This summer a new addition arrived in the Balearic Islands: Urusai, a Japanese izakaya that opened on the island of Ibiza in June. An izakaya is a casual Japanese dining-drink concept—part small restaurant, part bar—where alcoholic drinks are served alongside a steady flow of affordable, shareable snacks and dishes. In English the term is often described as a “dine-in sake shop,” a relaxed place where guests eat, drink and socialize. Unlike a conventional bar, an izakaya typically encourages sharing plates and more interaction among diners.
© Victor Jacques Sebban
The new Urusai, also referred to as Izakaya Iberica, is the result of a collaboration between El Silencio beach club in Ibiza, the Onii group, and Thailand-born, Tokyo-educated architect Kulapat Yantrasast. Situated on the sands of Cala Moli within El Silencio, the venue blends thoughtful architectural touches that respond to Ibiza’s landscape with references to the historic Japanese kissaten—originally modest tea shops that today often serve coffee. The design creates a serene, elegant backdrop for relaxed dining by the sea.
Urusai is foremost a culinary project led by restaurateurs Arthur Cohen and Olivier Leone, well known in both Paris and Ibiza. The menu draws inspiration from their two Paris restaurants, Ojii and Onii-San. Chefs Taku Yuji Mikurya (Ojii) and Romain Littière (Onii-San) bring izakaya-style cooking to Ibiza through an array of sharing plates and refined small dishes. Offerings include delicate toro carpaccio and Akami ikejime, the celebrated Sando toro from Onii-San, soba noodles with roja prawns and pistachios, and a six-week-matured rubia gallega sirloin grilled over premium Japanese binchotan charcoal. The menu is creative yet rooted, highlighting local ingredients while honoring izakaya traditions.
© Victor Jacques Sebban
Complementing the food, the beverage program features an exceptional selection of sake, cocktails that incorporate Japanese ingredients, and carefully sourced wines curated by Anabelle Berthelemot. Urusai aims to be a peaceful retreat where visitors can unwind, enjoy thoughtfully prepared dishes and drinks, and watch the sunset over Cala Moli—an elegant, timeless beachside dining experience on Ibiza.