Don Panko Madrid

Madrid’s first katsu house

Andrea from Madrid

About Me I am a teacher and examiner who made a home in Madrid many years ago. I love live music, art, books, travel, food and dancing and am well served for all my interests in Madrid. I live on a special plane where I exist as an eternal tourist (check out Alain de Botton’s book The Art of Travel) who maintains a sense of wonder in a familiar place. I love showing people round my favourite...
"The Spanish owner, David, honed his knowledge in Japan of this tasty curry, which is served with rice and crunchy panko-covered meat, seafood or veg."

I was excited when Don Panko Katsu House arrived in the neighbourhood. It’s got the authentic look that only a real Japan-lover would be able to recreate. A little investigation confirmed my impression - the Spanish owner, David de la Torre, had fallen in love with katsu when he was working for Japanese restaurants in London, which was when he had the chance to visit Japan and hone his knowledge of this tasty curry, which is served with rice and crunchy panko-covered meat, seafood or veg.

Just recently this year, Don Panko appeared in the Time Out 50 Best Restaurants list, yet despite that accolade, it is just enough off the beaten track to make it still easy to get a stool in this cosy little eatery.

Other things of note on their small but perfectly formed menu are the selfish croquetas (you won’t want to share!) and their wonderful selection of Japanese gins, if you fancy a cheeky G & T; (there’s whisky too if that’s your preferred tipple).

And while you’re in the neighbourhood, why not drop into the Museo Geominero?

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Madrid Spotter Andrea

About Me I am a teacher and examiner who made a home in Madrid many years ago. I love live music, art, books, travel, food and dancing and am well served for all my interests in Madrid. I live on a special plane where I exist as an eternal tourist (check out Alain de Botton’s book The Art of Travel) who maintains a sense of wonder in a familiar place. I love showing people round my favourite spots in Madrid but am never happier than when I am discovering new gems. Why Madrid Madrid seduced me when I first visited, with its untamed and unapologetic Spanishness. We came ...

About this spot

C/Maria de Guzmán, 45

Aubergine katsu:

9.50

919012300

Sep 29, 2025

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