Don Panko Madrid – Madrid’s first katsu house

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?