CALIFORNIA
(East side of Marbella town) Practically an institution among the locals. Typically noisy and buzzing with atmosphere, the California has been the place to eat seafood in Marbella for as long as anyone can remember. You won't get in during Easter and August because all of Madrid will be there! Tel: 952 86 67 52
LA CABAÑA
(East side of Marbella town) When you can't get into the California, walk 100 yards up the circunvalación to La Cabaña. Not quite as fashionable with the out-of-towners, but the locals all know that the food is just as good. Tel: 952 77 88 95
LA RELOJERA
(Marbella fishing port) The quaint location is an attraction of this restaurant. You can sit on the roof terrace in the summer evenings and watch the fishing fleet depart with its entourage of seabirds. Famous for its fresh grilled fish. Tel: 952 77 14 47
SANTIAGO
(Paseo Maritimo Marbella) The place in Marbella to eat Lobster (Bogavante), it's Irish equivalent -Dublin Bay Prawns (Cigala), or the daddy of them all - Rock Lobster (Langosta). Great for watching the activity on the Paseo, in the heart of Marbella, next to the beach. Tel: 952 77 00 78
MARISA 'S BEACH CLUB & GRILL
(Rio Verde Beach) The place to lunch on the beach in summer. Some people spend all day there, but many just lunch. Great for beach walking to Marbella or Puerto Banús, especially early evening. Tel: 952 82 45 34
EL CIPRIANO
(Playas del Duque, Puerto Banús) Probably the smartest fish (but not just fish) restaurant in town. You and your guests will be impressed, the food, the service and the décor are all world class. Tel: 952 81 10 77
LA DORADA
(At the entrance to Puerto Banús) In competition with El Cipriano, this is on off-shoot of the famous Madrid restaurant, and it more than lives up to its reputation. Not exclusively fish, although it's reputation was earned for the brilliant seafood. Tel: 952 81 18 92
LA MERIDIANA
(Up from Puente Romano) In the heart of the Golden Mile, this is the in restaurant for summer nightlife. A spectacular terrace setting with the dramatic backdrop of La Concha mountain and panoramic views. This is an excellent all year round five star restaurant. Tel: 952 77 61 90
LA PESQUERA
(San Pedro Paseo Maritimo) At the other end of the spectrum, there are a row of ' Little Fishies' restaurants along the Paseo, on the beach in the new part of San Pedro, all of which are good. We can highly recommend La Pesquera for the quality and first class service. Tel: 952 78 77 21
NUEVO REINO
(San Pedro Paseo Maritimo) Rather more sophisticated than Nini's and the others, this is at the east end of the row and is large and professionol enough to cater for big groups (our yearly office party!) Tel: 952 78 66 66
BAR MERCHÁN
(San Pedro pedestrian area, near the post office) Always our favourite, with the best gambas pil pil (prawns in hot spicy oil) in the world. We managed to keep it a secret for years, but sadly the secret is out, and like La California you won't get in at Easter or August, for all of Madrid now flock there. Tel: 952 78 01 34
FERNANDOS
(San Pedro back streets, off Calle Cordoba) Discovered by the English at about the same time as the Abba song "Fernado". Don't hold this against it as the food is excellent and the atmosphere always good. Tel: 952 78 79 99
PARA BIEN
(San Pedro up from the Renault Garage) More sophisticated, northern Spanish cuisine. Mainly fish but not exclusively. This restaurant has the novelty of a large glass window into the kitchen, so you can watch the master chef at work. Tel: 952 78 65 81
VICTORS BEACH
(Marbella Golden Mile) This is the place to eat fish baked in rock salt, Sea Bream, Gilthead or Dorada are the best. You won't taste the salt, but it will be light, white, stunning fish baked to perfection. Serving it is also something of a show. A truly great fish restaurant. You must book even when it's not Easter or August, and at least a month in advance. Tel: 952 88 22 80.
RESTAURANT GUIDE
If you want the latest and most comprehensive marbella restaurant guide or a general Costa del Sol guide then visit one of the aforementioned links. | 