After a personal journey to Japan, Marcos Granda established his first Japanese restaurant, Nintai, in Marbella. Five years later, the establishment continues to evolve alongside its dedicated team, consisting of cooks committed to delivering a unique experience. This new chapter is embodied in Ayumi, an omakase menu meaning “the journey taken,” encapsulating a cuisine built on learning, precision, and utmost respect for the product while maintaining the hospitality and excellence characteristic of the project.
In Ayumi, sushi serves as the centerpiece of the experience. Each piece begins with shari, the rice, seen as the absolute foundation to create a culinary narrative centered on product, technique, and time. The creative team behind the project has remained loyal to the two founding chefs since the beginning: Manuel Bedoya and Alberto Igeño. The menu unfolds as a natural sequence, with sushi pieces setting the pace, interspersed with contrasts and pauses. Embracing the omakase philosophy, Ayumi evolves continually based on the season, the fish’s quality, and daily sensibilities. The experience aims to impress with precision, purity of product, and harmony, complemented by impeccable service led by Christopher Manchado. Overall, Ayumi invites guests to trust the process and enjoy the journey.
The pairing suggestions and wine cellar at Nintai offer exceptional quality. Two options are available: “Harmony” (€100), which accompanies the menu structure with a smaller selection of glasses, and “Pairing” (€160), tailored to each course of the meal with an extensive beverage selection, potentially including wines, sakes, or non-alcoholic combinations. Notable options include over 150 national and international wines, featuring rare gems from Japan, alongside a sake list comprising some of the highest quality and most elusive selections, with offerings from houses like Dassai Future Farmers. Regarding their champagne list, they provide hundreds of references, including small producers and renowned houses such as Egly Ouriet, Bollinger, and Salon. The Ayumi meal costs €249 without pairing, reflecting the ambition to provide a high-level omakase experience focused on product precision and the emotion of each course in an environment where Japanese hospitality translates into thoughtful, personal attention.
This new chapter of Nintai, marked by Ayumi as a starting point, is projected to become a reference point in Marbella for curious travelers and gourmets seeking a deep Japanese gastronomic experience executed with rigor, elegance, and a sensitivity that has characterized the restaurant since its inception.
