In a country celebrated for paella, jamón and long Mediterranean lunches, Japanese cuisine once occupied only a niche corner of Spain’s dining scene. Today, however, Valencia has become an unlikely destination for world-class sushi, largely thanks to the vision of entrepreneur and restaurateur Ulises Menezo Ganau.

Over the past decade, Ulises has quietly transformed how Valencians experience Japanese food, opening several restaurants that blend Japanese precision with Mediterranean soul. At the heart of that success story is Kaido Sushi Bar, the intimate Michelin-starred restaurant that has become one of Spain’s most sought-after dining destinations.

A Vision Ahead o f Its Time

Long before Japanese cuisine became fashionable in Spain, Ulises recognised an opportunity to introduce diners to something far more authentic than the heavily westernised sushi commonly found across Europe. Through the Tastem Group, he partnered with Japanese sushi master Yoshikazu Yanome, whose traditional Edomae techniques now define Kaido’s identity.

Together, they created a restaurant that honours centuries of Japanese culinary tradition while celebrating the exceptional seafood of the Valencian coast, combining precision, seasonality and craftsmanship in every course.

The Kaido Experience

Hidden on a quiet street near Valencia’s Mestalla district, Kaido is unlike almost anything else in the city. Seating just ten guests around a U-shaped sushi counter, the restaurant offers an intimate omakase experience where every diner shares the same culinary journey.

Guests arrive together, dine together and watch each piece of sushi prepared directly before them. Every movement is deliberate, turning dinner into a quiet performance where technique, timing and presentation take centre stage.

Adding to the immersive experience, diners are encouraged not to wear perfume so that the delicate aromas of the seafood, rice and seasonings remain undisturbed.

A Michelin-Starred Balance

Rather than importing every ingredient from Japan, Kaido embraces the Mediterranean with subtle confidence. Sweet Valencian red prawns, pristine local fish and seasonal produce are paired with traditional Japanese methods, creating a menu that respects both cultures without compromising either.

This harmony earned Kaido its Michelin star, making it the only Japanese restaurant in the Valencian Community to receive the distinction. Today, reservations are highly sought after, with guests travelling from across Spain and abroad to experience its celebrated omakase menu.

Beyond Kaido

Kaido is only one chapter in Ulises Menezo’s broader culinary vision. His portfolio also includes Shinkai Tastem, whose name translates as “deep sea” and reflects its focus on exceptional seafood and refined Japanese flavours.

Together with his other concepts, Ulises has helped redefine Japanese dining in Valencia, introducing everything from relaxed izakaya-style experiences to some of Spain’s most acclaimed sushi. Each restaurant shares the same philosophy: honour Japanese tradition while embracing the character and ingredients of the Mediterranean.

Redefining Valencia’s Culinary Reputation

As Spain’s gastronomic spotlight often falls on Madrid and Barcelona, Valencia has quietly emerged as a serious destination for fine dining. Through his commitment to authenticity, craftsmanship and innovation, Ulises Menezo has played a significant role in that transformation.

With Kaido leading the way, he has shown that world-class Japanese cuisine can thrive on the Mediterranean coast, one meticulously crafted piece of nigiri at a time.