As Medellin grows into an international destination, the culinary offerings are becoming more diverse and authentic, rewarding traditional flavors. As the palate of restaurant goers evolves in Medellin, the desire for these authentic restaurants is growing exponentially. Nowhere is this more obvious than the city’s love for sushi. Tourists and locals alike have a growing appetite for Japanese cuisine such as Sushi and the market is responding with a new sushi restaurant opening every week; so, it seems. While the sushi offered has been good, there has been a massive void for an authentic Japanese restaurant.
Founded in 2019 by Yuka and Alejandro, Japoneria proudly answers the call. This Japanese restaurant is located in the Zona Rosa area of El Poblado, just a couple blocks from the popular Parque Lleras, Medellín’s nightlife hub.
A Love Story Turned Culinary Adventure: The Founders of Japoneria
Every successful story venture starts with a team that works together towards a common goal, and Japoneria is no exception. The team behind the restaurant is a couple who have a shared vision and an origin story that would make romantic comedy writers jealous. Alejandro Quiñones fills the role of general manager, while his partner Chef Yuka Tomita is the CEO and head chef. Alejandro is from Medellin and Chef Yuka is from Gifu, Japan. Both cities share many similarities, both are in the middle of their countries, surrounded by majestic mountains and steeped in history.
The story of the couple behind the restaurant is a key element to the story of the restaurant, and it is much better than any rom-com movie I’ve ever seen. Their story began here in Medellin, where Chef Yuka came to study Spanish. Alejandro was captivated by her and, being a proud paisa man, wanted to demonstrate his appreciation for her culture by taking her to a Japanese restaurant. As this was years ago, the offerings of Japanese cuisine in Medellin were… lacking at that time. Alejandro admits that taking a Japanese woman, and a chef no less, to a mediocre Japanese restaurant could have ended in disaster, Chef Yuka sees the potential in everything and where many see the start of a John Hughes movie, she saw potential and opportunity.
If it had been now he could have taken her to Japoneria, but there are a few continuity errors in that movie plot. While he was trying to do something to show his fascination with Japanese cuisine, he unknowingly started them down a path that would lead to having a successful Japanese restaurant together. Chef Yuka is a self taught chef, with an unquenchable desire for culinary quality, and constant improvement on the family recipes which have been passed down from generation to generation. She stays true to Japanese traditional cooking, even though getting the ingredients in Colombia is hard at times. You can taste the passion for the art of cooking in every dish that leaves the kitchen, and this is something that very few classically trained chefs have, and this puts Chef Yuka’s talent truly on the map.
In addition to this Alejandro is trained as an architect and his design flare is obvious when you walk into the restaurant. Though you are welcomed by the Tomita family crest on the traditional curtains, the melding of both cultures is beautifully executed in the decor. The design style of the restaurant is called ‘Wabi Sabi’. For those that are not familiar with the style, Wabi Sabi originated in Japan and this style has been around for centuries. It emphasizes simplicity, Natural Materials, and the beauty of imperfection. When I first walked into Jaboneria I felt like I was in Japan. Alejandro really did an amazing job with the decor.
Earlier, I said that Alejandro had an appreciation for Japanese culture and it shows in his attention to detail in the decor. He is so passionate about it that before starting the design process, he traveled to Chef Yuka’s home in Japan to understand the culture. Once visiting the Gifu area, he had a better understanding of how he could seamlessly blend their styles and tastes into an authentic Japanese dining experience like no other in Medellin.
Their origin story was indelibly marred by the scarlet letter for most restaurants, COVID. Alejandro talked Chef Yuka into opening an authentic Japanese restaurant in a spot that is perfect for restaurants in Medellin, steps from the hustle and bustle of the zona rosa area. While at the tail end of the opening process, the whole world shut down, which almost made Japoneria another lockdown story of ‘what could have been’. While Chef Yuka returned to Japan to be with family, Alejandro pushed forward relentlessly. Finishing up the restaurant and taking the recipes and using Rappi and other delivery services to stay afloat, just waiting for the world to open up again. While the food was head and shoulders over the rest, once Chef Yuka returned to Medellin, the food quality increased, exponentially, and has only kept getting better.
When COVID restrictions were lifted, they opened the dining room and it has been constant growth ever since. The story of Japoneria is truly one of perseverance and dedication to authenticity and quality, personified by its leadership team.
Like being in a Traditional Japanese Restaurant: An Unmatched Ambience
As I said, when you walk into Japoneira, you are greeted by Chef Yuka’s family crest. In traditional Japanese tradition, this is the way of welcoming guests into a family’s home and this public restaurant gives this feel seamlessly. When you enter the dining room, the ambience has the paisa warmth you’d expect from exceptional restaurants in Medellin, but it has the Japanese charm and tradition entangled perfectly into the design.
A major complaint I’ve had about many of the restaurants, including the high end restaurants in Medellin is that you feel very crammed into the dining room. There is room between the tables, and there is no loud blaring music inside, and the loud motos that are prevalent in this area are much less noticeable thanks to being slightly elevated off of street level, and having the windows closed. The atmosphere is very conducive to having an actual conversation.
I’ve been to the restaurant several times, and every time I notice a new small detail. This is a nod to the design eye of both Chef Yuka and Alejandro. The service you will receive from the staff is unmatched in Medellin. This is a hill I will fight for. Japoneria has a level of service that you will not find anywhere else in Medellin. Finding the balance between being attentive and being overbearing is sometimes hard for wait staff, but as with everything else, they achieve Baransu, which is Japanese for balance.
If you are looking for a date spot, this is the place to go. Charming, sophisticated with elegance all around.
From Japanese Traditional Family Recipes to Medellín Culture
As much as I love the ambience here, my true love here is the food. There are plenty of examples of restaurants that have nailed the ambience, but ignored the food, and vice versa. I’m happy to report that the food and ambience are of matching quality here. While the attention to detail for the dining experience is top notch, they saved the best for the food they serve. Sushi has become a favorite for many Colombians, and I am very happy for this, because I too love sushi, however the sushi that is offered here is typically served with too much cream cheese in it, and only a few rolls should have cream cheese in it. If you’re a sushi enthusiast then you will be happy to know that Japoneria does not put Cream Cheese in their Sushi Rolls.
The Perfect Date Spot Restaurant, With soft Japanese music, romantic ambience
The other plates and appetizers are where you see the vision of Chef Yuka shine through. All of the plates that leave the kitchen arrive at the table steeped in tradition, authenticity and an attention to detail unmatched in the culinary scene in Medellin.
Chef Yuka’s dishes have generations of tradition behind them, but with a modern twist that speaks to her personality. While she may not have attended a top culinary school, her schooling was in the family kitchen, learning from her mother and grandmother, who learned from their mothers. Some titles are earned, such as Samurai. It’s taught from generation to generation, and comes from extensive training. Chef Yuka has earned her title from hard work and vision, not a piece of paper from a school. Even if she is too humble to say so, I will say it, Chef Yuka is more deserving of the title than most Michelin star chefs.
Enjoying your Japanese night in Medellin
When you head to the restaurant it’s recommended to make reservations, which can be done on Whatsapp at +57 304 4765861, this will ensure you a table. Otherwise you may be waiting for a while during peak times. I highly recommend you follow the restaurant on Instagram @japoneria to know when new menu items are added.
The restaurant is located at Calle 10A #37-64, one block away from Calle 10, and a short 4 minute walk from Parque Lleras. Start your evening with a small slice of Japan in the heart of Medellin, Colombia.
