Tora

The story

Tora Madrid – Japanese Omakase & Contemporary Cuisine at a Michelin-Recommended Restaurant

Tora: A Contemporary Japanese Taberna in Madrid

In the heart of Madrid, on Calle de Padilla, Tora brings a refined vision of Japanese cuisine to the capital. The name, meaning “tiger” in Japanese, hints at the bold, precise spirit that defines this elegant restaurant. Opened in 2022, Tora was born from the passion for gastronomy of footballer and entrepreneur Mario Hermoso, who, alongside project creator and manager Sandra Gacio, set out to build a contemporary Japanese taberna.

The restaurant’s atmosphere is sophisticated and surprising. The menu is a careful fusion of traditional Japanese recipes with ingredients from Spanish cuisine, resulting in a style of Japanese Contemporary cooking that is both respectful and inventive. This approach has earned Tora a place in the Michelin Guide as a Recommended restaurant, a recognition that speaks to the quality and consistency of its offering.

The Omakase Experience

At Tora, the pinnacle of the experience is the omakase, which translates to “the chef’s choice.” This tasting menu, priced at €125 (drinks not included), unfolds over 17 courses. Guests are seated at the counter, where they can watch the itamae (chef) prepare each dish with precision. The evening begins with a series of cold and hot appetizers, followed by a spectacular selection of nigiri. The chef plays with textures, flavours, and the varying fat content of different fish, creating a menu that evolves throughout the year based on market availability. A beverage pairing is always available to complement the meal.

For a more accessible introduction, Tora also offers a lunch omakase of 10 courses for €49, which can be enjoyed either at the counter or at a table. This midday menu makes the restaurant’s high-calibre Japanese Contemporary cuisine available to a wider audience, without sacrificing the care and detail that define the evening experience.

A Fusion of Cultures

What sets Tora apart is its seamless blending of two culinary worlds. The kitchen respects the purity of Japanese techniques while confidently incorporating Spanish ingredients, creating dishes that feel both authentic and original. It is this balanced, detail-oriented approach that has drawn praise from Vogue, Elle, and El Mundo, and which continues to solidify Tora’s reputation as one of Madrid’s most compelling Japanese tables.