

Sparkling-fresh nigiri and sashimi
Smoky, balanced robata flavors
Signature dengaku eggplant and scallops
Thoughtful dish explanations from staff

Points of Concern

Pricing is genuinely expensive (€16.5-28 mains; €4-9 nigiri) which may surprise casual diners
Pacing swings from slow to rushed during peak times; plan a longer meal
Table-wide menu rules (all omakase or all a la carte) and substitutions can frustrate
Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (templated responses, polarized one-liners) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost€48-66 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Build a progression: nigiri (hamachi/toro), robata fish (lubina or eel), a signature (eggplant or marrow-tuna), dessert (yuzu cheesecake).
Value path: 3 nigiri (€13-18), one robata (€16.5-20.5), share eggplant (€11.5), dessert (€6.5-8).

Perfect For

Omakase date night
Foodie discovery with wine
Solo seat at the counter watching the grill
Celebration dinner for adventurous eaters

Location Insights

Area: Lively, historic streets near La Latina with mixed locals and visitors; casual bars and contemporary eateries.

Safety: Generally safe with steady foot traffic; typical central-city bustle and late-night crowds.

Nearby: Near Puerta de Toledo and La Latina tapas corridors; theaters, markets, and tourist routes nearby.

LavapiésLavapiés is a lively, multicultural neighborhood known for its bohemian atmosphere and eclectic dining options, including ethnic eateries and contemporary fusion restaurants. The area attracts a creative crowd and those seeking authentic and affordable culinary experiences in a vibrant urban setting.

Plaza del Campillo del Mundo NuevoThis small plaza offers a more relaxed environment with several cafes and restaurants, serving as a local gathering spot that balances the energetic vibe of the wider Lavapiés neighborhood.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday Tuesday Wednesday13:00–16:00, 08:00–23:00 Thursday13:00–16:00, 08:00–23:00 Friday13:00–16:00, 08:00–23:00 Saturday13:00–16:00, 08:00–23:00 Sunday13:00–16:00

Available: Reservations

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