Mar 17, 2025

Balón Tokio Madrid

Takoyaki o'clock!

""Balón Tokio" Madrid is a Japanese restaurant that offers authentic food at a normal price. And the best takoyaki - croquettes with octopus - in Madrid!"

Amidst Madrid's burgeoning love affair with takoyaki, finding authentic and delectable octopus-stuffed croquettes remains a challenge. Enter Balón Tokio, a beacon for takoyaki enthusiasts, conveniently located near the Atocha train station. This dedicated takoyaki bar not only brings the beloved Japanese delicacy to Madrid but also elevates it to unparalleled heights.

Balón Tokio's menu is concise, placing takoyaki in the spotlight. Patrons can savor these savory balls in varying sizes and dress them up with one of their tantalizing sauces ranging from the classic original to the spicy kick of chili or the savory delight of teritama. But the culinary journey doesn't stop there. Dive into their rich Japanese curry, slurp on some udon, or nibble on the accompanying delights like karaage, gomawakame, or the mouthwatering gyozas and yakitori.

For those new to the takoyaki experience, beginning with the original sauce provides a genuine taste of this delicacy. Pair it with their exceptional gyozas and yakitori for a complete gastronomic delight. And for a sweet finale, the dorayaki awaits in three delightful varieties.

What makes Balón Tokio stand out even further is its commitment to affordability. In a city where Japanese cuisine often comes with a hefty price tag, Balón Tokio breaks the mold, offering authentic flavors without burning a hole in your pocket. Experience Japan in Madrid, one takoyaki at a time!

024-burger-1
Snacks

About this spot

Calle de Tortosa, 6

8 takoyaki:

7.50

+34

910403487

Find your way with 243 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters

Discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Madrid guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Madrid

FMCMP

Spanish art in a brand new space

"FMCMP" in Madrid is a quiet, elegant space that still feels fresh. It is a fantastic museum and I can't think of a better place to spend an hour!

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

May 2, 2025

Microteatro por dinero

More than short plays

"Microteatro por dinero" in Madrid is simple: 15m² - 15-minute plays - 15 spectators. It's a new way to to go the theater. What a thrilling experience!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
019-lemonade-1
Theaters

by

Elena

Quintero

Apr 29, 2025

La Pentola Mágica

Real Italian food

"La Pentola Mágica" in Madrid makes the best Italian food I ever had. The chef's a character, the food's amazing... I can't stress it enough. Just go.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Daniel

Ramirez-Escudero

Apr 29, 2025

La Abuela Rockera

I Want to be Her

Madrid in the 1980s was certainly rocking and she became a fixture in the city’s music scene, always going out in her famous leather jacket and cap.

002-building
Art & culture

by

Catherine

Driver

Apr 26, 2025

Vino y Compañía

Wine a bit - why not!

This fantastic wine shop, "Vino y Compañía" is the place to discover the fantastic variety and quality of wine on offer in Spain. Come with an open mind!

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 25, 2025

Los Angeles

Want to try a real paella?

Although it’s a Galician restaurant, they do an excellent paella mixta (chicken and seafood) and arroz negro, flavoured and coloured with squid ink.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 23, 2025

Rebel Cafe

Let them eat cake

The apartment block this cafe sits under is an ugly beauty and I love it, not least for the exuberant planters that are an integral part of the building.

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 23, 2025

Mazál Bagels and Café

Big Apple vibes in Madrid

I didn’t think Madrid was lacking anything but now I’ve found "Mazál Bagels and Café" I’m wondering how I survived without its bagels all these years!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 23, 2025

El Campillo

Tapas in Madrid's Rastro

What sets this bar apart is its exceptional handling of ingredients, creating dishes that sing with Andalusian flair—a nod to Manu's roots.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

by

Cesar

Gonzalez

Apr 22, 2025

Licores Cabello

Find your favourite tipple

They have a wide selection of wines to suit all pockets, and you can also discover some weirder flavours if your tastes run to the unique...

026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 21, 2025

MO de Movimiento

Innovative dining in Madrid

"Mo de Movimiento" in Madrid offers a new take on the restaurant business - sustainable organic ingredients, recycled materials and second opportunities!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping
024-burger-1
Snacks

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 21, 2025

Sala Canal Isabel II

Madrid's unique art space

Sala Canal Isabel II in Madrid used to be a water tower: now it's an uber-cool gallery used for media exhibitions. I love it, and not just because...

002-building
Art & culture

by

Andrea

Roberts

Apr 21, 2025

Heading to Madrid?

243 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to Madrid?

0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

243 Insider Tips

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

App Download Download our app

City guides by those who know the city in and out!

Our Locals' Favorite Madrid

Our team loves Madrid

Get to know our other Spotters from Madrid

As featured on:

New-York-Times
the-guardian
mashable
the-sunday-times
false
0
false
26
Filters