Tapas & Tinto: A Local’s Guide to Authentic Marbella Cuisine

Marbella is a genuine mecca for food lovers, offering the very best of Spanish gastronomy and international cuisine at every corner. Although Marbella is naturally home to plenty of fine-dining and upmarket spots, those in the know will tell you that it isn’t necessary to splash the cash in order to eat like a King. From beach chiringuitos to tiny tapas bars, we’ve got you covered for the best local haunts where you can indulge in the rich variety of Spanish dining.

Dine al fresco in Marbella’s charming Old Town.

Dining in Spain

If you’ve ever spent time exploring Spain before, you will know that mealtime isn’t just part of a routine here, but the very centre-point of the Spanish lifestyle. Delicacies vary extensively among regions, and Marbella itself is located in Andalucía which is the southernmost region of Spain with a diverse cultural history. Given the proximity to the sea, seafood is plentiful and there are notable Moorish influences from the region’s rich history.

In Marbella, the daylight hours are long, leading to a norm of lazy mornings, scorching afternoons, siestas and late nights. In the height of the summer heat, you’ll be hard-pushed to find locals eating before 9.

Café Culture

Spain, like much of Europe, has a classic café culture, and it is normal for locals to take their desayuno (breakfast) in local, no-frills café bars. A classic Spanish breakfast is a tostada con aceite y tomate. Expect a lightly toasted baguette drizzled with oil, a pinch of salt and a little bowl of fresh tomato pulp. Variations include local sliced jamon serrano (ham) or simply oil. Order a cafe con leche (coffee with milk) and a zumo de naranja (orange juice) to wash it down. It is worth noting that Spanish coffee is relatively basic compared to what is on offer elsewhere in Europe. Whilst coffee is widely drank, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a Starbucks style iced coffee or barista latte art in any local Spanish spots.

What about churros, you ask? Churros are a type of fried dough sprinkled with sugar and dipped into rich warm chocolate, nutella or dulce de leche. Contrary to popular belief, they aren’t eaten every day but many Spanish families will head to their local churreria on weekends. One of the best spots among locals to sample traditional andalucian churros and all of the above is the Churreria Generalife located on the outskirts of the Old Town. Expect generous portions for only a few euros under a large covered terrace.

A classic Spanish breakfast. Pan con tomate, cafe con leche y churros.

Did Someone Say Tapas?

One of Spain’s greatest gifts is its without a doubt, tapas. In Spain, it is common for restaurants to offer dishes in three different portion sizes, a racion (full portion), a half racion, and a tapa. Tapa are small dishes that are typically taken alongside an alcoholic beverage.

Whilst you can order several tapas at once and surely be satisfied, it is far more enjoyable to ‘tapas-hop’ from bar to bar, sampling a dish or two from each kitchen. Tapas varies around Spain, but typical dishes include tortilla (spanish omelette), patatas bravas (fried potatoes with spicy sauce) and albondigas (meatballs). In Andalucía, you will also find local dishes such as boquerones (large anchovies in vinegar), salmorejo (a type of thick tomato soup served cold) and ensalada rusa (potato, tuna and mayonnaise).

You can find tapas bars at every corner of central Marbella and its Old Town so it can be somewhat overwhelming at first glance, but follow the general rule of ‘eat where the locals eat’ and you won’t be disappointed. For a true Andalucian ambience, head to Bodega La Venencia, located just off the beach promenade. The menu is meaty and extensive, and above all excellent value for money. This spot is busy all year round and beloved by locals and tourists alike. Stroll five minutes from the beach and into the winding streets of Marbella’s casco antiguo (old town) and you’ll find some real gems - although you may struggle to find them again! La Tienda Casa Curro is tucked away on a side street and is famous for its gambas (prawns) and selection of Spanish cheeses.

Jamon and Wine. Enjoy traditional tapas at Bodega La Venencia.

One of the best ways to eat tapas is in “pintxo” form, which roughly translates as prick or spike, deriving from the fact that these tapas are normally served with a small cocktail stick. Pintxos originated in the Basque region of Spain and are typically finger food served on a small slice of bread. For the best Pintxo in Marbella, head to Taberna del Pintxo. You won’t be offered a menu, rather the waiters will present you with large platters of various pintxo, which you can accept or decline. For cold pintxo, head inside with your plate and help yourself! This style of dining is perfect for when you don’t know what you want to eat; or when you want a little bit of everything! For pintxos away from the crowds, head to Lekune, but expect a queue!

Sand, Sea and Sangria

No doubt, there is nothing quite like sitting with your feet in the sand while you eat. If you’re spending the summer in Marbella, you must enjoy a lunch at a chiringuito. Chiringuitos are essentially beach restaurants and bars, which began humbly as small shacks serving grilled seafood and beer. Spot them easily with their outdoor grills and delicious aromas wafting along the seafront. Now, many chiringuitos have evolved into upmarket luxury attractions whilst others offer music and beach club vibes. Beloved among locals and expats is Victor’s Beach, located towards the end of the Golden Mile. It dates back to 1978 and offers great food with live music at weekends. For a luxury experience head to El Chiringuito Puento Romano or Trocadero Playa. In Marbella centre, Chiringuito La Red serves up fresh, grilled seafood and is perfect for large families.

At chiringuitos, fish are grilled outdoors. Expect delicious aromas!

Last But Never Least: Paella

Last but not least, you can’t come to Spain and not indulge in a delicious paella. Amongst Spanish families, paella is typically only eaten on Sundays but restaurants will serve paella any day during high-season. The dish is extremely variable, incorporating rice, meats and seafoods. Expect to wait around 40 minutes after you order for a genuine, high quality paella.

For truly authentic Paella in a romantic setting, head to El Cortijo in the Old Town. For expertly made paella and other rice dishes in a large brasserie, try Paella Y Mas. The restaurant has a large terrace to enjoy outside, and you might even be lucky enough to meet renowned Chef Javier Ponte.

Seafood paella at El Cortijo in Marbella’s casco antiguo.

One thing is for sure - you won’t go hungry in Marbella! Whilst the team at Jet Marbella do consider ourselves foodies, our true expertise is private aviation. We find you seats on private jet flights for unbeatable prices.

Contact the team at Jet Marbella today on +34 951 12 71 31 or drop us a DM on Instagram @jetmarbella_