Eat & drink
Marbella and the wider Costa del Sol have one of the densest concentrations of top-rated restaurants in southern Spain. From the Old Town's tapas bars to the Golden Mile's fine dining rooms, Puerto Banús glamour and Estepona's healthier picks — curated favourites covering breakfast, brunch, lunch, paella, seafood, sushi and dinner.
Our pickEstepona
Ikigai Food for Life
A bright, health-led café on Avenida España in Estepona, set almost on the beach with deck chairs, parasols and open sea views. The kitchen draws on Asian and Scandinavian influences, with vibrant bowls, fresh juices and vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options made from organic produce. A relaxed, restorative spot for breakfast, brunch or a light lunch by the water.
Quiet · Design
Our pickEstepona
Café de Theresa
A welcoming café on Estepona's Avenida San Lorenzo, serving healthy, homemade breakfasts, fresh salads, wraps and pastries. Organic coffee and tea anchor a menu rich in vegetarian and vegan options, with a relaxed outdoor terrace. An easy, light-filled spot for a morning coffee or unhurried lunch.
Dining
Our pickEstepona
The BRO's Kitchen
A lively Estepona kitchen with an inventive Asian-fusion menu spanning rice bowls, woks, curries and burgers. The mood is relaxed and friendly, with a terrace and a strong local following built on generous, well-priced plates. A dependable, easygoing choice for families and groups.
Dining
Our pickMarbella
Purosushi — Marbella
An intimate Japanese counter inside the Puente Romano resort, devoted to omakase precision and handcrafted nigiri, sashimi and robata. Just twelve seats face the chefs, who prepare each course with quiet skill, alongside a more relaxed à la carte lounge. A considered choice for couples drawn to fine Japanese dining.
Dining
Estepona
BYOKO Estepona — Organic Restaurant in Estepona
An organic, plant-forward restaurant set on a lush garden terrace at Garden Beach, near the sea in Estepona. The kitchen works almost entirely with locally grown, km-0 produce across buddha bowls, galettes, sourdough toasts and sugar-free desserts, with generous vegan and gluten-free options. A serene, health-minded spot for brunch.
Dining
Málaga
Bar La Tranca — Tapas Bar in Málaga
A lively, much-loved tasca in Málaga's Centro, pouring vermouth, moscatel and wines from the tap alongside honest homemade tapas. Barrels for tables, vintage album covers on the walls and bills chalked on the counter give it real character and a buzzing local crowd. A spirited, authentic stop for an aperitivo rather than a quiet sit-down meal.
Quiet · Design
Benahavís
Los Abanicos
A long-standing family restaurant in the centre of Benahavís, the hillside village known as the dining room of the Costa del Sol. Now run by a second generation, it blends Spanish and Mediterranean cooking, with tables spilling onto a narrow, atmospheric street. Warm, welcoming service and dishes such as slow-cooked lamb make it a dependable village favourite.
Quiet · Design
Málaga
Ta-Kumi
An authentic Japanese restaurant in central Málaga, close to the historic Alcazaba, blending oriental and contemporary design across a sushi bar and intimate dining rooms. The kitchen offers both an à la carte selection and a tasting menu, with omakase its calling card. A refined, atmospheric choice, especially toward sunset.
Dining
Málaga
Blossom Restaurant
An intimate fine-dining restaurant in central Málaga, steps from the cathedral, with just a handful of tables and a small street-side terrace. The cooking weaves Spanish flavours and abundant seafood with South American sparks, served through carefully composed tasting menus. A refined choice for couples; advance booking is wise.
Dining
Fuengirola
Restaurante Tánicos — Fuengirola
A respected Mediterranean and Spanish kitchen in central Fuengirola, built on market cuisine and proximity produce since 2008. The cooking is unfussy and product-led, with homemade croquettes, seafood and slow-cooked classics at its heart. An assured, neighbourhood-favourite address that rewards a relaxed lunch or dinner away from the busier seafront.
Quiet · Design
Torremolinos
LA CACEROLA STEAK HOUSE — Torremolinos
A long-standing family-run steakhouse on a pedestrian street in Torremolinos, serving grilled meats with warm hospitality since 1974. Aberdeen Angus steaks, ribs and homemade plates arrive in generous portions within a cosy, characterful room. An intimate, well-loved choice for couples; the small dining room rewards booking ahead.
Dining
Estepona
The Boab Tree Restaurant — Estepona
A distinctive restaurant in Estepona's old town, part dining room and part art gallery, with earthy tones, botanical details and rotating works by local artists. The kitchen sends out Mediterranean plates and natural wines, with live piano on selected evenings. An atmospheric, romantic choice for an unhurried dinner.
Dining
Málaga
Kaleja | Dani Carnero
A Michelin-starred restaurant tucked into an alley near the Picasso Museum in Málaga's old quarter, led by chef Dani Carnero. His wood-fired "candle cooking" revives traditional Andalusian flavours through a single, seasonal tasting menu in a calm, minimalist room. An intimate destination for a serious gastronomic occasion; reservations essential.
Dining
Marbella
€€€Jacarè
A Brazilian restaurant and late bar just back from the seafront, where rodizio-style grilled meats and generous caipirinhas set the tone. Evenings build from relaxed dinner into live music and dancing, with a warm, celebratory crowd that stays late. A spirited pick for groups after dinner that turns into a night out.
Dining · Lively
Marbella
Restaurante Samna
A refined Mediterranean dining room moments from Puerto Banús, where the cooking leans into Middle Eastern warmth and aromatic spice. The interior pairs curved wood, natural stone and earthy tones with touches of Mediterranean blue. Polished yet soulful, it suits couples and friends after an elevated, memorable evening.
Dining
Marbella
El Txoco de Luis Salinero
A modern, elegant restaurant at Plaza Marina Banús in Nueva Andalucía, where chef Luis Salinero cooks a seasonal "north to south" menu spanning regional Spanish flavours. The open kitchen, refined plating and quality raw materials set the tone, with specialities such as ox and flamenquín. A confident choice for couples and groups dining near Puerto Banús.
Quiet · Design
Marbella
Cascada Cocina & Bar
A bistro-style restaurant in the hills behind Marbella, set beside a cascading waterfall and flowing river. French cooking with a Spanish twist runs from chuletón steak to truffled croquettes, with live jazz or Spanish guitar on weekends. A warm, leafy retreat for a romantic dinner or a relaxed evening with friends.
Dining
Marbella
The Garden by La Rosa
A family-run Argentinian and European restaurant in the leafy Atalaya area near Puerto Banús, dedicated to fine grilled meats since 2009. Charcoal-cooked imported cuts are carved at the table alongside daily salads and homemade pastas, set amid greenery. A relaxed, refined spot for couples and groups who love good meat.
Dining
Nerja
Restaurante Oliva — Nerja
A contemporary Mediterranean restaurant on Nerja's Plaza de España, founded by a Dutch-Spanish partnership and recommended in the Michelin Guide for several years. Locally sourced, seasonal cooking spans an à la carte and a tasting menu, served in a stylish room with an inviting terrace on the square. A refined option for a considered lunch or dinner in the old town.
Quiet · Design
Estepona
Asador Tehuelche
An authentic Argentinian grill near Estepona, just off the road to Benahavís, where meats cook over open flames for a deep, smoky char. Quality cuts of beef, lamb and sausages join empanadas and chorizo within a rustic room and terrace framed by mountain views. A hearty, convivial destination for meat lovers and groups.
Dining
Mijas
Restaurante & Bar Fiesta
A lively neighbourhood restaurant and bar in Mijas on Avenida de Méjico, serving home-style Spanish, Venezuelan and international plates. An active grill, weekend barbecues and occasional live music create a festive, sociable mood, with generous portions and friendly prices. A relaxed, good-value spot for families and groups.
Dining
Estepona
Everest Fusion — Estepona
An acclaimed Asian-fusion restaurant and cocktail bar near Estepona, where Nepali roots inform a wide-ranging menu of curries, Indian, Thai and Japanese plates. Bold flavours and creative cocktails draw a loyal following, served in a relaxed, contemporary setting. A flavourful, sociable option for friends and families.
Dining
Marbella
La Tienda Casa Curro
A modern delicatessen-restaurant in Marbella's old town, where Mediterranean cooking meets refined Japanese touches across two adjoining spaces. A dedicated cheese corner and a wide-ranging wine list, including house labels, sit alongside Andalusian flavours reimagined with a contemporary edge. A stylish, popular spot; booking ahead is wise.
Dining
Estepona
MOM Brunch & Coffee
A relaxed brunch café in Estepona's old town, built around a sun-drenched courtyard and an all-day menu of creative breakfasts. Avocado and pesto toasts, pancakes, açaí bowls and well-pulled coffee draw a steady crowd, with attentive, multilingual service and a dog-friendly welcome. A tranquil spot for a leisurely morning.
Dining
Marbella
Zozoï
A relaxed fine-dining restaurant on the historic Plaza Altamirano in Marbella's old town, long counted among the city's favourites. A Mediterranean menu built on seasonal produce and fresh seafood is served across an eclectic setting, from courtyard tables to a glass-roofed garden room. An elegant choice for a special evening; book ahead.
Dining
San Roque
La Quinta Sotogrande
An Argentine grill set among the polo fields near San Enrique de Guadiaro, where expert asadores cook prime cuts slowly over coal. The setting pairs an elegant dining room with an open terrace overlooking the greens, complemented by homemade empanadas and Spanish wines. A characterful destination for meat lovers and groups.
Dining
Marbella
Benabola Café
A chic café a short stroll from Puerto Banús marina, set within the Benabola hotel and framed by views toward La Concha. Mornings bring full breakfasts, croissants and coffee, while the rooftop Sky Lounge above turns to cocktails and panoramic vistas. A polished, convenient spot to begin a day by the port.
Dining
Marbella
Taberna Casa Curro
A traditional Andalusian tavern in Marbella's old town, all wood barrels, bar stools and a lively, characterful mood. Fresh prawns, pork loin, acorn-fed Iberian ham and aged cheeses pair with a thoughtful selection of regional wines. Walk-in only, it suits friends after authentic tapas and an easy, sociable atmosphere.
Dining
Marbella
Taberna La Niña del Pisto
A characterful Andalusian tapas bar hidden down a narrow passageway in Marbella's old town, counted among the area's oldest. Classic Spanish plates and specialities from Córdoba are cooked to order in an open kitchen, beneath walls lined with bullfighting photographs. A lively, authentic choice with barrel-side tapas or a quieter dining room above.
Dining
Marbella
El Barril Del Gusto
A wine-led restaurant near Marbella's Orange Square, pouring an unusually broad selection by the glass through a modern tasting system. The kitchen sends out Italo-Spanish fusion dishes and tapas across a sleek interior and an elegant terrace. A relaxed yet refined spot for couples and friends who appreciate good wine.
Dining
Marbella
Thaissence
A boutique restaurant in Marbella's old town, set within a small hotel and devoted to inventive Peruvian-Thai fusion built on local Málaga produce. Warm lighting and a terrace overlooking the historic streets create a cosy, intimate mood. A characterful, romantic choice for couples seeking something different.
Dining
Marbella
Afuego
A modern Mediterranean restaurant in Marbella's old town, known for its rooftop terrace looking across terracotta rooftops toward the sea. Tapas, seafood, meats and sharing plates carry a contemporary twist, set among olive trees and market lights that turn magical at sunset. A relaxed yet stylish spot for friends and couples.
Dining
NewMarbella
La Petite Maison Marbella
La Petite Maison brings the warmth of its original Nice dining room to Puente Romano, in a spacious seafront setting with its own terrace and a signature bar. The Mediterranean and Provençal menu is built for sharing, from sea bass to truffle pasta, with golden-hour cocktails and DJs. An elegant, easygoing table by the sea.
Dining · Design · Lively
Marbella
Casanis Bistrot
A Mediterranean bistro with French and Belgian influences, set in a 150-year-old building in Marbella's old town with plant-draped walls and painted murals. Classics such as escargots, coq au vin and bouillabaisse draw on a dedicated organic garden, alongside an extensive wine list. A charming, romantic choice for an unhurried dinner.
Dining
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