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Two years ago Zeitaku moved to Madrid to become one of the most original and rounded Japanese restaurants in the capital. In the Zeitaku restaurant the main objective is to surprise the diner. Its name comes from a Japanese term that means extravagance and luxury, a visible sign in the restaurant. If we add creativity to this, we find a unique proposal carried out through elaborations -solid and liquid- full of personality.
The concept itself is totally different, starting with its location in front of the iconic Puerta de España in Retiro Park. The space is also eye-catching, as the exclusive lounge, with capacity for only five tables, is located in the middle of the street in a glass room with artwork and golden tones. Installed in the middle of the street in a glassed-in room with works of art and golden tones, it shows off even more of the luxury and sophistication that will be our gastronomic evening.
Formula for success: personalized service and top-quality products
But let’s move on to the strengths of the Zeitaku restaurant. On the one hand, the fundamental element that underpins any disruptive project like this one: its team. Behind its creation are Santiago Martínez and Javier Arroyo, maître-sumiller with a career that includes hotspots such as DiverXO or Ovillo.
Arroyo stands as the perfect Master of Ceremonies. Throughout the meal he will advise you and surprise you with a liquid proposal, full of exclusive wines and a selection of more than 200 different sakes.
Another characteristic that differentiates Zeitaku from any other Japanese restaurant is its commitment to wine, with special mention to its “Jewels” section: a section of the menu dedicated to the most exclusive wines.
The other piece to complete this well-assembled gastronomic puzzle is, of course, the food. Under the direction of chef Lionel Trejo, Zeitaku’s menu includes surprises and classics full of flavors, textures, colors and unexpected combinations, the kind of memorable combinations that will become highlights. One example is the Gunkan foie de algodón, a curious and colorful dish that you can’t miss.
You have the option to eat directly a la carte or try a very complete tasting menu. You will have the opportunity to taste surprising delicacies such as the 5J Iberian cheek Gyoza, the sea bass tiradito or the Cigala with sea urchin (which is finished at the table with a flambé). Also another of its star dishes, the Maguro Dream, a selection of different cuts of tuna, designed to discover new textures and nuances and with the wasabi prepared on the spot. Of course, there is no shortage of nigiris such as smoked eel, cured salmon or carabinero.
And all this bathed with the ad hoc pairing of Javier Arroyo, who will invite you to play with his proposals of wines and sakes, to further enhance the nuances of the dishes that are parading in this fully customized culinary evening.
An experience to remember
If you are a lover of Japanese cuisine, but you want to go a step further through a disruptive concept that reinterprets what is a traditional Japanese izakaya, go ahead and book a table at Zeitaku. Here you will live a unique experience, one of those that you want to repeat again and again to try the full proposal.
Where is Zeitaku Restaurant? Calle de Antonio Maura 20, 28014, Madrid
Average ticket: from €80
Tasting menu: €200 (plus €100 optional wine pairing)