Marbella’s dining scene has right earned a reputation as one of the most exciting food scenes on the Mediterranean coast, blending international influences with authentic Andalucian tradition. Whether it’s a luxury meal at a Michelin-starred fine dining or a paella at a family-run chiringuito by the beach, the quality and variety of restaurants are genuinely impressive. Chefs from across the globe have been drawn to the Costa del Sol, creating a cosmopolitan mix where trendy Japanese sushi bars, Italian trattorias, and contemporary fusion concepts sit comfortably alongside tapas bars that have been serving locals for generations. In fact some of these old traditional tapas bars like El Pimpi have joined the buzzing Marbella dining scene with newly opened establishments.
What makes Marbella particularly special is the emphasis on fresh, seasonal local and regional ingredients. Seafood often comes directly from nearby fishing ports, while olive oil, fruit, and vegetables are sourced from Andalucia’s fertile countryside up the road in Ronda or Almeria and Jaen. The result is a level of quality that shines through even the simplest dish.
For those seeking a luxury dining experience, Marbella offers several high-end venues where dining becomes part of the overall lifestyle experience, complete with glamorous décor and live entertainment. Yet, hidden away in the narrow streets of the Old Town or just outside the city, you can also discover modest establishments where authenticity takes centre stage. This balance between prestige and tradition ensures Marbella remains a true food lover’s destination.
The Golden Mile has been the place to be seen since the 50’s when iconic Hollywood film stars like Audrey Hepburn would regularly be seen sipping cocktails in the Marbella Club Hotel.
It has still retained that luxury charm and still attracts an elite crowd of diners looking for that ‘something’ special.
Below you will find details of what we consider to be the best restaurants on the Golden Mile Marbella.
This famous Italian brand which originated in Venice as Harry’s Bar before opening in Miami and London, has now arrived on the Marbella fine dining scene under the name of Cipriani and is located at the Puente Romano Hotel & Resort.
The restaurant and cocktail bar has always been world famous for it exceptionally dressed waiting staff who turn out in white dinner suits and bow ties.
There are some classics from the Harry’s Bar menu and a mix of local and Italian cuisine, and of course don’t forget to they their famous cocktail invention of the peach Bellini made with peach juice and Prosecco.
NOBU is one of the most well known fine dining restaurants in the world and was first created by the internationally acclaimed chef Nobu Matsuhisa. His amazing vission was to create a fusion of Japanese cuisine combined with Peruvian ingredients in a concept that has become known as ‘Japaruvian’.
Now an international brand, NOBU Marbella is an experience you will never forget. Their world famous Miso Cod was as good as you could hope for. The setting is stylish and it feels like you are part of something very special.
It is located within the five star Puente Romano hotel and is highly recommended and definitely one of the best restaurants in Marbella.
The Sea Grill is a super stylish restaurant is located within the grounds of the five star Puente Romano Hotel right next to the beach and overlooking the sea and the swimming pool.
It has become a firm favourite for many diners who return year after year to sample the fresh fish and seafood and succulent steaks in a five star setting.
There is no shortage of items to choose from on the menu and they have a superb wine list to accompany the food.
As lovers of fresh fish and seafood we do consider this as one of the best restaurant experiences in Marbella.
Sukhothai is a very well established and popular Thai restaurant that is located on the far end of the Golden Mile. It is a firm favourite with both regulars who go back year after year, as well as to a new set of diners who appreciate great food in a nice setting.
It is one of few Asian restaurants that are part of the group that own Thai Gallery and The New Tai Pan. As you would expect from a group that specialises in Asian cuisine, it offers mouth-watering Thai dishes in a smart yet laid back atmosphere.
If you like Thai food then we can certainly recommend Sukhothai for consistently good food and service.
For many years a must visit restaurant / tapas bar in Malaga has been the iconic El Pimpi. With its famous branding it is instantly recognisable and attracts thousands of smart and casual diners every year. Antonio Banderas is now a shareholder of the business and with his help, El Pimpi has been brought to another iconic venue, the Puente Romano.
El Pimpi has a 50-year history and Marbella is now delighted to welcome such an iconic brand. With a slightly different, and more upmarket menu, it is still a gastronomic experience based on traditional Málaga and Andalusian cuisine, where fresh, seasonal, local produce takes centre stage.
If you love food, love culture and love a great venue, then El Pimpi Marbella brings it all together in one perfect restaurant.
A good few years ago we booked a table in the Puente Romano in a restaurant called Uni. It was a Japeruvian fusion style restaurant with some incredible dishes. It was most definitely one of our favourite meal experiences with flavours that were a delight to our palates. We were gutted when Uni moved away from Marbella. Although they have always had another branch in London’s upmarket Belgravia, it was no consolation to us.
Roll on a number of years later and we are excited to learn that Uni has returned to Marbella and the Puente Romano! It is now set within their gardens and we cannot wait to enjoy those magnificent flavours again. It is a very similar concept to NOBU and in our opinion, equally as good.
COYA Marbella is another fairly new addition to the Marbella dining scene. With other branches already established in some of the most prestigious settings across the world including Mayfair, St Tropez, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai, the Puente Romano was the obvious choice for their Marbella branch. The restaurant is an eclectic mix of Peruvian, Asian and Spanish falvours that somehow blend together to offer an amazing taste sensory experience never to forget.
COYA Marbella is an ideal choice for something a bit different and they also have another venue in the grounds called COYA Club which combines dinner and dancing!
With more and more people suffering from food allergies or food intolerances, especially wheat or dairy allergies, it can be quite daunting trying to find somewhere to enjoy a tasty pastry, a sandwich or general dining without the fear that it will affect your digestion, or worse.
We are pleased to say that there is an upmarket eatery that addresses the issue of gluten and dairy. Whether you have an intolerance or are looking to reduce your wheat or dairy intake, Celicioso at the Puente Romano Resort is the place for you. It is entirely gluten and dairy free.
Now you can dine in style without FOMO!
Another fabulous eatery located within the grounds of the Puente Romano Resort is GAIA.
It is a stunning restaurant curated by chefs Izu Ani and Orestis Kotefas to bring diners a combination of Greek and Mediterranean dishes that literally make your mouth water. There are some incredible items on the menu where ingredients, presentation and taste are at the forefront of every dish that leaves the pass.
If you are a fish or seafood lover, you will be delighted to see their ‘fish market’ where they display and amazing array of fresh fish and seafood.
Open daily until late, this is much more that just a restaurant, it is an experience!
Leña at the Puente Romano Hotel is one of their gems. Malaga born Michelin star chef Dani Garcia has become a household name in Marbella with multiple restaurants, becoming quite a personality for the town. His talent has also taken him to Dubai where he has opened a version of Leña there too.
So what is Leña? Quite simply it is an upmarket, award winning restaurant specialising primarily in meat cooked over an open fire grill. The interiors have been carefully designed to accompany the cooking style with lots of stone and wood.
Dani Garcia has bought his years of cooking experience and combined it with his travels around the world, to produce an outstanding eatery that uses the very best ingredients and produce. If you are a meat lover, and like it cooked in a natural and authentic way full of flavour, then this is a must try.
Tai Pan is an outstanding Chinese restaurant located in the phase 2 section of the Puente Romano hotel. It has been within the resort for many years and has become a firm favourite to many regular diners who love their Chinese food in a beautiful setting. In the summer there are some tables outside overlooking the gardens.
This is more than simple Chinese food, it is Chinese food that is carefully created to provide the optimum flavour and presentation. You will find all of your favourite classic Chinese dishes sitting alongside some specially created dishes to suit the beautiful setting.
From noodles to dim sum, from crispy beef to fresh lobster, there is something to suit every diner at Tai Pan!
There are a few Lebanese restaurants in Marbella but when it comes to style and sophistication in a spectacular setting, they don’t come much better than Les Jardins du Liban at the Puente Romano Resort. Right in the heart of the resort, this is a spectacular setting where you can enjoy flavours from the Middle East, just as if you were really sitting there.
From authentic mezze sharing platters to grilled meats and kebabs and don’t forget to leave some room for their famous Mohalabieh cream pudding.
