If you are looking to plan that perfect romantic dinner for two then this list of our favourite restaurants for couples dining may help! We have selected these locations because we think they offer a little something extra; delicate lighting, sublime menus, super wine lists and real attention to detail with the service. They are also all locations that we know have had winning engagement proposals so if you are looking to pop the question or perhaps it’s more a case of a birthday celebration for your special someone then these are all good choices.
The Marbella Club Grill
Considered to be one of the finest restaurants in Marbella, and a personal favourite of mine, the Marbella Club Grill is an exceptional restaurant. In the summer the restaurant moves outside onto the spectacular terrace surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Before the meal enjoy a few drinks in the cocktail garden to begin the evening and then be lead to your table to choose from the innovative and delicious menu. Experience Spanish and International cuisine created by the Michelin starred Executive Chef Juan Galvez, which will leave you very satisfied. To help you navigate the through the vast wine list is Angel Gonzales, the sommelier with 15 years experience, is sure to pick something out fitting for the occasion.
Beautiful setting, superb food and friendly staff, what more can you ask for!
Villa Tiberio
On Marbella´s exclusive Golden Mile and steps away from the Marbella Club Hotel and Resort, Villa Tiberio in Marbella has been offering an exquisite selection of the finest Italian food on the Costa del Sol for over 24 years; dining at this restaurant can only be described as exquisite. Surrounded by expansive manicured gardens (be sure to take a walk before dinner), decorated in an old-world style, Sandro Morelli has created a masterpiece for you to enjoy. Take time when you enter Villa Tiberio, as recommended by the famous business woman Karren Brady, just to look at Sandro’s amazing photo gallery of famous people to frequent his restaurant, from Prince Rainier of Monaco to Sean Connery and Charlton Heston-it’s really rather impressive! The restaurant has been a part of Marbella’s most glamorous past and certainly brings some welcome refinement to the 21st century too! Dining at Villa Tiberio is an experience and every detail has been considered to ensure you have an unforgettable meal.
The menu is exceptional with options to suit all palettes and the wine selection equally fabulous, including a 1938 Chateau Margaux, a Romanée Conti Grand Cru 1973, Vega Sicilia, Sassicaia and Tignanello Antinori — to name but a few. The chefs are also happy to prepare a more bespoke dish for you if what you particularly like isn’t on the menu, or if you just want to add a little heat or extra garlic, for example; nothing is too much for this extremely accommodating team.
Villa Tiberio is also a perfect setting for your upcoming wedding or corporate function. Much of the beauty of this restaurant is in the design and layout of the grounds and incredible gardens (Villa Tiberio was winner of the Best Garden on the Coast Award). ‘It feels like a piece of Tuscany in the middle of Marbella´s exclusive Golden Mile.’
Allow them to design your perfect event – they will cater to your every need. The staff are highly trained to deliver service to your guests for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This really is a must visit on any trip to Marbella if you are one to appreciate the finer details in life and see going out for dinner as more than just eating and drinking.
Quotes from his very satisfied clients…
‘Sandro Morelli has delivered exquisite perfection once again. It takes decades of experience (Ritz and Cavendish Hotels, as well as Barbarella I and II in London) to deliver the imaginative menu, wines and ambiance that Sandro has managed to create for us here in Marbella at Villa Tiberio.’ – Thank you Sandro!
Piers Morgan- ‘Step next door to Villa Tiberio restaurant and you’ll still find the glamour and sophistication associated with Marbella of the 50’s. A time when elegance and wealth kept itself to itself. Definitely very classy.’
Magna Cafe
Magna Cafe in Nueva Andalucia is a great venue with a large, diverse menu and a tranquil atmosphere. The large wrap around terrace enjoys fantastic views of the golf course, the Mediterranean and Gibraltar, while the indoor dining area and lounge bar, which is perfect for those pre or post dinner drinks, is relaxing and stylish.
Magna Cafe is open from 10am for early morning coffees and meetings and the kitchen opens at noon where you can sample the snack menu offering dishes including salads, sandwiches and burgers.
The á la carte international menu is available from 1pm until close and is varied and extensive. Diners can choose from hot or cold appetizers and a variety of carpaccio dishes to start that include thinly sliced octopus and potatoes with black olives and sundried tomato with pesto sauce; the homemade duck and goose liver pate served with Calvados-apple chutney and port wine sauce; blue mussels steamed in white wine, shallots, parsley and fresh cream; zucchine carpaccio with hazelnut oil, lemon, Hymalayan pink salt, cayenne pepper and feta cheese mousse; and venison carpaccio sliced tenderloin, fried parmesan with apple and beetroot fondue.
The main course menu comprises a selection of lobster dishes including lobster pil pil and whole fresh lobster braised with shallots, pata negra, Pesquera Reserva red wine and cream; as well as pasta and rice dishes that have your mouth watering when perusing the menu.
There is also a variety of fish and seafood dishes with monk fish ‘Ossobuco’ baked with black olives, tomato and rucola served with fried eggplant and grilled fillets of seabass served with fried ‘tagliolini vegetable’, sundried tomato and lemon sauce among the other sumptuous dishes.
Beef and meat dishes also feature heavily and include ‘Tournedos Rossini’ beef tenderloin with foie gras, prosciutto, Madeira wine and truffle oil; entrecote of beef; lamb confit ‘Magna Cafe’ gently baked, served with roasted rosemary potatoes and vegetables; and rabbit legs roasted with apricots, honey and prosciutto, served over cornmeal pappardelle.
There is something for every diner at Magna Cafe and they can cater to your every need so you are always satisfied.
If you are a lover of meat you should try their newest venture, Vovem, where you’ll find the best meats on the coast.
Sea Grill
Sea Grill presents itself as an exclusive dining experience; augmented by the impressive decor designed by Andrew Martin, the acclaimed British interior designer.
Located in the beautiful grounds of Puente Romano Beach Resort & Spa Marbella, the restaurant additionally boasts stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea.
Sea Grill is open for lunch between 1pm and 4.30pm and for dinner between 7.30pm and midnight, with a snack service available from 11am in between main meals.
During lunch, Sea Grill offers a superb salad bar, where the chef can individually prepare your perfect salad, along with your preferred dressing, using specially selected oils and vinegars.
Their gastronomic experience embraces a menu consisting of the finest and freshest ingredients, including dishes prepared in their distinctive Tandoor Oven and on their Charcoal Grill with Indian and Mediterranean influence enhancing the innovative menu.
The impressive glass-walled cellars showcase a select array of the best national and International wines, which really completes the overall Sea Grill experience, thus establishing a new culinary destination.
You may also want to have a look at Petit Sea Grill, an indoor extension of Sea Grill, a healthy local serving tapas with a glass of wine and why not check out Del Mar whilst you’re down on the beach, or head up to La Plaza Village and try one of their superb restaurants; El Chiringuito, Thai Gallery, Nobu, Serafina, Dani Garcia’s restaurant, Bibo or Rachel’s, and finish the night off in La Suite.
1870
1870 Restaurant in San Pedro, Marbella has a great history and has been created within a listed building on the outskirts of town. The old house is part of the historic neighborhood of El Ingenio which is an old sugar colony founded by the Marques del Duero in San Pedro Alcántara. The building has been lovingly restored and still has kept the charm and genuine style in every corner. A mix of rustic and romantic with a sense of stepping into another era, a beautiful and refreshing mix of old and new. The restaurant is set over two floors with antique touches in every corner and also enjoys a beautiful terrace with the centre piece being a huge fig tree.
The restaurant was the brainchild of four talented individuals that chose to combine their skills to launch 1870 in 2014. Executive Chef Aitor Perurena leads the kitchen along side Rosa Cranenborg, Cachy Siconolfi and Vanina Favale.
The menu is simple and contemporary in style with a focus on local market ingredients and combining flavours to enlighten the palette each and every bite. The presentation is elegant and the service is excellent. One of our favourite starters is the Spider crab and king prawn cannelloni with an infusion of prawn and basil however the Tuna Tataki is also a top choice! When it comes to mains whether you prefer a lighter fish option or a more rich meat dish you won’t be disappointed with your choice. The menu changes regularly but updated version can be seen on their website if you click the link on this page.
To make a reservation simply send an email stating your time and date and the dedicated reservation team will be happy to help.
Savor
A unique restaurant in San Pedro de Alcántara showcasing a supreme culinary talent and presenting a fusion menu with Cuban, Asian and Mediterranean inspirations.
Open for Lunch and for dinner and with options for tapas and informal dining or a more structured meal. The tapas dishes include several options that may feel familiar if you eat regularly in Spanish restaurants however when the dishes arrive you will see that they are at a whole other level! We suggest that you order a selection and enjoy a full culinary journey and then also combine with some dishes from their Raw menu such as the spicy Tuna Tartar or the Beef Tataki in the Nikkei marinade…it makes us hungry just writing about it!
If you need guidance with the menu then their staff are more than happy to assist with the selection of dishes and wines to suit but we can guarantee that one visit will not be enough as there are so many divine dishes in the menu to try.
Casanis
Casanis has become a favourite of both residents and visitors of Marbella for its traditional French cuisine with a contemporary twist and the charming decor.
Tucked away like a hidden gem on Calle Ancha in the old town, the French bistro is in a beautiful building that is 150 years old and is picturesque with plants and flowers climbing the walls outside and expertly painted murals adorning the walls inside.
You can dine outside in the summer months and watch the world go by and in winter choose from one of the tables downstairs or upstairs where there is a jungle room that can also be used for parties.
Many of the staff have been at Casanis for years and it has become more than just a job to them – they remember diners on their return to the restaurant and are friendly and attentive.
On our visit to the restaurant we were treated to a sumptuous meal and a great evening, which will definitely be repeated soon.
Our meal began with starters of Vietnamese Nems (a type of spring roll) served with mint, coriander and nuoc-nam dipping sauce; flambéed prawns; and tuna tartar with a velouté of squash and leeks tempura all accompanied by a crisp Sancerre.
Our main meals included daily specials of seared red tuna served with asparagus and potatoes; a ragout of fish with prawns, scallops, monkfish and a lobster bisque; lamb shank served with green beens, shallots and potatoes; and the popular guinea fowl stuffed with foie gras served with spinach and celeriac and potato mash accompanied by Châteauneuf-du-Pape for the meat dishes.
For those with a sweet tooth, the desserts as Casanis are definitely worth trying so we shared the Tarte Tatin and a special of peché mignon – a chocolate dessert that was light and delicious.
Opposite the restaurant is the Casanis shop, which sells wine and many of the different delicacies you will find in dishes from the restaurant.
Oak Garden and Grill
Set against the spectacular backdrop of La Concha, OAK Garden & Grill is situated in a garden of an Andalusian style villa. Even though OAK is located in a prime location, right next to La Sala, the restaurant transmits a feeling of an intimate secret garden. La Sala’s Executive Chef James Adams has created a menu incorporating both delicious grill specialties as well as a selection of La Sala’s famous signature dishes. With charm and elegance, OAK Garden & Grill is the perfect addition to the Sala brand and we are sure will become a firm favourite with locals as well as visitors all year round.
Not only is the menu super we are also big fans of the wine list with a really balanced range of Spanish and also New World wines. It’s not overpriced and with the house champagne at a reasonable 65€ a bottle starting the night off with a bottle of bubbly isn’t going to break the bank!
As with all the La Sala group reservation in advance is going to be essential so use the enquiry form to book your table or get in touch with our concierge team if you are looking to organise an event there as we think it is a great setting for a party!
Monkey Club
The Monkey Club in Marbella is perfect for a laidback ‘al fresco’ dining experience, funky cocktails and an enjoyable ambience.
Some of the dishes you might find include.. Crispy Large Prawns, Quail salad, Taco – Bao for starters, as well as Fresca Pasta Agnolotti Parmesan and Truffle, Seasonal Vegetable Risotto or Lamb Shank ”Oriental” Style for main courses. You just can’t go wrong.
D-Wine Restaurant
D-Wine is a restaurant, lounge and bodega, providing clients and diners with Spain’s freshest and highest quality cuisine and wines. Built on a passion for wine and good food, this fusion business brings it to you all under one roof.
The premesis boasts a stylish outdoor terrace and elegant indoor dining room, which can comfortably seat more than 100 guests.
Each dish in the restaurant is cooked to perfection, with an emphasis firmly on flavour. D-Wine’s cuisine is a fusion of tapas, grill and Asian, with meats cooked to order on a charcoal grill, an array of sushi and sashimi, tapas bites and a full a la carte menu.There is a choice of more than 3,000 premier labels in the wine shop, which are all available to enjoy with your meal without paying a restaurant premium.
Also enjoy live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm.
Paco Jimenez
Paco Jimenez Restaurant located on the famous Orange Square in the historic Old Town of Marbella is a favourite for foodies that also want to enjoy some of the Marbella cultural scene too. Essentially this is a family run restaurant with head chef and owner Paco Jimenez at the helm.
The menu is deep-rooted in traditional Spanish cuisine however the presentation and detail of ingredients are more progressive than other more classic restaurants in the area. The restaurant is actually on the second floor, entering via a small art gallery so you miss it if you are just looking at street level. There are only a small amount of covers so an advance booking is always going to be essential, especially if you want to take the tables of their ultra small terrace overlooking the square.
Breathe
BREATHE™ has fast become Marbella’s most exciting dining, drinking and dancing venue!
BREATHE™ is a multifaceted gastronomic concept dedicated to connecting people, nature and fresh-thinking gastronomy. They’re combining modern urban architecture with a large dose of the natural elements to create energising spaces to be enjoyed and experiences to be savoured.
BREATHE™ is for people who care about their food and where it comes from. They’re all about careful selection and artisan preparation of their ingredients with products and menus being changed daily and including options to suit a variety of palettes and dietary requirements so whether you have your heart set on a filling steak coupled with a seriously good red or, you are deciding to have a bit of a detox and a cleanse with some organic vegan delights then you will be satisfied at BREATHE. From their innovative ground-source renewable energy to their impressive gardens and the food on your plate, they have the environment and sustainability in mind.
Located at the gateway to Puerto Banus, BREATHE™ will be a year-round feature of Marbella. Their concept first-floor venue was the first to open, with its Restaurant, Gastro Bar and Garden zones to enjoy. Their Sky lounge, ‘Air’ and also the Café and Shop ‘Ground’ open their doors during the summer of 2019.
BREATHE™ is currently open 7 days a week. The kitchen is open for dinner from 6pm-11pm and the bar remains open until 2am. If you want to enjoy a Breakfast or Lunch experience then Ground on the lower floor is where to head.
Rancho Grille
Rancho Grille in Las Chapas to the East of Marbella is a classic but refined grill restaurant with a modern culinary twist and Belgian style dishes. Open every day from 5pm until late, Rancho Grille specialises in Chateaubriand and stone grilled meats, definitely a meat-lovers paradise.
The Chateaubriand served on a small table charcoal grill allows you to prepare your own meat just how you like it. This succulent meat combined with their signature Béarnaise sauce freshly prepared to order will ensure you return again and again. Dine a la carte or choose from their set menu at a very reasonable price.
Rancho Grille – sister restaurant of Grill del Puerto – has a beautiful romantic terrace, the perfect setting to be wined, dined and dazzled on warm summer nights and a very cosy restaurant for those milder winter days. The rustic decor, mixed with hints of modern touches and the chilled, relaxed atmosphere, ensures you’ll have a great dining experience whenever you visit.
Enjoy exquisite and exclusive wines selected by their expert sommelier. Each wine is personally selected from Spanish and French vineyards. Bold and rich, they pair perfectly with their prime steaks. And champagne and cava always add a celebratory feel to any occasion, so why not induldge a little?
There is also a special ‘Tiffany Room’, perfect for private lunches, dinners and celebrations for up to 30 guests, or their Wine Corner is great for more intimate private parites or wine tasting evenings for up to 8 guests. A party of 6 persons could also book their unique Captain’s Corner table, a sociable area with a large round table perfect for a group of friends.
Published firts by myguidemarbella.com