Sardines: history, tradition and their role in Mediterranean cuisine
Restaurants in Marbella Old Town
‘La Niña del pisto,’ ‘El Estrecho’ and ‘Altamirano’ are just some names of bars and restaurants in Marbella Old Town that, while not on the lists of haute cuisine restaurants in Marbella, are enclaves where traditional cuisine reconnects with the most authentic of the Malagan people. There you will find this concentration of places where fried fish, stews, skewers and sandwiches are embellished.
Places where you can occasionally see chefs of the stature of Dani García or Diego del Río, or magnates, aristocrats, royals, elite sportsmen and women, celebrities, etc…, since they know and recognize how well you can eat at local bars and if you also decide to go to Marbella Old Town, this becomes an unforgettable experience.
Entre Limones
At Entre Limones you will find fresh, tasty and very creative dishes. The best thing about this Marbella restaurant is the amazing combination of flavours. Dare to delight in its traditional market cuisine with international notes. You won’t regret it.
La Niña del Pisto
This tavern is one of the most original restaurants on the entire Costa del Sol. It is decorated in traditional Córdoba style and its gastronomic proposal is based on offering traditional Mediterranean dishes, so you can be sure of whatever you choose.
El Estrecho
This restaurant is a temple dedicated to Mediterranean cuisine and its numerous proposals include traditional anchovies marinated in vinegar, moules marinières, homemade meatballs, octopus salad, tripe with chickpeas, sardines with lemon, seafood salad, pil-pil king prawns and the famous fried fish.
Zozoi
Zozoi is a restaurant that fuses 0 mile seasonal produce with the creativity of its chef. Its culinary proposal is filled with risottos and tasty pizzas. It has to be said that its decor is the most colourful and it probably has one of the terraces with the most privileged view of the whole of Marbella.
Stuzzikini
At this restaurant, you can enjoy traditional Cerdeña gastronomy. Its menu includes dishes such as focaccia, fregula sarda, homemade pizza and caponata, although bear in mind that there are new and delicious recipes each week. So, let yourself be transported to deepest Italy.
Casa Curro
This tavern is a small bar that, while hidden away on Calle Pantaleón, is very famous, so it is always lively and also offers all kinds of tapas at a price that is very hard to beat, not to mention its very pleasant service.
El Patio De Mariscal
El Patio de Mariscal is a restaurant where you can savour the best Mediterranean cuisine in a privileged place, a traditional Andalusian courtyard that is over 200 years old. We recommend you try its delicious seafood cocktail, fresh salads, Andalusian gazpacho or fried fish Malaga style, and continue with a stuffed tiger mussels tapa or some pil-pil prawns.
The Orange Tree
This restaurant is located near the emblematic Plaza de Los Naranjos. Its menu is based on the use of seasonal produce to prepare traditional Mediterranean dishes (salads, seafood and fish and delicious meats), but inspired by international cuisine. Here you will enjoy a unique gastronomic experience with all your senses.
Casanis
This is a cool gastrobar that fuses traditional gastronomy with the most innovative culinary techniques, so you can indulge in some truly original flavours.
Skina
Skina is a restaurant that can boast that it has had a Michelin star since 2008. Its menu fuses the most traditional Mediterranean cuisine with the most creative gastronomy. Although it is a relatively small restaurant, it is very cosy, so we recommend booking a table in advance.
Altamirano
This restaurant is a real institution among Marbella’s fish and seafood restaurants. Bar Altamirano has, for over 25 years, been offering tapas and dishes featuring fresh fish brought from Bajadilla fishing port. Its menu offers traditional Malagan dishes, such as fried fish, and its price is unbeatable based on the quality it offers. We also recommend you book a table, or go early.
Casa tua
Casa Tua offers Italian style cuisine with fresh seasonal produce. Its fresh pasta, select meats and fish and seafood will delight the most discerning palates. Special mention must be made of its menu that includes some specialities, such as ravioli of the day, fagottini di bresaola and its exquisite black rice risotto. You won’t regret it.
Témpora
Located in the historic center of Marbella, Témpora offers a creative and international gastronomic proposal that uses local ingredients. The friendly and efficient service complements the romantic and cozy atmosphere, making it the perfect spot for a pleasant and intimate dinner. Here, you can savor dishes fused with high-quality ingredients and seasonal gourmet recipes from different countries.
Marbella Patio
Right next to the castle wall, Marbella Patio specializes in mixing delicious Andalusian cuisine with innovative touches, all prepared with the highest quality ingredients. In addition to exquisite food, you will enjoy a warm and welcoming atmosphere. You will also find options for any type of diner, including those who prefer gluten-free or vegetarian options.
El Balcón de la Virgen
For those seeking an intimate atmosphere and delicious food, El Balcón de la Virgen is the perfect restaurant. Their continental menu offers a variety of dishes, but their specialty is grilled meats. You also cannot miss out on their fresh fish from the Costa del Sol. We guarantee that you will love it!
The Farm
The Farm uses local, fresh, and seasonal ingredients to create a unique culinary experience. Their philosophy is “slow food,” km “0,” organic, with a focus on creating a cozy and vibrant environment to enjoy life’s most pleasant moments.
Tapas bars
El boquerón
C/ de la Cruz, 5, 29601 Marbella, Málaga
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La revuelta tapas y mas Marbella
C. Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, 3d, 29603 Marbella, Málaga
Tel: +34 632 630 665
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Tapeo Perita Marbella
C. Peral, 16, 29601 Marbella, Málaga
Tel: +34 952 182 866
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La Esquinita del Tapeo
C. Albéniz, 2, 29603 Marbella, Málaga
Tel: +34 676 728 832
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Bar Hermanos Navarro
Av. Severo Ochoa, 31, 29603 Marbella, Málaga
Tel: +34 952 859 072
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Taberna El Bordón Marbella
C. Pantaleón, 4-1, 29601 Marbella, Málaga
Tel: +34 697 670 690
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Tips and suggestions for enjoying Marbella Old Town restaurants
Dining in Marbella Old Town is about much more than simply sitting down for a meal. Its narrow streets, charming squares and inviting terraces make every lunch or dinner part of the travel experience. If you want to make the most of your visit, keep these recommendations in mind.
Book ahead during peak season
During the summer months, Easter and public holiday weekends, some of the most popular restaurants can be fully booked several days in advance. This is especially common in venues with traditional Andalusian courtyards or terraces located in the most iconic squares of the historic centre. If there is a particular restaurant you would like to visit, it is best to book ahead.
Enjoy dinner after exploring the Old Town
One of the best ways to experience the local food scene is to combine your meal with a walk around Orange Square, the remains of the old Arab walls or the whitewashed streets of the historic centre. As the afternoon gives way to evening, temperatures tend to be more pleasant and the atmosphere becomes particularly appealing for outdoor dining.
Don’t limit yourself to the restaurants in the main squares
Beyond the best-known areas, Marbella Old Town is home to a network of charming streets lined with small restaurants and traditional taverns. Taking time to wander through its hidden corners often leads to discovering unique dining spots away from the busiest areas.
Try local specialities
If you are visiting Marbella for the first time, take the opportunity to discover some of the most representative flavours of the Costa del Sol. Fried fish, anchovies, pil-pil prawns, Russian salad and other traditional Andalusian dishes feature on many menus throughout the historic centre.
Share dishes to discover more flavours
Many restaurants offer tapas, half portions or dishes designed for sharing. This is an excellent way to sample a variety of recipes in a single meal and gain a better understanding of the local cuisine.
Avoid the busiest dining times if you prefer a quieter atmosphere
Lunch and dinner service are usually the busiest times of the day, particularly during the high season. If you are looking for a more relaxed experience, consider eating slightly earlier or booking a table at the beginning of the service.
Wear comfortable footwear
Although Marbella Old Town is easy to explore on foot, much of the experience involves strolling along its cobbled streets, discovering picturesque squares and stopping at different bars and restaurants along the way. Comfortable shoes will make the day far more enjoyable.
Combine gastronomy with shopping
Before or after your meal, take some time to browse the boutiques, artisan shops, galleries and small local businesses scattered throughout the historic centre. It is the perfect way to round off a day of sightseeing, culture and gastronomy in one of Marbella’s most attractive areas.
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WHERE TO STAY
El Fuerte Marbella
If you decide to come to Marbella do not hesitate in staying in Fuerte Hoteles. El Fuerte Marbella a historic establishment on the Costa del Sol, now transformed to 5 stars, is the Marbella hotel that best combines casual luxury, an exclusive and welcoming atmosphere and the sheer comfort offered by its location on the city centre’s beachfront, which offers stunning sea views right across Marbella’s seafront promenade.
