A Gourmet’s Guide to the Top Restaurants in Marbella and Estepona 2025

Marbella is no longer a summer resort with a short-lived high season. Its evolution into a year-round home for residents and investors has brought a corresponding shift in its dining culture. From Marbella’s Old Town to Estepona, restaurants are now central to the local economy and to the international standing of the area. Quality is no longer seasonal, and ambition is not confined to the summer months.

This guide presents a curated selection of the best currently operating restaurants between Marbella and Estepona as of summer 2025. Each has been chosen for its consistency, relevance and reputation among a discerning local and international audience. From Michelin-starred tasting menus to understated seafood favourites, the dining scene here reflects a region that takes its food, and its identity, seriously.

Michelin-Starred Restaurants

Skina

Celebrating its twentieth anniversary, Skina has moved from the Old Town into a new venue, a beautiful 19th-century farmhouse on the Golden Mile. With two Michelin stars still intact, chef Marcos Granda combines precision and regional techniques and local produce across a tasting menu that is serious but approachable. The expanded venue includes a small private room and a champagne bar.

Website: www.restauranteskina.com

Nintai

Also, under the direction of Marcos Granda, Nintai offers a sharply focused omakase menu in a minimalist, 12-seat space. The service is discreet, the technique exacting and the ingredients treated with near reverence. For those who value attention to detail, this is the benchmark.

Website: www.nintaimarbella.com

Back, Marbella

One of Marbella’s favourite Michelin-starred entries is refreshingly confident. Back delivers modern Andalucian cooking that feels grounded yet inventive, with a global energy running through both the menu and the room. The tone is more vibrant than reverent, and it works.

Website: www.backrestaurante.com

Messina

Located a short walk from the beach, Messina is where Argentinian chef Mauricio Giovanini explores contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with flair and originality. The Michelin star is well earned, though the atmosphere remains relaxed and the hospitality warm and friendly. We recommend you book a seat at the ‘Chef’s Table’ to watch the master chef at work!

Website: www.restaurantemessina.com

Michelin-recommended restaurants

Kava, Marbella

This quietly ambitious five-table restaurant blends local Andalucian produce with broader culinary references, delivered through two seasonal tasting menus. The approach is exacting but informal, with a focus on three core ingredients each month. Thai and Indian influences occasionally appear, but the foundation remains rooted in the region. The team makes its own fermented products, raises its own acorn-fed Iberian pigs in Seville and earned national recognition in 2019 for what may still be Spain’s best cheesecake.

Website: www.kavamarbella.com

Areia, Marbella

Minutes from the Golden Mile to one side and the beach and seaside promenade on the other, Areia offers a measured, confident take on Mediterranean dining. The focus is on seasonal produce, with a short à la carte and a tasting menu that avoids theatrics but delivers real attention to detail. Interiors are subtle and elegant, with custom textiles and a sense of calm that extends to the service, which is notably well-paced and engaged. The atmosphere is relaxed but sophisticated, with regulars returning for the quality of the kitchen as much as the welcome.

Website: www.areia-marbella.com

Candeal, Marbella

In the heart of Marbella’s Old Town, Chef Pablo Rebollo cooks with a genuine respect for Andalucian tradition, bringing in creative touches without losing sight of the region’s roots. His dishes are carefully put together, full of flavour and always show a real understanding of the ingredients. There’s no fuss or flash here, just honest cooking done well, with the kind of consistency that keeps people coming back.

Website: www.restaurantecandeal.com

Casa Eladio, Marbella

Casa Eladio has been part of the local dining scene since 1966 and is now run by the founder’s grandson. With experience in some of Spain’s top kitchens, he brings a new take on Andalucian cooking while keeping things simple and honest. The focus is on Mediterranean flavours, served in a relaxed and friendly setting. This isn’t a place for showy food, but for well-made dishes that are balanced, generous and rooted in local tradition. It’s the kind of restaurant that’s locals return to as a welcoming part of daily life.

Website: www.restaurantecasaeladio.com

TA‑KUMI, Marbella

With a more relaxed feel than Nintai but a similar focus on quality, TA-KUMI offers expertly prepared Japanese cuisine in a polished yet down-to-earth setting. The cooking shows real skill and consistency, with a strong attention to detail that’s clear in every dish. It’s a place that takes its food seriously, but without being overly formal. It’s welcoming, reliable and much loved by those who know good Japanese cooking.

Website: www.restaurantetakumi.com

Don’t miss

Motel Particulier

Motel Particulier is one of the most talked-about new openings in Marbella, transforming the landmark Aresbank building on the Golden Mile into a bold new dining and nightlife destination. Backed by Grupo Mosh and Dani García’s group and redesigned by Lázaro Rosa-Violán, the space combines Arabic-inspired architecture with modern elegance across 2,000m2. With terraces, lounges, a piano bar and private areas, it’s a full-scale experience that goes well beyond dinner. In the kitchen, César Alonso, formerly of Gastón Acurio’s restaurants, leads a globally influenced menu that matches the ambition of the venue itself. This is more than just a restaurant; it’s a major new player in Marbella’s hospitality scene.

Website: www.motelparticulier.com/en/

Brasserie Astoria, Nueva Andalucía

The Frantzén Group, led by acclaimed Swedish chef Björn Frantzén, brings its international brasserie, Astoria, to Marbella—following successful openings in Stockholm, Dubai, and Singapore. Frantzén has reached a historic milestone as the only chef in the world currently operating three restaurants with three Michelin stars each.

Located in Nueva Andalucía, Astoria pairs polished service with a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The à la carte menu is extensive, with select dishes finished tableside from elegant serving carts, adding a touch of theatre. A spacious terrace, private dining areas, and indoor and outdoor bars with a standout cocktail menu complete the experience—striking the right balance between sophistication and comfort.

Website: www.brasserieastoria.es

Lobito de Mar

Lobito de Mar, a concept by renowned chef Dani García, focuses on seafood with the freshest of Andalucian flavours. The welcoming, sophisticated atmosphere and high-quality dishes make it a popular choice for both locals and visitors alike.

Website:www.lobitodemar.com

Florentine, Golden Mile, Marbella

TThis visually breathtaking restaurant, located in Forum Marbella, is designed to transport diners to ‘70s Florence – think Murano lamps and mirror mosaic-covered walls. The restaurant is an experience as much as a meal, with DJs on the decks and live vocalists or saxophonists serenading guests. The food is far from second fiddle, though, with classic Italian dishes with a modern twist taking centre stage.

Website: www.en.florentinerestaurants.com/marbella

ALBA by Serafina, Golden Mile, Marbella

A delightful restaurant hidden behind walled terracing, ALBA is a modern Italian with a calm, laid-back feel. The retractable conservatory makes it an attractive spot for al fresco dining, whether you’re after a slow lunch or dinner under the stars. The food leans into seasonal Italian flavours – proper handmade pizzas, great pasta dishes and a short but well-picked wine list. It’s stylish without trying too hard and there’s something about the atmosphere that just makes you want to settle in and stay a while.

Website: www.albarestaurantmarbella.com

Nota Blu New Brasserie, Marbella Old Town

One of the well-regarded Casanis Group of Marbella restaurants, Nota Blu is named for the ‘blue note’ of jazz. The space projects old-school glamour, with jazz playing and elegant touches throughout, but it still feels warm and welcoming. Chef Fabián Cangas serves up traditional dishes with a Mediterranean twist, with the menu featuring everything from fresh seafood to meat and pasta dishes, as well as offering private dining surrounded by 3,000 bottles of wine and champagne in the intimate setting of the wine cellar.

Website: www.notablu.com

Boho Club, Golden Mile, Marbella

This hidden estate is found on the famous Golden Mile of Marbella, yet offers the perfect location for laid-back pampering. A wellness resort, boutique hotel and upscale restaurant rolled into one, the creative menu is presented by Michelin-starred chef Diego del Rio, who curates an à la carte or impressive tasting menu, complemented by a bar and wellness offerings. If you are lucky enough to be staying in the hotel, make sure you sample the recently awarded Spain’s ‘Best Hotel Breakfast’.

Website: www.bohoclub.com

Casanis Bistrot, Marbella Old Town

A Marbella Old Town favourite, Fabian Cangas is in charge of the menu featuring Mediterranean cuisine with a French and Belgian influence. From the atmosphere to the restaurant’s wholly organic kitchen that provides farm to plate provenance, it’s an ideal location for a romantic dinner or family celebration.

Website: www.casanisbistrot.com

Occo, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella

With a modern take on traditional Lebanese cooking, this stylish spot rides the fashionable wave for middle eastern cuisine. Adding signature cocktails, music and live entertainment evenings, as well as superb service and it’s a restaurant that is sure to become a firm favourite.

Website: www.occomarbella.com

Breathe, Nueva Andalucía, Marbella

Breathe is a local favourite, just a few minutes’ walk from the yachts and supercars of Puerto Banús. A restaurant, bar and garden, it is designed around the elements, earth, fire, air and water, with an extensive, eclectic menu ranging from grilled meats to plant-based options, plus a dedicated sushi bar for those craving something lighter. Stylish but relaxed, it’s a popular choice for everything from brunch to late-night cocktails.

Website: www.breatherestaurant.life

Mamzel, Golden Mile, Marbella

Mamzel has become a staple for Marbella residents looking for an evening that promises something out of the ordinary. Its nightly high-concept dinner show is polished and showcases a hugely talented troupe of dancers, singers, acrobats displaying a 360’ evening of entertainment. The menu is modern and tempting, Mediterranean with a touch of French and Argentine influences that ensures something for all tastes.

Website: www.mamzelmarbella.com

11:11 Societé, Marbella

A unique dining concept, 11: 11 Societé teams middle eastern cuisine with Mexica classics to make an unlikely but delicious combination that just works. From the stylish interior design to the curated events that team entertainment with an unforgettable dining experience, it’s a firm favourite amongst Marbella’s trendsetters.

Website: www.1111societe.com

Roostiq, Marbella

Bringing Madrid’s farm-to-table philosophy to Marbella, Roostiq offers rustic Spanish cuisine with a modern edge. Each bite is grown on their own organic, biodynamic farm, from the tomatoes to leeks, pigs and chicken, care for the produce and quality is assured. The attractive, grown-up ambience is a magnet for epicureans who appreciate the finer things in life.

Website: www.marbella.roostiq.com

Isola Ristorante Italiano, METT Hotel & Beach Resort, Estepona

Inspired by the sun-ripened flavours of the south and islands of Italy, Isola Ristorante offers a laid-back, yet sophisticated take on all-day dining. Think handmade pasta, Italian favourites, and a wine list that draws from some of the country’s best regions. Set within METT Hotel & Beach Resort in Estepona, the atmosphere is effortlessly relaxed, with just the right amount of polish. It’s a place to unwind and linger in dappled shade, ideal for those who like their dining easy going with a touch of elegance.

Website: www.isolarestaurant.com/marbella

Fons, Cortijo Fons, east Estepona

Occupying a stunning renovated country house, Fons (‘fountains’ in Latin, referring to its three fountains in the outdoor courtyard), presents seasonal tasting menus in this wonderfully romantic venue. The focus is fine-tuned: core local ingredients explored through clean technique. The service is discreet and assured, matching the kitchen’s poised confidence.

Website: www.fonsrestaurante.es

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.

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.

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.

Website: marbellaclub.com

El Patio

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.

Website: www.marbellaclub.com

Puente Romano

Few places in Europe offer as broad and high calibre a dining selection as Puente Romano. The resort continues to lead the field in culinary ambition, adding several new venues for 2025 while retaining the best of its established restaurants.

For reservations and further information: www.puenteromano.com

La Plaza at Puente Romano

The centre of gravity for Puente Romano’s social life, La Plaza brings together live music, cocktails and seamless service in a redesigned open-air space. It's a reliable starting point – and often the endpoint – for an evening at the resort.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Pica Pica

A lively pizzeria reintroduced in spring 2025, Pica Pica offers wood-fired pizzas in a garden setting. It’s informal, friendly and perfect for families or a relaxed evening with friends.

PurOsushi

New for 2025, PurOsushi offers a compact omakase experience for just 16 diners. Service is discreet, the setting intentionally minimal, and the quality of fish and preparation quietly exceptional.

COYA Marbella

COYA blends Peruvian tradition with London polish. The ceviches, anticuchos and tiraditos are sharply executed, the cocktails thoughtfully constructed. Music builds through the evening but never overwhelms. For many, it remains one of the resort’s most complete experiences.

COYA Pool

New for 2025, COYA Pool brings a lighter, more leisurely version of the brand to the resort’s sunlit corners. Service is designed around movement, with meals by loungers, shared plates under parasols, all delivered with the same discipline as the main restaurant.

GAIA Marbella

GAIA offers contemporary Greek cuisine in a quietly theatrical setting. The seafood market display is a centrepiece, with tableside preparations that feel choreographed but sincere. Service is confident and the kitchen moves from delicate to deeply satisfying with ease.

Cipriani Marbella

A faithful rendering of the Venetian original, Cipriani Marbella delivers the brand’s recognisable signatures, bellinis, carpaccio, baked tagliolini, in a setting that feels properly dressed. Staff move with assurance, and the ambience remains unflustered even in peak season.

Rooftop Bars and Restaurants

Belvue Rooftop Bar

Located at the top of the adults-only Amàre Beach Hotel, Belvue offers 360-degree views across the Mediterranean and Marbella’s rooftops. With white lounge seating and soft lighting, it is popular at sunset but never tries too hard. The cocktail list is well-judged and service, even in high season, remains measured.

Website: www.amarehotels.com

Edge by Paco Pérez, Marbella

At the very top of the stunningly redesigned El Fuerte hotel, Edge brings a new level of ambition to Marbella’s rooftop dining scene. Overseen by five-Michelin-starred chef Paco Pérez, the menu fuses Mediterranean ingredients with global accents, served in a space where the sea view is part of the experience, with an elegance and sophistication to the setting that feels far from the bustle below, even in high season.

Website: www.elfuertemarbella.com

Makako, Estepona

In a stunning location on the rooftop of Hotel El Pilar in Estepona’s Old Town, Makako is a temple to Japanese fusion cooking undertaken with flair and confidence. Its open kitchen sits under a stained-glass dome, while the terrace offers views over tiled roofs and the distant coastline. It is polished but not showy, and the menu delivers precision without spectacle.

Website: www.hotelelpilarandalucia.com/restaurantes/makako

Cielo Sky Lounge, Estepona

Cielo sits atop the Mirador del Carmen tower at the western end of Estepona’s Paseo Marítimo. Though it is part of a public cultural centre, the rooftop has the feel of a discreet members’ lounge. There is an indoor café and an open terrace for cocktails and a limited but well-presented menu. At night, when the lighting softens and the sound of the town drops away, it becomes unexpectedly atmospheric.

Website: www.grupoholding.es/cielo

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, 01 Aug 2025 - Guides to Living in Marbella