This Andalusian city of Marbella in southern Spain boasts 326 days of sunshine a year, enticing beaches, homely fish restaurants and a bustling tourist life. The busy seaside boardwalk of Paseo Marítimo, the upscale port of Puerto Banús and the atmospheric, orange tree-filled Historic Quarter cater for every taste, from intimate tapaderías to plush villas and Michelin-star eateries. Discover the best cultural restaurants this gourmet paradise has to offer.
Paco Jiménez
In the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos in the Old Town, this intimate and welcoming restaurant offers high-quality cuisine.Paco Jiménez is named after its eponymous owner and chef, who won a gold medal at the World Gastronomic Meeting in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. In the warm, exclusive interior of this restaurant, also a gallery in its own right, the constantly changing seasonal menu consists of an eclectic, creative variety of Mediterranean dishes, such as seafood salad, rack of lamb with marmalade sauce, tender rosemary rabbit confit and snapper with saffron, all served with generous side dishes. The desserts are equally enticing, with the tarta de queso an all-time favorite. The beautiful gastronomic experience is complete thanks to the charming and helpful personnel. Paco Jimenez is absolute favourite for Status Homes.
Paco Jiménez, Plaza de los Naranjos 10, Marbella, Spain
Restaurante Messina
A few meters away from the Old Town, Messina is a contemporary restaurant with open-plan, minimalist interiors. Wooden floors, red chairs and top quality cutlery and glasses offer an upscale dining experience. Adventurous palettes can try a taster menu or ask the ever-attentive waiters to explain the creative and exquisitely presented fusion and signature dishes, such as crab curry ravioli with banana, sea snail, tuna with papaya, sea urchin, squid sandwich, yoghurt Chantilly and strawberries. Mauricio Giovanni experiments with new flavors and textures and uses local produce and local classics presenting them with his own creative and impressive twist.
Messina, Avenida Severo Ochoa, 12, Marbella, Spain,+34 679 77 00 62
Garnacha
A tiny but enticing restaurant where the atmosphere brings to mind an by-gone era, Garnacha offers excellent and innovative food with artistic presentation. The warm shades of the interior, the big mirror on the wall and the quaint chairs and tables, create a warm and cozy environment, ideal for a romantic night out. Dishes are served in full, half or tapas portions and offer exotic combinations such as foie gras with apple crumble and grated almond, duck magret with caramelized pineapple, tuna tartar and delicious octopus. Creativity is abundant and the perfectly balanced flavors are accompanied by an interesting wine list. For desert, a white chocolate brownie with ice-cream or chocolate coulant with passion fruit sauce are delicious choices. A reasonably priced little gem attracts locals and tourists alike but booking is essential.
Garnacha, Calle Virgen del Pilar 9, Marbella, Spain, +34 951 96 88 70
Dani García
This Chef has done plenty to place Málaga on the lips of the world’s top gastronomes, garnering stars first for Calima and now, two for Dani García restaurant, in the trendy Plaza Village dining area of the Puente Romano.
The Chef is famed for his substantial tasting menus, comprising artistic creations made with 'intense details, a pinch of talent and a sprig of innovation.'
Cold, heat, nitrogen, broths and reductions are married to technique and talent, and the result is a one-of-a-kind experience which every true foodie deserves to enjoy.
www.grupodanigarcia.com
Villa Tiberio
The masterpiece of Sandro Morelli, one of Spain’s most well-known restaurateurs, Villa Tiberio is surrounded by 6,000 square metres of Italianate gardens, lush trees, bougainvilleas and semi-tropical vegetation. Statues, waterfalls, rose bushes and lilac blossoms adorn the expansive grounds where diplomats, royals, celebrities, locals and tourists alike can enjoy a special banquet or an intimate dinner. The menu is innovative with many tempting dishes such as funghi fantasia, pappardelle al Sandro, osso bucco a la Milanese and spaghetti with shellfish sauce. The wine selection is equally fabulous, including a Romanée Conti Grand Cru 1973, Tignanello Antinori , a 1938 Chateau Margaux among others.
Villa Tiberio, Carretera de Cádiz km. 178, (next to Marbella Club), Golden Mile, Marbella, Spain,+34 952 77 17 99
Soliluna
A delicious menu, friendly atmosphere, live tango, flamenco and various other events and exhibitions organized throughout the year rank Soliluna as one of the best and friendliest top-class restaurants in Marbella. With high ceilings, beautiful decoration and a big fireplace, it is a warm and elegant place to enjoy dinner on a cold winter night. Equally, on a warm and balmy summer evening, customers can enjoy the spacious terrace overlooking the beautiful garden with the swimming pool. Meat and seafood dishes are of the highest quality and are sourced locally whereas the Sunday Barbecue Buffet Brunch is highly recommended. It is a hidden gem where diners will feel like joining a big party.
Soliluna, Calle Sierra Bermeja, Marbella, Spain, +34 952 86 66 27
Marbella Patio
Original Spanish cuisine within the Andalusian atmosphere, Marbella Patio’ s tapas have won local awards for their original taste and interesting presentation. An unassuming restaurant housed in a 16th century building next to the castle walls, it is a great stop point if you want to visit the Moorish monument. The décor’s bold tiles and the patio hard by the ancient city wall can transport customers to times past making this authentic Spanish establishment a unique and special venue. Salmorejo, paella, fillet steak and the house special suckling pig, all original recipes with a contemporary touch, they are freshly cooked and offer an excellent value.
Marbella Patio, Calle Virgen De Los Dolores 4, Marbella, Spain, +34 952 77 54 29
Skina
Skina is a Michelin-starred minuscule Marbella restaurant is abundant with tasteful creativity and impressive culinary expertise. With tasting and à la carte menus to choose from, a great evening’s dining is assured. A variety of inventive tapas, like deer ham with celery, lobster tartare with strawberry, roasted pigeon with cereals, orange cream with carrot ice cream and homemade bread, are all based around traditional dishes from the Malaga region. The design of the restaurant is bold and dominated by a glass-enclosed wine-cellar, and the kitchen door opens and closes with a futuristic special mechanism. Private lessons and internships are also organized by Skina restaurant for those who wish to try their hand at making culinary magic.
Skina, Aduar 12 E, Marbella, Spain, +34 952 76 52 77
La Meridiana del Alabardero
An extremely spacious restaurant decorated in art deco style with candlelit tables and big Roman gardens in the back, La Meridiana offers diners a perfect mix of good taste and excellent Mediterranean dishes. Ranging from classic options to more adventurous choices, the creations of Benjamin Alloza are inspired and authentic, and the ingredients are of excellent quality. Ajopollo malagueño and glazed artichokes, red fruits salmorejo, white chocolate soufflé with Grand Marnier, all accompanied by a great selection of wines and delicious cocktails can be enjoyed to the maximum in the lovely colonial surroundings.
La Meridiana del Alaberdero, Camino de la Cruz , Marbella, Spain, +34 952 77 61 90