Toyo Japanese, Asian favours in Fuengirola

Toyo Japanese restaurant has two branches, one in Fuengirola just up from the seafront and one in Malaga. International restaurant options are endless in Fuengirola with its streets jam packed with choice, but recently the Japanese buffet style dining has become popular for a more budget friendly way to feast on sushi and dim sum at a more reasonable price. 

We opted for the evening buffet rather than individually priced items. Prices for the evening €24.90 per person, the children from 3 to 1.4 m height was €12.90 and kids under 3 eat for free. Drinks and dessert not included. 

It is not a buffet how some would imagine. No getting a plate and queuing along and helping yourself. This concept is different, you download the QR code and order as you wish from the menu. If you do not finish a plate there is a €3 charge to prevent people from over ordering and creating unnecessary food waste. 

The tuna tacos at Toyo Fuengirola are the must-order dish

The menu covers everything from sashimi to tempura, ramens and rices, Our favourite were the tuna tacos. 

Bubbly crisp shells filled with fresh tuna and balanced seasoning, zingy and delicious in texture and flavour. We ordered second and third portions for the table to share. 

Other dishes we enjoyed, delicate salmon sashimi, silky salmon carpaccio, assorted nigiri and hand-rolled temaki, all served fresh and at the correct pace to enjoy and know if you are ready to order again. The Gunkan Fire was a bit of theatre, flambéed with Pernod at the table for a very different flavour finish, (popular with some, others who may have had years of sambuca shots not so much!)

The tuna truffle rolls were another strong point of the meal, rich and indulgent without becoming overpowering. For some extra greenery, wakame salad and edamame, then to end with something hot, steamed shau mai helped balance the meal and finally the tempura arrived crisp and perfectly light.

By the end of the meal we were simply too full to continue into the heavier hot dishes section of the menu, but from peeking at others they looked like a strong option for another day. 

Toyo’s decor a modern Japanese dining experience

Whites, woods and simplicity. Nothing overly fussy and coral blue glassware to finish everything off. Serving dishes were classic white with a few more decorative pieces to add a bit of character. 

Toyo felt calm and relaxed, not overly loud, just the noise of people chatting in the background. 

The service was prompt and efficient with the right amount of attention and no further fuss. 

Toyo Fuengirola restaurant information

We didn’t book as a table of 6 but imagine the busier summer months will require a reservation. 

It is a nice option for anyone who wants a huge selection of choices but for a set price. The lunch and evening buffet are a different cost, or you can choose to do neither and order direct from the menu. 

Toyo is at Calle Martínez Catena 3, on +34 676 438 899 / +34 952 713 794. Opening hours: Daily from 1pm to 4:30pm and 7:30pm to 11:30pm. See the website for further details.