Irish food writer Marie Claire Digby shares her favourite places to dine and people watch …
For Coffee: Kafein Coffee & Kitchen
Good coffee used to be quite hard to find in Marbella, but there have been a few new openings recently, including Kafein Coffee & Kitchen, which is centrally located just off Orange Square in the heart of the old town. Here you can drink an excellent flat white served in a beautiful mug handmade by Ana Ortiz Ceramic Atelier, which is just around the corner. @kafein.official
For Lunch: Los Sardinales
If the weather’s nice, and it usually is, there’s nowhere better to enjoy lunch than at the beach. I love the old school local Spanish vibes at Los Sardinales, a traditional chiringuito about ten minutes drive out of town. It’s right on the beach, the seafood is reliably good and the people watching is excellent. If you sit facing the sea, the first house on the right is the summer abode of local hero Antonio Banderas. Order the seafood paella, or the catch of the day baked in salt. @lossardinales
For Tapas: Cotxino el bar de Kava
I may be a bit biased because it’s my local, but I highly rate Cotxino, right in the centre of town, and the experts concur as it has won national awards for its cheesecake and its prawn salad. It serves the best tortilla in town, if you like it soft and slightly under set (the only way, I’d say). This usually sells out, so go early if you want to secure a slice, served with excellent sourdough. There are daily specials, and a truly excellent wine list with plenty available by the glass. The full name is Cotxino el bar de Kava, as it is the little sister of Kava, the Michelin listed restaurant next door. @barcotxino
For a Casual Dinner: El Boquerón
This is probably my favourite place to eat in Marbella, but in recent years it has become something of a victim of its own success. No reservations are taken, you put your name on the board and join the queue, which can be very long. But it’s worth the wait, for an extensive menu of local and globally influenced small plates. Order the jamon and manchego croquetas, crispy duck salad, cajun spiced salmon, avocado and mango, and the chicken ras el hanout with jewelled rice. @elboqueron_tapas
For a Fancy Dinner: Leña by Dani García
Of the several big name restaurants with outposts at the Puente Romano hotel’s courtyard, my favourite is Leña, from Spanish superstar chef and local legend Dani Garcia. With tables inside and outside on the patio, it’s a glamorous spot backed up by very good food. The silver service trolley with its dramatic giant dome of leek ash butter that comes with the bread course sets the tone, then don’t miss the charcoal grilled Malaga avocado, the beef tenderloin with gratinated and truffled onion on the side. @lenadanigarcia