Marbella Restaurants
Discussion
Don’t dine in Marbella too often as it’s a bit touristy for the most part. I live on the San Pedro side, which is more Spanish residential and therefore a bit less open your wallet and bend over. Here are a few of our favourites in the general area…
Marabieta, San Pedro beach… casual, sea food, lots of paella variations, decent prices
Alabadero, San Pedro beach… as above, bit smarter and pricier, service can be patchy if it’s busy, but food and location very good.
Origen, Marbella… Argentinian asador, fabulous steaks, sides, wine list, service, can be expensive if you go for the speciality steaks, but a great night out.
Andala, Marbella… interesting tapas
Alfredo’s, San Pedro… proper Spanish family place. Simple food, cheap as chips, always packed with Spanish. Great lamb chops. Super friendly service.
La Sala, Banus… do a great English Sunday lunch. Not massively expensive if you stick to house wine. Good service. Good atmosphere… obviously NOT Spanish, and you do see some sights, but it’s good fun now and again!
D’Gusto, San Pedro… new place, smart inside, Spanish family owned. Traditional spanish lamb/pork dishes (lamb shoulder is amazing), dry aged steaks, interesting starters, good wine list, not expensive. Always packed with Spanish families.
Marabieta, San Pedro beach… casual, sea food, lots of paella variations, decent prices
Alabadero, San Pedro beach… as above, bit smarter and pricier, service can be patchy if it’s busy, but food and location very good.
Origen, Marbella… Argentinian asador, fabulous steaks, sides, wine list, service, can be expensive if you go for the speciality steaks, but a great night out.
Andala, Marbella… interesting tapas
Alfredo’s, San Pedro… proper Spanish family place. Simple food, cheap as chips, always packed with Spanish. Great lamb chops. Super friendly service.
La Sala, Banus… do a great English Sunday lunch. Not massively expensive if you stick to house wine. Good service. Good atmosphere… obviously NOT Spanish, and you do see some sights, but it’s good fun now and again!
D’Gusto, San Pedro… new place, smart inside, Spanish family owned. Traditional spanish lamb/pork dishes (lamb shoulder is amazing), dry aged steaks, interesting starters, good wine list, not expensive. Always packed with Spanish families.
I have not been since it was refurbished but
https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g1874...
Seems to tick your boxes, Michelin recommended and does Paella.
I live in Estepona and so if you fancy a drive out, I would recommend
Tarantella - essentially Italian but brilliant service and well managed - https://ristorantelatarantella.com
Alma de Miguel - smart and comfortable and ticks both your boxes. https://www.almademiguel.com
El Pescador - seafront restaurant, good quality. We had the Paella there last Wednesday, while the base was perfect, 4-clams, 4-prawns, 2-Langoustines and some white fish, do not fully hit the mark
https://www.elpescadorestepona.com/
https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g1874...
Seems to tick your boxes, Michelin recommended and does Paella.
I live in Estepona and so if you fancy a drive out, I would recommend
Tarantella - essentially Italian but brilliant service and well managed - https://ristorantelatarantella.com
Alma de Miguel - smart and comfortable and ticks both your boxes. https://www.almademiguel.com
El Pescador - seafront restaurant, good quality. We had the Paella there last Wednesday, while the base was perfect, 4-clams, 4-prawns, 2-Langoustines and some white fish, do not fully hit the mark
https://www.elpescadorestepona.com/
If you want a Spanish, family run traditional place to eat then Gaspar is by far the best in Marbella.
A small hand written menu of the best produce available in the market that day.
https://www.tabernagaspar.es/sean-bienvenidos-a-nu...
A small hand written menu of the best produce available in the market that day.
https://www.tabernagaspar.es/sean-bienvenidos-a-nu...
We visit La Cala regularly as have a place there, it's about 20 mins from Marbella along the coast (on Malaga side). It's a clean and relaxed little town and great for eating out, the main boulevard is quite wide and tree lined so nice to sit at restaurants along there in the evening and not feel as hectic as some of the busier places like Fuengirola or Malaga itself.
There are a couple of really good restaurants there - El Gusto and Konfusion would be our two favourites. El Gusto is more geared towards plain but tasty food, Konfusion have a bit of artistic flair so the food is always interesting and presented well but also tastes amazing.
http://www.elgustolacala.dotnetcloud.co.uk/Dinner
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/335169...
There are a couple of really good restaurants there - El Gusto and Konfusion would be our two favourites. El Gusto is more geared towards plain but tasty food, Konfusion have a bit of artistic flair so the food is always interesting and presented well but also tastes amazing.
http://www.elgustolacala.dotnetcloud.co.uk/Dinner
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/335169...
Regarding paella.
Originally, paella is a Valencian dish, and is a combination of some of rabbit/chicken/pork/beans/artichokes. It’s primarily a dryish rice dish, takes 40-60 minutes to cook properly, and should have a semi burnt layer of rice on the bottom of the pan (the socorrat).
Most restaurants round here serve a thick, wet layer of rice with loads of different seafood. There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but it’s not paella.
When you’re looking at restaurants, look for the ones that have big paella pans… even for 2 people, the pan should be 24” or so as the rice layer needs to be thin to get the crispy layer on the bottom.
Anywhere serving ‘paella’ in a 12” pan will be s
t.
Originally, paella is a Valencian dish, and is a combination of some of rabbit/chicken/pork/beans/artichokes. It’s primarily a dryish rice dish, takes 40-60 minutes to cook properly, and should have a semi burnt layer of rice on the bottom of the pan (the socorrat).
Most restaurants round here serve a thick, wet layer of rice with loads of different seafood. There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but it’s not paella.
When you’re looking at restaurants, look for the ones that have big paella pans… even for 2 people, the pan should be 24” or so as the rice layer needs to be thin to get the crispy layer on the bottom.
Anywhere serving ‘paella’ in a 12” pan will be s
t. Chris Stott said:
Regarding paella.
Originally, paella is a Valencian dish, and is a combination of some of rabbit/chicken/pork/beans/artichokes. It’s primarily a dryish rice dish, takes 40-60 minutes to cook properly, and should have a semi burnt layer of rice on the bottom of the pan (the socorrat).
Most restaurants round here serve a thick, wet layer of rice with loads of different seafood. There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but it’s not paella.
When you’re looking at restaurants, look for the ones that have big paella pans… even for 2 people, the pan should be 24” or so as the rice layer needs to be thin to get the crispy layer on the bottom.
Anywhere serving ‘paella’ in a 12” pan will be st.
Originally, paella is a Valencian dish, and is a combination of some of rabbit/chicken/pork/beans/artichokes. It’s primarily a dryish rice dish, takes 40-60 minutes to cook properly, and should have a semi burnt layer of rice on the bottom of the pan (the socorrat).
Most restaurants round here serve a thick, wet layer of rice with loads of different seafood. There’s nothing wrong with that per se, but it’s not paella.
When you’re looking at restaurants, look for the ones that have big paella pans… even for 2 people, the pan should be 24” or so as the rice layer needs to be thin to get the crispy layer on the bottom.
Anywhere serving ‘paella’ in a 12” pan will be s
t. Yes a wet paella is gross imo and not accurate. The crust is essential component, yes good point re big pans. Been burned with sloppy paella a few times!
carguy45 said:
We visit La Cala regularly as have a place there, it's about 20 mins from Marbella along the coast (on Malaga side). It's a clean and relaxed little town and great for eating out, the main boulevard is quite wide and tree lined so nice to sit at restaurants along there in the evening and not feel as hectic as some of the busier places like Fuengirola or Malaga itself.
There are a couple of really good restaurants there - El Gusto and Konfusion would be our two favourites. El Gusto is more geared towards plain but tasty food, Konfusion have a bit of artistic flair so the food is always interesting and presented well but also tastes amazing.
http://www.elgustolacala.dotnetcloud.co.uk/Dinner
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/335169...
One place i would recommend at the other end of La Cala beach is La Gamba, its run by some good friends on mine but the reviews speak for themselves. A mix of traditional tapas, some english stuff and then a few more crazy creations!There are a couple of really good restaurants there - El Gusto and Konfusion would be our two favourites. El Gusto is more geared towards plain but tasty food, Konfusion have a bit of artistic flair so the food is always interesting and presented well but also tastes amazing.
http://www.elgustolacala.dotnetcloud.co.uk/Dinner
https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/335169...
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g5...
blue_haddock said:
One place i would recommend at the other end of La Cala beach is La Gamba, its run by some good friends on mine but the reviews speak for themselves. A mix of traditional tapas, some english stuff and then a few more crazy creations!
https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g5...
I've seen that place but never tried it, we will be out later this year so will give it a twirl.https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Restaurant_Review-g5...
Chris Stott said:
La Sala, Banus… do a great English Sunday lunch. Not massively expensive if you stick to house wine. Good service. Good atmosphere… obviously NOT Spanish, and you do see some sights, but it’s good fun now and again!
Took a look at their menus. Breakfast seems not badly priced for the area and other food in line with what you’d expect, but the drinks menu is set up to rinse you! Over 9 a pint? Overpriced wines with no vintages or producers in most cases. Ask for prices on Vega Sicilia - what do they do? Set a price based on how much bling you’re wearing? Ambitious pricing on the copas and cocktails (with crap ingredients). As you say sticking to the house wine seems sensible. Is it drinkable?eyebeebe said:
Took a look at their menus. Breakfast seems not badly priced for the area and other food in line with what you’d expect, but the drinks menu is set up to rinse you! Over 9 a pint? Overpriced wines with no vintages or producers in most cases. Ask for prices on Vega Sicilia - what do they do? Set a price based on how much bling you’re wearing? Ambitious pricing on the copas and cocktails (with crap ingredients). As you say sticking to the house wine seems sensible. Is it drinkable?
The white is very drinkable… we go mainly for lunch in the summer, so white is the drink. I would think the Vega is ask for price as they don’t carry a lot of stock, so depends what their last buy price was. It’s silly expensive wherever you buy it. I prefer Tondonia anyway.
If you want to see expensive look at Breath and Air (across the road). Breath is fabulous inside, with really good food and 1st class service, but it’s €100 a head without trying. Air has something like a €100/head minimum.
It’s Banus… and why I only recommended la Sala for Sunday lunch every now and again.
rdjohn said:
I have not been since it was refurbished but
https://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g1874...
Seems to tick your boxes, Michelin recommended and does Paella.
I live in Estepona and so if you fancy a drive out, I would recommend
Tarantella - essentially Italian but brilliant service and well managed - https://ristorantelatarantella.com
Alma de Miguel - smart and comfortable and ticks both your boxes. https://www.almademiguel.com
El Pescador - seafront restaurant, good quality. We had the Paella there last Wednesday, while the base was perfect, 4-clams, 4-prawns, 2-Langoustines and some white fish, do not fully hit the mark
https://www.elpescadorestepona.com/
thanks la milla looks great exactly kind of thing looking for! will report back, assuhttps://www.tripadvisor.es/Restaurant_Review-g1874...
Seems to tick your boxes, Michelin recommended and does Paella.
I live in Estepona and so if you fancy a drive out, I would recommend
Tarantella - essentially Italian but brilliant service and well managed - https://ristorantelatarantella.com
Alma de Miguel - smart and comfortable and ticks both your boxes. https://www.almademiguel.com
El Pescador - seafront restaurant, good quality. We had the Paella there last Wednesday, while the base was perfect, 4-clams, 4-prawns, 2-Langoustines and some white fish, do not fully hit the mark
https://www.elpescadorestepona.com/
you dont go before i do not until may!i think villa is in estepona actually so will have a goose at those too.!
thanks to others as well for the suggestions, will have a look when more time!
PH delivers as ever!
now anyone recommend good day clubs that arent too chavvy, cater for couples, and wont be fill of orange people...puts tin hat on!
theplayingmantis said:
thanks la milla looks great exactly kind of thing looking for! will report back, assuming you dont go before i do not until may!
i think villa is in estepona actually so will have a goose at those too.!
thanks to others as well for the suggestions, will have a look when more time!
PH delivers as ever!
now anyone recommend good day clubs that arent too chavvy, cater for couples, and wont be fill of orange people...puts tin hat on!
Have you read the reviews of La Mila? Marabierta in San Pedro will be half the price and probably be better food. If you want to pay €25 for pil pil you may as well go to Puente Romano chiringuito. i think villa is in estepona actually so will have a goose at those too.!
thanks to others as well for the suggestions, will have a look when more time!
PH delivers as ever!
now anyone recommend good day clubs that arent too chavvy, cater for couples, and wont be fill of orange people...puts tin hat on!
Beach club… La Sala by the sea. The beach side, not the pool side. Or the one one next to it (I don’t remember the name)… these are loungers on the beach with waiter service for drinks and snacks.
All the pool based beach clubs are the same… massively over priced and full of wannabes taking selfies for insta. Hateful places.
Are we not losing sight of the fact that we are discussing tourist focussed restaurants here.
We have just visited La Simonita in Estepona with our Belgium neighbours today, Andalusia Day in the pouring rain. We were the only non-Spanish, in a full restaurant with perhaps 60 covers. We shared a plate of clams in creamy garlic, Langoustines in a fabulous rich sauce, steamed prawns and a 1.6kg Red Snapper cooked in Garlic and Chilly, a couple of bottles of wine plus aperitifs for about €100 per couple.
This place will never be Michelin recommended, but if you want great local food to share it is very hard to beat. It is 24ct Spanish Mediterranean food at its best - bland generic international food in surroundings that ticks all the boxes, it is not. The view is not great, the furnishings are not as good as your home, but it is all about the food and personal friendly service in an atmosphere livin’ la Vida Loca.
If you are visiting Spain, then visit Spain, not some false image projected on Instagram.
We have just visited La Simonita in Estepona with our Belgium neighbours today, Andalusia Day in the pouring rain. We were the only non-Spanish, in a full restaurant with perhaps 60 covers. We shared a plate of clams in creamy garlic, Langoustines in a fabulous rich sauce, steamed prawns and a 1.6kg Red Snapper cooked in Garlic and Chilly, a couple of bottles of wine plus aperitifs for about €100 per couple.
This place will never be Michelin recommended, but if you want great local food to share it is very hard to beat. It is 24ct Spanish Mediterranean food at its best - bland generic international food in surroundings that ticks all the boxes, it is not. The view is not great, the furnishings are not as good as your home, but it is all about the food and personal friendly service in an atmosphere livin’ la Vida Loca.
If you are visiting Spain, then visit Spain, not some false image projected on Instagram.
rdjohn said:
Are we not losing sight of the fact that we are discussing tourist focussed restaurants here.
We have just visited La Simonita in Estepona with our Belgium neighbours today, Andalusia Day in the pouring rain. We were the only non-Spanish, in a full restaurant with perhaps 60 covers. We shared a plate of clams in creamy garlic, Langoustines in a fabulous rich sauce, steamed prawns and a 1.6kg Red Snapper cooked in Garlic and Chilly, a couple of bottles of wine plus aperitifs for about €100 per couple.
This place will never be Michelin recommended, but if you want great local food to share it is very hard to beat. It is 24ct Spanish Mediterranean food at its best - bland generic international food in surroundings that ticks all the boxes, it is not. The view is not great, the furnishings are not as good as your home, but it is all about the food and personal friendly service in an atmosphere livin’ la Vida Loca.
If you are visiting Spain, then visit Spain, not some false image projected on Instagram.
will have a look at that too. certainly after authenticity and where the locals eat, but la milla did look good as well, even if bland international generic crap!We have just visited La Simonita in Estepona with our Belgium neighbours today, Andalusia Day in the pouring rain. We were the only non-Spanish, in a full restaurant with perhaps 60 covers. We shared a plate of clams in creamy garlic, Langoustines in a fabulous rich sauce, steamed prawns and a 1.6kg Red Snapper cooked in Garlic and Chilly, a couple of bottles of wine plus aperitifs for about €100 per couple.
This place will never be Michelin recommended, but if you want great local food to share it is very hard to beat. It is 24ct Spanish Mediterranean food at its best - bland generic international food in surroundings that ticks all the boxes, it is not. The view is not great, the furnishings are not as good as your home, but it is all about the food and personal friendly service in an atmosphere livin’ la Vida Loca.
If you are visiting Spain, then visit Spain, not some false image projected on Instagram.
Chris Stott said:
MarkJS said:
Except La Sala. 
Oh yeah… I said most for a reason. La Sala is about as far from Spanish as it’s possible to get. But it’s good fun. It’s a British thing I think.
Edited by MarkJS on Sunday 2nd March 19:28
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