8 handpicked restaurants in the Marbella area by our staff
Eating out in Marbella is no small feat for any gourmand—its culinary offerings are as vast as they are enticing. We’ve tapped into our team of connoisseurs to curate the ultimate list, validated by true aficionados of the finer things in life. And yes, we’ve slipped in a few local secrets that only insiders know. Jot this down and get ready to discover Marbella’s best-kept tables.
1. Leña
It’s a true icon, and that’s why we insist. No one stepping onto Marbella’s Golden Mile should miss this experience—a chance to savour the finest grilled meats in a setting that feels like a luxurious cave. By the way, Leña was named the world’s most beautiful restaurant at the 2021 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards. Plus, it carries the hallmark quality of 3-Michelin-star chef Dani García, reflected in both its ambience and dishes.
“I love that it’s in Puente Romano. The service is excellent, and this is probably where you’ll find the best meat in town at a fair price. The wine selection is amazing, and the foie gras is my absolute favourite.”
—Loredana Gorghiu, Head of Sales at Norma Franck
2. La Milla
This beach bar defies all stereotypes with its cuisine. Of course, it boasts the best views of the Mediterranean. Just steps from Puente Romano, La Milla offers modern dishes made with handpicked, 100% Andalusian seasonal products, especially from Cádiz, Tarifa, Málaga, Granada, and Almería. Chef Luis Miguel Menor’s great talent lies in transforming these ingredients into creative dishes while preserving their essence. All can be paired with a selection of over 800 national and international wines, champagnes from small growers, and a broad range of classic cocktails and original creations.
“The location is perfect: right on the beach by Puente Romano. The smoked eel salad is spectacular, but the Iberian rice is out of this world.”
—Paula Sanz Bartolomesanz, Social Media Manager
3. La Marisquería Casa Curro
A new addition to Marbella’s old town, La Marisquería Casa Curro has quickly become a favourite among seafood lovers. This spot invites you to enjoy the finest seafood, sourced from Galicia to Huelva and Cádiz, right at the bar. The menu, featuring a distinctly Andalusian flair with a contemporary twist, highlights seafood dishes like Lemon Sponge Cake with White Malaga’s Prawns and Galician Open Clams with Garlic and Our Manzanilla from Sanlúcar.
“I highly recommend this new opening in the city centre. It’s a fantastic concept, offering high-quality seafood in a fish market-style setting.”
—Carlos Rodríguez Diez, Head of Developement at Odette
4. Genji
Asian cuisine lovers also have their go-to spot on the Costa del Sol. Tucked away in the heart of Marbella, Genji is so minimalist and tiny that it could easily go unnoticed. But those who find it, never forget it. Here, authentic Japanese cuisine is distilled into a short yet essential menu.
“It’s the only Japanese restaurant in Marbella that makes me feel like I’m back in Tokyo (one of my favourite places in the world). It’s small, and cosy, with a true minimalist Japanese vibe. The mochis are the closest thing to traditional ones you’ll find. No matter which dish you choose, everything is a 10/10.”
—José Velilla, Marketing Coordinator at Norma Franck
5. Alcuzcuz Gallery
Here, a blend of an Andalusian cortijo and a 19th-century English country house was home to the renowned Basque decorator Jaime Parladé for over 30 years. After his passing in 2015, it was transformed into a boutique hotel and restaurant. Parladé was the go-to interior designer for Spanish aristocracy and the international jet set during Marbella’s golden era. Today, his spirit remains alive in the decor of Alcuzcuz, inviting you to dine in lush gardens with stunning sea views or surrounded by antiques you’ll wish you could take home as dessert. The menu is Andalusian/Mediterranean with strong Moroccan influences.
“This restaurant was a true find for me. It’s on the way to Ronda, in Benahavís. It offers incredible panoramic views and is set in a traditional building styled by the renowned interior designer Jaime Parladé.”
—Ruth Escolano, Property Advisor at Norma Franck
6. Alba by Serafina
An expansive terrace, an attentive team, a menu where every dish is crafted with precision, and a sophisticated wine list—that’s what Alba By Serafina is all about. This Italian restaurant, tucked away in Las Lomas del Marbella Club, across from Puente Romano, is a hidden spot well worth the visit. The menu features pizzas, pasta, meats, antipasti, and desserts that are perfect for treating yourself.
“It’s an ideal spot to savour authentic Italian pasta in a warm ambience. My favourite dish is Tagliolini with prawns and zucchini.”
—Pier Tommaso Chiricco, Marketing Director at Norma Franck
