Marbella’s dining scene is no longer a side attraction to its beaches and boutiques. In recent years, the town has confidently established itself as a serious destination for foodie fans. And not just in summer. Marbella’s evolution into a year-round home for discerning residents and global investors has seen a parallel rise in ambitious, high-quality gastronomy, from intimate omakase counters to sun-drenched rooftops and legendary resort dining.
For those arriving on holiday, however, it can be hard to know where to begin. That’s where our guide comes in: a curated edit of the most consistently exceptional dining experiences currently available in and around Marbella. We’ve included the spots all dedicated culinary enthusiasts should visit when they holiday in the town and as locals ourselves, we can assure our guests Marbella is worth the trip for the cuisine alone.
Michelin stars, redefined
Skina, Marbella
A two-Michelin-starred restaurant now located in a stunning 19th-century farmhouse on the Golden Mile. Chef Marcos Granda’s precision-led Andalucian tasting menu is refined, imaginative and rooted in local tradition. The addition of a private dining space and champagne bar only adds to the occasion.
www.restauranteskina.com
Nintai, Marbella
Also from Marcos Granda, this 12-seat Japanese omakase is revered by those in the know. The intimacy of the experience, the purity of ingredients and the razor-sharp technique make it one of the most exacting dining rooms in Spain.
www.restaurantenintai.com
Messina, Marbella
Just steps from the seafront, Messina is a long-time Michelin-star-holding restaurant that blends contemporary Mediterranean flavours with flair. Sit at the Chef’s Table for front-row views of Mauricio Giovanini in action.
www.restaurantemessina.com
Back, Marbella
Energetic, progressive and unmistakably Andalucian, Back brings a touch of urban energy to Marbella’s fine dining landscape. Its Michelin star is derived from a dedication to surprising diners with contemporary viewpoints on classic dishes.
www.backrestaurante.com
Not to be missed!
Kava, Marbella
With only five tables and a hyper-seasonal menu, Kava has built a loyal following for its originality, clarity and confidence. From house-fermented miso to hand-reared Iberian pork, the dedication is evident. And yes, the cheesecake was crowned the best in Spain for a reason.
www.kavamarbella.com
Areia, Marbella
Close to the Golden Mile, Areia’s serene interiors and measured service reflect a kitchen that prizes flavour and finesse. Expect elegant Mediterranean dishes with understated precision, and a wine list that has been carefully curated.
www.areia-marbella.com
Candeal, Marbella
Tucked into the Old Town, Candeal offers modern Andalucian cooking with genuine depth. Chef Pablo Rebollo’s respect for tradition is evident, but there’s an effortless modernity to everything on the plate.
www.restaurantecandeal.com
Casa Eladio, Marbella
Now run by the third generation, Casa Eladio has evolved into a sophisticated Mediterranean kitchen, blending heritage and new techniques without pretence. The vibe is local, the food quietly confident.
www.restaurantecasaeladio.com
TA KUMI, Marbella
Japanese cuisine with discipline and consistency, TA KUMI is polished and poised. Less formal than Nintai but no less serious about the quality of its ingredients and craft.
www.restaurantetakumi.com
Edge by Paco Pérez, El Fuerte Hotel
New for summer 2025, Edge is a rooftop dining experience of rare finesse. Overseen by five-Michelin-starred Paco Pérez, the menu blends Mediterranean ingredients with global inflections, all against panoramic sea views.
www.elfuertemarbella.com
Escondido, Kimpton Los Monteros Marbella
Escondido brings Baja-inspired cooking to a Mediterranean rooftop, with a menu shaped by Michelin-starred chef José Carlos García. Expect wood-fired seafood, reinvented tacos and smoky guacamoles, all delivered with polish. The setting is stylish but unforced, with stunning panoramic views, a confident cocktail list and a pace that suits the evening.
www.kimptonlosmonterosmarbella.com
Golden Mile’s gastronomic heart
No guide to Marbella’s finest would be complete without the two historic resorts of the Golden Mile: the Marbella Club Hotel and the Puente Romano Hotel and Resort. Each brings a wide range of tastes and experiences, with a selection of eateries that go from brunch to dinner and beyond.
The Marbella Club Hotel
A destination for the global jet-set since the 1950s, the Marbella Club offers a range of dining locations, from refined grill classics at The Grill, to the barefoot elegance of MC Beach and the grown-up sophistication of El Patio.
www.marbellaclub.com
Puente Romano Beach Resort
With over a dozen high-calibre restaurants, Puente Romano remains Marbella’s epicurean playground. From Nobu Marbella and the wood-fired brilliance of local culinary hero Dani Garcia’s Leña, to Sea Grill, GAIA, and the brand-new PurOsushi and COYA Pool, every preference is catered for. This is where you’ll find the full spectrum, all within a few elegant footsteps.
www.puenteromano.com
Marbella’s culinary scene is no longer a footnote, it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you’re staying for the season or just a few nights, these restaurants – and many others we don’t have space to mention here – represent Marbella’s growing confidence as a town that has moved beyond its summer seaside resort image and is ready to take on the identity of a global centre of sophistication and culture.
Plan your stay with RAM
If you want to make the most of your holiday in Marbella without spending hours researching restaurants, trust the team at Rental Apartments Marbella (RAM). Our portfolio of handpicked, high-quality holiday rentals puts you close to the best of everything, from beaches to shopping and of course, these outstanding dining destinations.
Let us help you plan a Marbella experience that reflects your taste for the exceptional. Book your stay with RAM and start discovering Marbella like a local.
Note: Reservations are strongly recommended for all of the above, especially during peak periods.
