A Gourmet’s Guide to the Top Restaurants in Marbella

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Pia Arrieta DM Properties
12 minutes to read

Marbella, situated on Spain’s stunning Costa del Sol, is renowned for its glamorous ambience, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. However, its culinary scene has recently become a major highlight, attracting food enthusiasts from around the globe. The city boasts a diverse array of dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy beachfront eateries and fashionable rooftop bars. This guide explores the crème de la crème of Marbella's dining establishments, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic journey.

Rooftop Terrace

Michelin-Starred Restaurants in and Around Marbella

Skina

Skina offers an intimate dining experience in Marbella’s Old Town. With a Michelin star, it is renowned for modern Andalucian cuisine using high-quality local ingredients. The restaurant's refined atmosphere and exceptional service make it a must-visit for food enthusiasts. Chef Marcos Granda creates dishes that are both innovative and deeply rooted in regional traditions.

Skina Marbella
Skina Marbella

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Nintai

Nintai
Nintai

Nintai is Marbella’s top destination for Japanese cuisine, holding a coveted Michelin star. The restaurant additionally offers an exquisite Omakase menu during lunchtime service, with dishes prepared with meticulous precision. Its minimalist decor and excellent service enhance the overall dining experience, making it a standout for lovers of fine Japanese food.

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El Lago

El Lago
El Lago

El Lago is situated within the Greenlife Golf clubhouse, and is recommended as ‘well worth a visit’ by the Michelin guide for its superb Mediterranean cuisine and wonderful location. The restaurant emphasises the use of organic, local ingredients, offering a menu that showcases the natural flavours of the region. The scenic lake views and elegant setting provide a perfect backdrop for a refined dining experience.

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Messina

Messina is celebrated for its creative Mediterranean cuisine, earning a Michelin star for its unique approach. Chef Mauricio Giovanini blends traditional and contemporary flavours in an artistically presented menu. The restaurant's modern interior complements the sophisticated dishes, making it a favourite among gourmet diners.

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Messina
Messina

Bardal

Bardal, although located in Ronda, is well worth a special trip from Marbella, boasting two Michelin stars for its innovative Andalucian cuisine. Chef Benito Gómez uses local ingredients to create a tasting menu that offers a journey through the region's diverse flavours. The restaurant’s elegant setting and commitment to culinary excellence make it a notable destination.

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Other Top Marbella Restaurants

Lobito de Mar

Lobito de Mar Dani Garcia
Lobito de Mar Dani Garcia

Lobito de Mar, a concept by renowned chef Dani García, focuses on seafood with Andalucian flavours. The vibrant atmosphere and high-quality dishes make it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.

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Kava

Kava is known for its modern cuisine, offering a menu that blends local and international flavours with a creative twist. The stylish interior and innovative dishes attract a fashionable crowd.

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Kava Marbella
Kava Marbella

Ta-Kumi

Ta-Kumi offers an authentic Japanese dining experience in the heart of Marbella. With a focus on traditional techniques and fresh ingredients, the restaurant provides an exceptional taste of Japan.

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Sukhothai Marbella

Sukhothai is a renowned Thai restaurant in Marbella, known for its authentic flavours and traditional dishes. The restaurant offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for both casual dining and special occasions. With a menu featuring classic Thai cuisine, including aromatic curries, flavourful stir-fries, and fresh seafood, Sukhothai provides a delightful culinary journey to Thailand. The use of fresh ingredients and meticulous preparation ensures a genuine and satisfying dining experience.

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Stylish Beach Restaurants

The Beach House

The Beach House combines luxury with the relaxed ambience of a beachfront setting. Offering a menu of fresh, locally sourced ingredients, it is perfect for a leisurely meal by the sea.

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La Milla

La Milla
La Milla

La Milla is known for its exquisite seafood and stunning beachfront location. The restaurant offers a menu rich in Mediterranean flavours, making it a popular spot for both dining and relaxation.

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A Special Mention: Marbella Club and Puente Romano Hotels

Set in the epicentre of Marbella’s renowned Golden Mile, the Marbella Club and Puente Romano Beach Resort are the town’s beacons of culinary excellence. These luxury destinations offer a fabulous variety of cuisines, from fine dining to casual beachside meals, and are a significant influence on Marbella's gastronomic landscape.

Grill Marbella CLub
Grill Marbella CLub

Both resorts are home to an array of distinguished restaurants, each providing unique dining experiences that reflect the rich culinary traditions and innovative trends of the region. Their high standards and diverse offerings have made them pivotal in shaping Marbella’s reputation as a premier food destination.

Marbella Club

The Marbella Club Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa is an historic icon of luxury on the Costa del Sol. Established in the 1950s by Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, it is one of the most important locations in Marbella’s culinary and hospitality scene. The resort offers a range of dining experiences, each characterised by exceptional quality and service.

Marbella Club
Marbella Club

The Grill

The Grill is an elegant fine dining restaurant offering a sophisticated menu that blends Mediterranean and international cuisines. The restaurant is renowned for its romantic ambience, enhanced by candlelight and live music.

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Grill Marbella Club
Grill Marbella Club

MC Beach

MC Beach provides a more relaxed dining experience right on the beach. Guests can enjoy fresh seafood and Mediterranean dishes while overlooking the sea, making it a perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner by the water.

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Summer Bar

Summer Bar is a chic outdoor venue offering a selection of cocktails and light bites. It's ideal for enjoying the warm Marbella evenings in a stylish setting.

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El Patio

El Patio Puente Romano
El Patio Puente Romano

El Patio offers a delightful courtyard dining experience with a menu that focuses on Mediterranean cuisine. It's perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a casual dinner in a charming setting.

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Puente Romano

Puente Romano Beach Resort is another cornerstone of Marbella’s luxury hospitality and dining scene. Known for its variety of high-end restaurants and vibrant atmosphere, it has played a significant role in shaping the city’s culinary landscape.

La Plaza at Puente Romano

La Plaza at Puente Romano Beach Resort is a vibrant and stylish courtyard that serves as the heart of the resort’s social scene. Surrounded by several high-end restaurants and bars, La Plaza offers a dynamic atmosphere with live music, entertainment, and a chic, relaxed vibe. It's the perfect spot for socializing, dining, and enjoying the lively ambience that defines Puente Romano. With a variety of culinary options ranging from Mediterranean to Asian fusion, La Plaza caters to diverse tastes and promises an unforgettable experience.

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Nobu Marbella

Nobu Marbella
Nobu Marbella

Nobu Marbella brings world-famous Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine to the Costa del Sol. The restaurant combines innovative flavours with elegant presentation, making it a favourite among both locals and visitors.

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Sea Grill

Sea Grill offers a luxurious dining experience with stunning views of the Mediterranean. The restaurant specialises in seafood and Mediterranean dishes, prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

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Bibo Supperclub

Bibo Marbella
Bibo Marbella

Bibo is a lively brasserie and tapas bar by Michelin-starred chef Dani García. It offers a casual yet chic dining experience with a menu that celebrates Andalucian flavours and traditions.

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Leña

Leña Dani Garcia
Leña Dani Garcia

Leña is another innovative concept from the ever-creative chef Dani García, focusing on grilled meats and vegetables. The restaurant offers a modern twist on traditional barbecue, set in a stylish and contemporary environment.

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Pimpi

El Pimpi brings its iconic Andalusian charm to Puente Romano Beach Resort. The legendary Malaga bodega-bar has arrived exclusively at Puente Romano Beach Resort. With over 50 years of history, El Pimpi now offers Marbella a unique dining experience rooted in traditional Malaga and Andalusian cuisine.

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Pimpi Marbella
Pimpi Marbella

Rachel’s Eco Love

Rachel’s Eco Love is a healthy café offering organic and eco-friendly dishes. The menu includes a variety of fresh juices, smoothies, and wholesome meals that cater to health-conscious diners.

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Serafina

Serafina is an Italian restaurant that offers a cosy yet elegant dining experience. The menu features classic Italian dishes made with high-quality ingredients, perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering.

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Serafina
Serafina

Thai Gallery

Thai Gallery provides an authentic Thai dining experience with a menu full of traditional Thai dishes. The restaurant’s exotic decor and flavourful cuisine transport guests to Thailand without leaving Marbella.

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Rooftop Bars and Restaurants

Belvue Rooftop Bar

Belvue Rooftop Bar at the Amàre Hotel offers stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea along with a sophisticated menu of cocktails and light bites. It’s an ideal spot for enjoying a sunset drink in a chic, stylish setting.

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Belveu Rooftop
Belveu Rooftop

La Cima at La Fonda Heritage Hotel

La Cima Sky Bar, located atop La Fonda Heritage Hotel, offers an exceptional rooftop dining experience with stunning panoramic views of Marbella. The bar provides a sophisticated atmosphere where guests can enjoy a curated selection of cocktails, fine wines, and gourmet light bites. The chic and modern decor, combined with the breathtaking vistas of the Mediterranean and the surrounding mountains, makes La Cima a perfect spot for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

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Air by Breathe

Air by Breathe provides a unique rooftop dining experience with panoramic views and a menu focused on fresh, sustainable ingredients. The contemporary design and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors.

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Marbella’s culinary scene is an eclectic and extensive blend of traditional flavours and modern innovation, with each restaurant offering a unique experience. Whether you are looking for a Michelin-starred meal, a casual beachside lunch, or a chic rooftop evening, Marbella has something to offer every palate.

Pia Arrieta, 21 Aug 2024 - Lifestyle - Living in Marbella

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