Marbella Restaurants: Local Expert Picks for 2025

Marbella’s restaurants span 27 kilometers of Costa del Sol coastline and provide a remarkable dining experience few destinations can match. The city’s culinary scene includes everything from cozy family-run spots to Leña, which earned the title of world’s most beautiful restaurant in 2021.

Marbella’s finest establishments serve an impressive range of cuisines. Mediterranean, Japanese, Italian, and French flavors create a diverse food landscape. Food enthusiasts can enjoy a €135 omakase experience at the exclusive 14-seat Kemuri Dani Garcia. Wine lovers will appreciate Lobito del Mar’s extensive collection of 450 varieties. The vibrant themed dinner shows at Mamzel add entertainment to the mix. This piece highlights the perfect dining spots in Marbella for 2025, from Michelin-starred excellence to authentic local flavors.

Michelin-Star Dining in Marbella 2025

Marbella’s fine dining scene shines brightly in 2025 with its impressive collection of Michelin-starred restaurants. The city takes pride in four exceptional establishments that have earned this prestigious recognition.

New Michelin-starred restaurants for 2025

Back restaurant stands out as the most exciting addition to Marbella’s culinary landscape. Chef David Olivas from Úbeda earned his first Michelin star by creating a modern bistro-style venue. His mastery blends traditional Andalusian flavors with contemporary techniques. The restaurant’s wine experience reaches new heights through its partnership with Ronda’s renowned sommelier Fabián Villar.

Signature dishes and tasting menus

These starred venues offer unique culinary experiences:

Restaurant	Stars	Signature Experience
Skina	⭐⭐	Traditional Andalusian with innovative techniques
Back	⭐	Roasted duck breast smoked over apple wood
Messina	⭐	Creative Mediterranean fusion
Nintai	⭐	Japanese-Mediterranean fusion

Back’s menu has two distinct sections: “Our Classics” and “What is changing,” complemented by their remarkable “Entorno” tasting menu. Skina provides an intimate dining setting where Chef Juan Ángel Rodríguez’s unique tasting menu showcases local ingredients beautifully.

Tips for securing reservations at top venues

These exceptional dining spots require some planning:

• Make reservations 2-3 months ahead, especially for weekend dining
• Tasting menu prices range from €80 to €200 per person
• Lunch bookings often have better availability
• Let the restaurant know about dietary restrictions during booking

Food enthusiasts should also check out the remarkable restaurants in nearby Estepona or pair their meal with some of the best activities in Estepona.

Hidden Gems in Old Town Marbella

Old Town Marbella’s authentic dining spots go well beyond its Michelin-starred restaurants. These places truly capture what Andalusian cuisine is all about.

Family-run traditional restaurants

Restaurante Taberna Gaspar exemplifies family-run excellence in Marbella. This welcoming tavern excels at simple yet delicious meat and seafood dishes paired with southern Spanish wines. The staff’s warm hospitality makes each meal feel like a family celebration. Their paella and anchovies with lemon have built quite a following among locals.

Best tapas bars and local favorites

Taberna La Niña del Pisto sits in Old Town’s heart and offers an intimate tapas experience in a traditional setting. This oldest tapas bar in Marbella serves authentic dishes in three portion sizes from its location down a narrow street. The place showcases beautiful Córdoba-style decor that adds to its charm.

Here are some must-try local favorites:

• Salmorejo (cold tomato-based soup)
• Boquerones (fried anchovies)
• Traditional croquetas
• Fresh calamaris

Secret courtyards and romantic settings

Old Town Marbella’s enchanting dining venues hide several intimate courtyards. Cascada creates a magical escape with its tropical garden setting and surrounding waterfall. Casa Tua Marbella’s charming outdoor terrace seats 30 guests and makes an ideal spot for a romantic dinner under the stars.

These venues offer exceptional romantic experiences:

Restaurant	Setting	Special Feature
Casanis Bistrot	Mediterranean bistro	French-Belgian fusion
Zozoï	Plaza Altamirano	Andalusian courtyard
Skina	Intimate setting	Al fresco dining

You might want to combine your dining adventure with a day trip to best activities in Estepona or explore Estepona’s finest restaurants.

Luxury Dining at Puente Romano

Puente Romano Beach Resort sits along Marbella’s golden coastline with more than 20 restaurants and bars. This food lover’s paradise serves everything from creative fusion dishes to classic Mediterranean cuisine.

Celebrity chef restaurants

Nobu Marbella showcases chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s culinary excellence under Eleni Manousou, the world’s first female Nobu Executive Chef. Leña brings Dani García’s fresh take on steakhouse dining to life in its award-winning wood and stone setting.

The resort’s signature venues include:

Restaurant	Chef	Cuisine Style
Nobu	Eleni Manousou	Japanese-Peruvian fusion
Leña	Dani García	Modern steakhouse
COYA	Sanjay Dwivedi	Peruvian-Asian fusion
GAIA	Izu Ani	Greek-Mediterranean

Beachfront dining experiences

Sea Grill serves as your food destination with stunning Mediterranean views. You can start your day with an amazing breakfast and enjoy market-fresh seafood for lunch or dinner.

Chiringuito gives you a relaxed beachfront setting where you can enjoy:

• Lemon ricotta pancakes for breakfast
• Lobster salads for lunch
• Wagyu burgers with ocean views
• Sunset DJ sessions

Exclusive wine cellars and pairings

Talented sommelier Carlos Ceballos manages Sea Grill’s wine program, which has earned praise for its exceptional collection. Wine lovers will appreciate carefully selected pairings from top Spanish vineyards like Telmo Rodríguez and Martín Códax.

The resort’s kitchen gets ingredients from its own local market garden, just steps away. Local fishermen provide fresh seafood, while regional farmers supply naturally raised meat. Artisan producers contribute olive oil, cheese, and honey.

Your dining experience pairs well with activities in nearby Estepona. You might also want to check out Estepona’s finest restaurants.

Sustainable Restaurant Pioneers

The dining scene in Marbella has evolved with growing environmental awareness. Local restaurants now do more than serve great food – they lead the way in eco-friendly dining that delights both your taste buds and your conscience.

Farm-to-table restaurants

The Farm leads Marbella’s sustainable dining movement. The restaurant serves dishes made with ingredients sourced at “km 0“. You can savor organic meals in a space filled with vibrant plants and colors.

Cascada takes farm-to-table dining to another level with a fresh approach. The restaurant owns and cultivates land in Marbella and Istan to ensure the freshest ingredients. Chefs Jacques and Mathieu Lagarde bring their expertise to create dishes that highlight local flavors.

Restaurant	Sustainable Features	Specialty
The Farm	Km 0 ingredients	Organic cuisine
Cascada	Own farming plots	Creative techniques
Rachel’s Eco Love	Handmade products	Health-focused menu

Ocean-friendly seafood venues

Restaurants along the Costa del Sol show their dedication to ocean-friendly practices. Local spots use traditional fishing methods that protect marine ecosystems. Fishermen catch tuna using ancient “almadrabas” techniques that minimize environmental impact.

Key sustainable seafood initiatives include:

• Traditional trap fishing methods
• Local catch sourcing
• Seasonal menu adaptations
• Support for small-scale fisheries

Zero-waste dining initiatives

BREATHE restaurant shows zero-waste philosophy in action. They use an innovative ground-source system for energy efficiency. The team grows their own fruits and vegetables, which marks just the start of their eco-friendly trip.

Cascada’s chefs take pride in using every part of an ingredient creatively. They turn vegetable leftovers into appetizers and aged wine into sauces or vinegar.

Rachel’s Eco Love, near Puente Romano, blends healthy and sustainable dining perfectly. Each dish comes handmade from scratch with the finest fresh ingredients, while staying true to environmental responsibility.

You might want to check out activities in Estepona or learn more about Estepona’s restaurants before visiting these eco-conscious spots.

Puerto Banus Restaurant Scene

Puerto Banús sits on Costa del Sol with an impressive array of dining spots that match its superyacht-filled marina and luxury atmosphere. This prestigious harbor has evolved into a food lover’s paradise where exceptional cuisine meets stunning Mediterranean views.

Waterfront dining hotspots

El Gaucho de Banús dominates the main waterfront promenade as evidence of Argentine cuisine’s excellence. The row of supercars parked outside adds to its appeal. PiCú celebrates Southern Spain’s culinary heritage through signature seafood sharing plates served on their seafront terrace.

The waterfront restaurants showcase:

• Outdoor terraces with perfect seaside ambience
• Views of luxury yachts in the harbor
• Premium Mediterranean and international cuisine
• Stylish settings paired with upscale service

Best sunset dinner locations

Puerto Banús turns magical as the sun sets, creating perfect dinner settings. Lalala Brasserie sits in the port’s heart and gives diners panoramic views of the harbor and Mediterranean Sea.

Restaurant	Special Features	Dining Experience
Breathe	Three unique concepts	Open till 1:30 AM
Los Bandidos	French cuisine	Four decades of excellence
La Sala by the Sea	Live entertainment	DJs and saxophonists
Mistral Beach	Beachfront setting	Water sports available

Late-night dining options

Puerto Banús buzzes after dark with restaurants serving late into the night. OCCO Marbella, a Lebanese restaurant and after-dinner club, welcomes guests in its sleek, modern space until 1 AM, staying open later on weekends.

Night owls will find plenty of venues serving:

• Mediterranean seafood specialties
• International steakhouses
• Italian pizzerias and pasta
• Asian fusion cuisine

Want to explore more of Costa del Sol’s food scene? Check out Estepona’s finest restaurants or pair your meal with some of the best activities in Estepona.

Popular sunset spots fill up fast during peak season, so book ahead. Ask for a terrace table to catch the spectacular Mediterranean views that make Puerto Banús dining special.

Conclusion

Marbella reigns as Spain’s top food destination that delights every palate and budget. You can savor Michelin-starred cuisine at Back restaurant, discover hidden gems in Old Town’s winding streets, or enjoy environmentally responsible dining at The Farm. This coastal paradise creates unforgettable culinary moments.

The city’s restaurants take pride in their quality standards. Their dedication shows through Puente Romano’s exceptional venues and Puerto Banús’ waterfront spots. Local chefs masterfully combine Spanish flavors with modern techniques, while eco-conscious pioneers embrace green dining practices.

Your perfect Marbella meal awaits just minutes from Estepona’s exciting activities and remarkable restaurants. Book early for popular venues, especially during peak season. These restaurants craft memories that stay with you long after your Costa del Sol journey ends.