An ever-growing haven of international gastronomic delights, Marbella is foodie heaven. Read on for a selection of the finest new establishments in town.
With a demanding international community of residents and tourists alike, Marbella is exceptionally well served by excellent restaurants -ranging from top class tapas, rice and paellas, and fine dining of every nationality, including several Michelin star establishments.
THE BEST NEW PLACES TO VISIT IN 2024:
El Pimpi, Puente Romano
In recent years the Puente Romano Hotel & Resort has become the epicentre of exciting dining experiences in Marbella. With no less than 20 restaurants and eateries within the award-winning resort, here at this uber luxurious hotel you can take a gastronomic journey across the world with inviting restaurants serving everything from classic Spanish sea food, Peruvian, Belgian, Japanese, American, Italian, Thai and Lebanese, along with Bibo and Leña by Dani García, Málaga’s very own internationally renowned Michelin star chef.
Coming soon to the Puente Romano is one of the best-loved eateries in Málaga city. The long-established bodega El Pimpi – with no less than 50 years of history – is a must visit bodega-restaurant in the heart of the buzzing city centre. A labyrinth of bars, rooms and cosy corners, decorated in flamboyant Andalusian style, El Pimpi’s walls are filled with vibrant and colourful Feria posters, bullfight images and a wealth of framed photographs of the long line of famous faces who have dined in this iconic establishment. A stack of wine barrels – many signed by stars and dignitaries – add to caché of this authentically malagueño establishment. Constantly buzzing with life, El Pimpi’s wooden tables host a stream of diners throughout the day, with an army of waiters presenting delicious plates of freshly-cut jamón, plates of fried fish and an array of tapas such as prawns pil-pil and tasty croquetas. Full on, hearty meat and fish dishes are also available. Soon to be in Marbella – this haven of tasty tapas is forecast to open in May – let’s see if El Pimpi Puente Romano can replicate or even surpass the unique ambience of this absolute classic.
Also new to the Puente Romano is Gaia – a stylish Greek restaurant serving the best of this delicious, healthy Mediterranean cuisine. Brought to you by chefs Izu Ani and Orestis Kotefas, Gaia purveys a wide range of delicious Greek mezze, classic hummus, tzatziki and along with mouth-watering moussaka and skewered meats. The star of the show, is the delicious fish and seafood station showcasing the best catch of the day to be savoured in this divine beachfront location. Add to this the NYX cocktail bar, an intimate space within the restaurant for savouring a top-class cocktails and soaking up the ambience of this gorgeous new addition to the wide-ranging gastronomic offer at the luxuriously hip Hotel Puente Romano. Also coming soon to the oasis of fine dining that is the Puente Romano resort is Chambao, a new chilled beach club just a 10-minute walk from the hotel along the Golden Mile promenade.
Reopening in May is Edge, the new, elevated restaurant at the recently upgraded 5-star Hotel El Fuerte, Marbella. At the hand of 4 star Michelin chef, Paco Perez, this restaurant is elevated in both the cuisine – and the location – high up on the stylish new roof terrace of the hotel with its privileged beach front location and sweeping views to the Mediterranean. This revered chef – whose reputation was consolidated at the Miramar restaurant in Girona, and the 5* Hotel Arts in Barcelona, has created a menu with the simple mission of “making the diner happy”. His exquisitely presented dishes based on the freshest of Mediterranean ingredients inspire and elate. With a nod to global and regional dishes, Paco Perez’s appetizing menu is a welcome addition to Marbella’s fine dining scene. With a dynamic ambience and cool music, make sure to adhere to the smart casual dress code if you wish to dine here. See the website for details.
This beautiful bijou beach club is located on the east side of Marbella at El Rosario where the long white sandy beaches stretch out as far as the eye can see. Brought to you by the creators of the extremely successful Ocean Club in Puerto Banús, Dune Beach comes with a guarantee of good food and enthusiastic service. While Ocean club is famous for its extravagant parties, and for having the largest swimming pool in Europe, Dune offers a more relaxed ambience in which, with feet in the sand, you can kick back, chill and enjoy delicious food. Promising a gastronomic journey across Mediterranean cultures the menu includes a range of original, well-devised delights for indulgent days shared with family and friends on the beach. Starting with classics such as smoked salmon, ceviche and oysters, why not celebrate with Dune’s caviar and bubbles? The salads include a succulent Symphony of Tomatoes and a rich Pecan & Goat’s Cheese. Dune also prides itself on the finest Wagyu Beef along with juicy burgers and Chicken Kebabs.
Santiago, A Seafood Classic, Paseo Marítimo Marbella
An absolute classic in Marbella, this establishment was opened in 1972 by restaurateur Santiago Dominguez. Since then, a Who’s Who of international celebrities and dignitaries has filed through the doors to enjoy delectable seafood feasts and the hospitality of this convivial restaurateur. From acting royalty, including Sofia Loren, Antonio Banderas and Dustin Hoffman, to actual royalty, King Fahd of Saudi Arabia was a regular, Santiago’s clientele need no introduction. Famous for its succulent seafood, Restaurante Santiago is one of the finest marisquerías in Marbella, enhanced by the frontline beach location and glorious sea views. When in February of this year, Santiago decided to come back out of retirement, Marbella cheered with joy to know one of its best-loved restaurants would be reopening. Following a total refurbishment, and with a refreshed menu and staff of 30, Santiago reopened in February. Where better to enjoy a traditional seafood paella or a succulent whole fish baked in salt along with a chilled glass of Verdejo?
In recent years, Nueva Andalucía has become the focus of Marbella’s obsession with contemporary homes and architecture, and all things relating to modern Mediterranean living. With a large community of Swedish residents and holiday-home owners, the recently opened Spisa is a trendy Swedish supermarket catering to the gastronomic tastes found back home in Sweden. More than just a food store, this large, welcoming establishment offers much more than just a selection of Swedish pickles and crisp-breads. Taking in a delicatessen, a burger and hot dog stand, here you can savour such delights as dill cured salmon, shrimp salad, hamburgers and veggie burgers, traditional and vegetarian hot dogs and succulent Swedish meatballs and Beef Stroganoff. You can opt to eat in the diaphanous indoor seating area, the terrace with stunning views to La Concha mountain, or order your food to go. Selling – and serving – a large selection of international wines, Spisa is the perfect after-work drinks venue, and the brand’s catering service can also take care of your private at home dinner parties, events, launches and celebrations. You can pop in for breakfast too, and even become a Spisa member and enjoy discounts and offers. www.spisa.shop
Soul by Breathe
Brought to you by Breathe – one of the most beautiful eateries in Marbella, Soul is located within the Nueva Alcantara tennis and Padel Club on the beachside of the town of San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella’s neighbour. Adopting the same philosophy of purveying naturally healthy and delicious food in a gorgeous – and sustainable environment – Soul by Breathe delivers the feel-good factor you would expect to find in the café/restaurant of a top-of-the-range sports club and gym. Start the day as you mean to go on with healthy smoothies, juices and a range of egg dishes, omelettes, avocados, home-made granola and protein bars. The natural wood décor with plenty of plants and greenery is a relaxing space for chilled lunches over mouthwatering poke and Buddha bowls, falafel and salads, along with burgers and tempting vegetarian dishes. The social aspect of Soul is enhanced with a sports bar area playing sports fixtures on a big screen.
Another classic in Marbella, Casa Curro is a typically Andalusian restaurant in Marbella’s Old Town which has been in business for more than five decades, with this particular restaurant launching in 2008. The restaurant now has a sister business, La Tienda, located opposite in the same street, Calle Pantaleón. Casa Curro is known for its warm and cosy ambience, while purveying delicious, classic Andalusian dishes with a modern twist. Aside from a wide selection of tapas, Casa Curro is also known for irresistible Cheese platters, Sushi, Steak Tartar, Octopus, Burgers and Pork Cheek.
With an extensive wine list, the second establishment of the group, La Tienda, has trendy high tables, and serves a selection of original dishes prepared in front of your eyes in the open kitchen. Renowned for excellent wine pairings, here you can also buy a selection of the wines on the menu.
The heart of Marbella’s glamour is focused on The Golden Mile, an 8-kilometre, palm-fringed avenue running from the centre of the town west to Puerto Banús. Growing up around the...
