KŌ Comes to Real Madrid Stadium: Luxury Dining

The prestigious restaurant group 99 Sushi Bar, led by brothers Fernando and Pedro de Leon, is set to open KŌ by 99 Sushi Bar in the second half of January 2025. This new establishment will be located within the newly renovated Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, the home of the legendary Real Madrid soccer club. The opening is already regarded as one of the most highly anticipated events of the year in the Spanish capital.

KŌ by 99 Sushi Bar is described as a modern izakaya, aiming to deliver a unique culinary and social experience. Its concept blends high-end Japanese cuisine with a refined nightlife atmosphere. The 600-square-meter venue will accommodate 99 diners across its main dining room, a terrace designed to become a summer hotspot in Madrid, and private VIP rooms for guests seeking exclusivity. The restaurant will operate daily, from noon until late into the night.

The culinary direction will be overseen by Ruben Guerrero, the gastronomic director of 99 Sushi Bar, who has crafted a menu that balances tradition with innovation. Execution will be led by chef Noam Herrera, known for his work at 99 Sushi Bar and Saddle, while operations will be managed by Alfonso Lara, who previously directed the Real Cafe Bernabeu, another culinary fixture at Real Madrid's iconic stadium.

The menu will feature exclusive dishes such as king crab with garlic, quail eggs, and salmon roe; prawn and lobster tartare; and prawn hosomaki with garlic chips and fresh wasabi. The use of a Japanese robata grill will enhance offerings like Atlantic sea bass glazed with white miso and free-range chicken with Gochujang honey. Among the rice and meat dishes, the Japanese A5 Kobe beef will stand out, paired with sides designed to complement each dish.

In addition to its cuisine, KŌ by 99 Sushi Bar emphasizes mixology. Signature cocktails will include the Zen, made with spiced rum, amaretto, and yuzu, and the Wasabi Sour, which combines fat-washed Kobe tequila with wasabi. The wine selection will be curated by Monica Fernandez, an award-winning sommelier and director of service for Bambu Group, who has earned recognition for her excellence in the culinary world.

The restaurant's design has been meticulously planned, featuring natural finishes in stone and wood, alongside lighting designed to highlight every detail. This sophisticated aesthetic is the result of collaboration between the Leon brothers and Jaime Castaneda, who have also worked on the group's international projects in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

KŌ by 99 Sushi Bar's expansion plans include the opening of a restaurant in Abu Dhabi during the summer of 2025, followed by a location in Dubai in 2026. Both venues will adhere to the contemporary izakaya concept, combining high-end Japanese cuisine with an ambiance tailored to discerning clientele.

With an average price of €125 per person, KŌ by 99 Sushi Bar positions itself as a destination for gastronomic excellence and luxurious social experiences, set against the backdrop of Real Madrid's iconic new stadium. This innovative concept is poised to become a benchmark in Madrid and beyond.