The Best Places to Eat in Marbella

Whatever your budget, whatever your mood, Marbella and neighbouring Puerto Banus offer a huge selection of different cuisines, so much so that choosing can be quite the task. Catherine from The Luxury Editor makes things easier for you with her collection of the best places to eat. So whether you're on a date night with your other half or entertaining the extended family, give these foodie gems a try:

Ranchon Cubano is a chiringuito located right on the edge of Playa Real de Zaragoza. Serving fresh seafood, mouth-watering salads and refreshing cocktails (try the mojitos), this buzzing restaurant is the perfect place for a lazy, sun-filled afternoon. It is a typically Spanish beach-side restaurant but with a Cuban twist. From around 5pm each evening you can enjoy uptempo live Latino music in a fun, buzzy atmosphere. Good prices and an enviable beach setting makes this the perfect place to bring the kids – be aware though, it's also very popular with visitors and locals alike and in the peak of summer, tables book up quickly.

Awarded their first star in 2016, this relative new kid on the Michelin-star block is a comfortable, contemporary space that offers innovative dishes and great service. The signature creativity that Messina has become known for is from Head Chef and owner Mauricio Giovanni’s experimentation with flavours and textures, combining his Italian culinary background with his professional French training, not to mention all the Spanish influences all around him. The exceptional service from the staff and his wife Pia (who is the Maître-d), has meant Messina has become equally as famous for its unique service as much as its fabulous food. This may be one of the highest quality restaurants in town but don’t expect to feel anything but right at home. It's perfect for a relaxed but grown-up evening.

With multiple locations across the globe, the Nikki Beach resorts have become world-renowned for their party atmosphere and luxury facilities. Opened in 2003, the Marbella beach club is situated on a beautiful white sandy beach, boasts a gorgeous pool area and entertainment space, and offers guests stylish weekly events with fantastic live music. In addition to all these distractions, the restaurant serves up a delicious menu of fresh dishes inspired by all the countries Nikki Beach is located in: our favourites are the lovely sushi rolls! Indulge in classy cocktails with friends or chill out and enjoy the sea views; you'll be made to feel like a VIP for the day at this chic beach resort.

Claiming to have the ‘best pizza in the port’, Pizzeria Picasso has been serving up great fresh pizza (and burgers, pasta, steaks and pancakes) in Puerto Banus for three decades. This super family friendly restaurant is vibrant and often busy, but don’t let this put you off as the huge choice of food will please everyone. The service is fast and you can expect great value for money. This isn’t the the best place for date night, but if you are looking for somewhere that is comfortable and easy for all the clan, Pizzeria Picasso is the place. Expect to queue for a table in the height of summer though.

This Michelin-starred restaurant nestled in the Old Quarter of Marbella may be small, but it more than makes up for this in character. Skina offers a bold and creative take on traditional Andalusian cuisine, using the highest quality ingredients and the most innovative techniques. The menu of reincarnated Malaga classics is perfectly showcased against the clean and contemporary dining space. Founded in 2005, Skina has since become one of Marbella’s most renowned eateries and, although the price point is higher than average, the culinary delights on offer are definitely worth it. Don’t miss the speciality seafood dishes.

Situated on Marbella's ‘Golden Mile’, contrasting with the surrounding modern apartment blocks, is Casa Lola. We couldn’t put together a list of great restaurants in Marbella without including tapas, the traditional Spanish cuisine. Casa Lola is a charming little tapas bar that oozes local character and has a delicious offering of great tapas. You would be forgiven for thinking this restaurant was a house from the exterior; its bright brick facade boasts blue painted windows and potted plants dotted around the outside – all of which will woo you with their sweet appearance. Once inside, you won’t be disappointed by the fresh and authentic dishes on offer. Loved by locals and visitors alike, this one is definitely not to be missed!