The 10 best Japanese restaurants on the Costa del Sol
In this intimate restaurant, sushi is elevated to an art form. Nintai is characterised by a design based on clean lines and a sense of serenity that provides the perfect atmosphere to enjoy fine Japanese cuisine. Two tasting menus offer seasonal products in unique combinations, served in a perfect choreography.
Nobuyuki Matsuhisa is undoubtedly one of the best-known master chefs of Japanese new-style cuisine based on Nikkei fusion gastronomy. The varied menu offers classic favourites and new seasonal dishes. Creations such as the yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño, the black cod with miso or the toban yaki with Japanese Wagyu beef set new standards. In addition to a sushi bar, the restaurant also has a wonderful terrace overlooking La Plaza, where huge subtropical trees tower over a chic bar area with live music.
Exquisite gastronomy in an exquisite ambience. Whether in the elegant restaurant or on the terrace with a magnificent view of the lake and the golf course, you are surrounded by a touch of glamour. In gastronomic terms, traditional know-how is combined with avant-garde ingenuity. The Alaskan black cod au gratin with red miso is first-class, and the sujime-style sea bass shines with technique and flavour. The epitome of top Japanese cuisine, accompanied by a wide selection of wines and sake.
Japanese cuisine at a high level. The menu also offers exciting creations that are different from traditional dishes. Head chef Luis Olarra knows how to combine Asian flavours with Mediterranean influences and transform them into sophisticated creations. Dishes such as razor clams from Galicia as sashimi with smoked avocado emulsion, lime zest, yuzu air and pea shoots or gilthead sea bream with Andalusian almond and garlic cream and saikyo miso will surprise you. The sake pairing is not to be missed, and the wine list is also top-notch.
The Makako restaurant is located on the roof of the charming boutique hotel El Pilar Andalucía in the heart of Estepona. Here, you can enjoy exquisite cocktails with a wonderful view over the old town or be surprised by the outstanding gastronomy of Southeast Asia. The temple of fusion cuisine offers a gastronomic journey full of colours and flavours.
Japanese gastronomic tradition and authentic preparation form the essence of Ta-Kumi's cuisine. Sushi, sashimi, hot and cold nigiri or wagyu with wasabi and garlic chips are a delight. The clear, contemporary design supports the philosophy of the restaurant, whose terrace offers a breathtaking view of the Alcazaba.
Tahini offers a magnificent view of the sea. Lovers of conservative Japanese cuisine will get their money's worth here, but also those who want to be surprised by innovative dishes such as the miso soup with foie gras and truffles, nigiri with scallops or the outstanding teppanyaki with truffled vegetables. Beautifully decorated in a Japanese minimalist style and without any folklore.
Mediterranean and Japanese cuisine with innovative interpretations of Spanish classics and a special focus on sushi in the fishing district of Pedregalejo in Málaga. The Japanese fusion restaurant offers around 50 different options of nigiri, sashimi, uramaki and maki. Particularly noteworthy are the aburi niguiri with salmon, tuna, scallops, eel, beef or lemon fish, which are hard to find in this quality, and the lukewarm scallop tartare with marrow bone or lemon fish tiradito with avocado cream. The carefully selected wine list complements the varied menu.
Mediterranean cuisine with influences from Japanese and South American gastronomy. Brazilian Rui Junior's sushi offering is exquisite, and each of the maki and uramaki is a jewel, especially the butterfish with truffle or the eel with teriyaki sauce. Seasonal products from the region are at the heart of innovative creations and form the essence of a fine ceviche of mackerel from Málaga or the suckling pig confit with vanilla-apple puree.
Located close to La Caleta beach, Haruki offers Japanese delicacies in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to sushi and maki, the carefully prepared dishes include nigiri with salmon and ikura or wagyu or a fine eel with a hint of truffle.