This is the best restaurant in Malaga in 2024.

If in 2023, the best restaurant in Málaga was Promesa, in 2024 the recognition has gone to Ta-Kumi Marbella, named the Best Restaurant of 2024 by the Málaga Gastronomic Academy. This award, to be presented at the institution's Annual Gala on January 11, highlights the dedication, innovation, and respect for tradition that have positioned this restaurant among the best Japanese restaurants not only in Málaga or Andalusia, but throughout Spain. Alongside it, the Academy recognized other establishments, professionals, and products.

Ta-Kumi, a name formed by the two professionals behind the business, Toshio Tsutsui and Álvaro Arbeloa, is much more than a restaurant. Ta-Kumi is a sensory experience that transports diners to the heart of Japan through each dish. With a 14-year history since its opening in Marbella, and with locations also in Málaga and Madrid, the restaurant combines the essence of Japanese tradition with fresh products from the Malaga coasts, in a fusion cuisine where sushi seasoned with the flavor of Málaga predominates.

Manolo Tornay, president of the Málaga Gastronomic Academy, described Ta-Kumi as “a synonym for excellence, quality, and utmost respect for the product and tradition.” These qualities, along with a tasting menu that amazes with its creativity, make it a must-visit for lovers of haute cuisine, especially for those who are passionate about

Ta-Kumi has not only been awarded by the Málaga Gastronomic Academy but also holds a Repsol Sun and is included in the Michelin Guide, where its outstanding service and the quality of its ingredients are highlighted. Among its most praised specialties are its 'tempura prawn california rolls with green asparagus' and unique combinations like 'butterfish nigiri with porcini mushrooms and truffle'. With a capacity of only 45 people, Ta-Kumi guarantees an intimate and personalized experience that is enhanced by the friendliness and professionalism of its team.

While raw fish is the cornerstone of their offering, Ta-Kumi is not limited to it. Its menu includes dishes such as teppanyaki, gyozas, yakitoris, and wok, all prepared with precision that reflects the mastery of its chefs. This versatility makes it a reference not only for lovers of Japanese food but also for those seeking a high-level fusion gastronomy experience. The recognition of Ta-Kumi as the Best Restaurant in Málaga in 2024 not only highlights the quality of its cuisine but also the growing prestige of the province as a gastronomic destination.

"Ta-Kumi represents the gastronomic culmination of the project by both chefs, who crossed their paths to offer, from Málaga, Madrid, and Marbella, a space where the product and technique are the hallmarks," say the restaurant itself, defining itself and recommending to "enjoy our tasting menu, go à la carte, or let our dining room team adapt to your tastes and preferences, so that the experience is complete".

The Tasting Menu at Ta-Kumi Marbella

At Ta-Kumi, Japanese cuisine transcends the limits of tradition to transform into a sensory spectacle that challenges the most demanding palates. The Matsuri menu (95 euros), an ode to delicacy and technique, unfolds a symphony of flavors from the freshness of the sea to the sophistication of ingredients like truffle and toro. Each dish tells a story, like the carabinero sashimi, where the roasted head adds a smoky touch that enriches its texture, or the black cod paired with miso and snow peas, combining sweetness and umami in perfect balance. The option to add a wagyu course (125 euros), with its characteristic richness, further elevates this experience that honors Japanese culinary rituals.

On the other hand, the Kiwami menu (115 euros), which means "exquisite," offers a culinary journey that defies creativity with preparations like squid and caviar chawan-mushi, or the sea and mountain skewer that blends toro and wagyu in a heavenly bite. The experience starts with a shiso in tempura and culminates with artisanal sweets like the Yuzu Pavlova, whose refreshing acidity cleanses the palate. This menu is not just a meal; it is a choreography of ancient techniques and modernity that seeks to capture the essence of Japan in every detail, turning dinner into an authentic cultural journey.