The word “Umami”, meaning tasty, is to define the fifth taste. We all know “salty, sweet, sour and bitter“, but in 1908 a chemistry professor in Tokyo, Kikunae Ikeda, discovered and named this new taste element. This palate perception , referring to “rich and intense” food, was revealed to the scientist while eating a seaweed soup called kombu dashi. It has been lately discovered, this wonderful touch is not only exclusive to Japanese flavours.
International products such as Iberian ham or Spanish sardines, Italian Parmesan cheese, Norwegian salmon or Chinese green tea are on the list of gastronomic umami.
In this post we would like to focus on Japanese flavours in Marbella. We will reveal to you the way to enjoy restaurants, properties and nature with a Japanese touch.
This restaurant is a culinary temple full of peace and love for Japan. As suggested by their chef, before getting to the sushi specialities, customers commence the meal with a shiitake broth, infused in the Japanese siphon, with leek and dried mushrooms. In the case of the photograph above, it is accompanied by a chard, nori and San Pedro fish roll. This is an example of the delicacy and sophistication of the Nintai restaurant.
It is quite an experience going to this Michelin-starred restaurant in the centre of Marbella. Behind this project is a renowned Spanish sommelier: Marcos Granda. This previous career, of the creator of Nintai, is noticeable as, among other delicacies, it has one of the most elaborate Sake menus in Spain.
Mr. Granda returned from Japan in 2019, in love with its culture and the way it treats raw materials, he decided to create a beautifully ambitious project. The restaurant is very exclusive and requires reservations in advance, especially because the service is offered at a wooden bar for only 10 guests. From a privileged seat you can watch the master itamae at work cutting the fish with subtlety and patience, while he prepares pieces of sushi with impeccable technique. In the meantime, the atmosphere is calm and the silence honours the culinary art of the place.
Since Nobu landed in Marbella, has become a benchmark for the most demanding palates. This of course, as long as you have an open mind towards the “new Japanese”that not only works with seafood but also with meat. Let’s say that it is not for the orthodox of traditional Japanese food, but for lovers of good Japanese cuisine.
Nobu comes from Nobu Matsuhisa, an internationally renowned chef with almost sixty successful restaurants under his belt. The Marbella restaurant is in an ideal setting. It is located within the Puente Romano Resort where the Nobu Hotel is also located.
Is worth mentioning, the decoration of the restaurant is absolutely beautiful and inspired by Japanese gardens. A selection of star dishes is available, such as Japanese wagyu sirloin steak and black cod with miso. On the menu there is a dinner option, a takeaway option and a bar-only option.
Other restaurants with a Japanese touch in Marbella
Fortunately, there’s a wide range of Japanese restaurants in Marbella and on Costa del Sol. Is often even difficult to choose from. We would like to highlight some other must-visit places, like for example Ta-Kumi, in the centre of Marbella. Is a great restaurant and has a very interesting value-for-money when it comes to executive menus available Monday to Friday, at lunchtime. Of course we can’t fail to mention, Tahini at the Hotel Don Pepe as cannot be missed from this selection. With incredible sea views truly wonderful, especially at the sunset.
More gourmet Japanese flavour at Kemuri by the brilliant chef Dani García. As themselves proclaimed on their website, it is “Japan for the more daring”. In fact, is a combination of Japanese and Mediterranean flavours in a very outstanding way. Last but not least, nothing grandiloquent in terms of appearance because it plays in another league, would certainly deserve a ten when it comes to flavour, the charming Ikigai Izakaya, where, if you go, you can’t miss the oysters. It’s more of an Asian fusion place but the Japan essence is very present in their dishes converting them into a delight.
Japanese-inspired properties in Marbella
Not many people are familiar with the Puente Romano Resort in Marbella. In addition to the hotel, the complex includes several exclusive urbanisations with luxury flats. In the photo above we show one of the most beautiful ones. It is almost an Asian fairy tale: the “Japanese Garden“, a landscaped exquisiteness overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Decorated with several ponds with goldfish, mini-bridges, paths and waterfalls that have won it several gardening awards. It was built on the beachfront and has 13 buildings with 78 flats. It is a very exclusive place with little option to buy but, from time to time, some of its homes goes back on the market. Like the rest of the buildings in Puente Romano, in the heart of the Golden Mile, hence its high demand.
Other properties with a Japanese flavour, we dare say, are some of the flats in the wonderful Epic complex. And, of course, the impressive villa in La Quinta that has served as the cover photo for this post. As you can see, the living room has a mural with Art Deco inspiration, as we see the classic women of Alphonse Mucha, at the same time as being integrated with Japanese geishas. An exercise in decorative art that enhances the value of an already charming property.
The almond trees in blossom
If there is one picture that comes to mind representing Japan, is of course the cherry blossom trees. Very popular in Spain are those in the Jerte Valley. They are so spectacular that a powerful tourist movement has been created around them only to admire them in full blooming.
Here in Andalusia the bucolic landscape of spring bursting into splendour is rather pinkish-white. We are referring to the fact that in the south the cherry trees join the almond trees in beauty when it comes to covering the fields with colours.
To see the spectacle of these fruit trees in bloom you have to wait until late January and early February. There are numerous hiking routes that use this beautiful natural moment to get to know certain regions. We recommend the best places to try and have a moment of Andalusian Japanese flavour. Arenas, Guaro, Totalán, Alharín de la Torre, Casabermeja or Ardales are ideal villages for this visual enjoyment.
We hope you will try some of these Japanese delicacies we found for you.
As always, if you have any questions about luxury living on the Costa del Sol, please do not hesitate to contact us.
