Marbella´s old town - a night to remember!.
Marbella is famous around the world for its glamorous party vibe and nightlife, especially in such glitzy locations as Puerto Banús and the Golden Mile. However, there is a third must-visit destination to experience a fun evening of entertainment—Marbella’s Casco Antiguo or Old Town. The romantic narrow cobbled streets—many dating back to the 15th century—offer a picturesque sightseeing route during the day and by night provide the opportunity for a diverting evening mixing with the locals and sharing their passion for fun in a myriad of back street restaurants, tapas and music bars, often tucked away in hidden corners. A little local knowledge can go a long way to help you find some delightful gems in which to eat or just let your hair down and enjoy yourself. Here we give you a brief guide to some of our favourite venues… Gourmet dining in the heart of Marbella There are many restaurants in the Old Town, from those clustered in the Renaissance Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange Square) to others down little backstreets—many with spacious terraces and traditional patios on which to enjoy a meal under the stars. For gourmet dining look no further than the Michelin starred Skina on Calle Aduar. Reservations are essential in this tiny restaurant, where the surroundings and décor match the exquisite food served by the dedicated team. Somewhat larger is Restaurante Buenaventura, which has been serving haute cuisine and ‘gastro tapas’ since 1999. It is an excellent choice to sample Spanish food with a modern twist—so much so that American First Lady Michelle Obama and her 14-strong entourage dined there when she visited Marbella (and asked for ten separate bills!) Head over towards the Plaza de Tetuan and more excellent gourmet restaurants await including Lima, Momo and Il Tartufo. These all serve the highest standard dishes in a beautiful setting—what more could you ask for? Tapas and drinks in Marbella’s Old Town Probably the most famous tapas bar in Marbella is El Estrecho. Founded in 1954 it offers the chance to experience the authentic Spanish tapas culture where morsels of delicious food are often consumed standing at the bar whilst noisily chattering with friends and strangers. It is excellent value for money too, especially considering its location, and charges normal bar prices. El Estrecho is the perfect place to start a tapas tour of the Old Town—and maybe finish it too! A relative newcomer is Taberna La Niña del Pisto, a restaurant run by a family from Cordoba. They offer what is termed ‘tapas del autor’ or in other words creative cuisine freshly prepared with the finest ingredients. These are just some of the options available and give you a starting point from which to explore. So why not have a night in the Old Town and find your own favourites, you are sure to have a good time—we guarantee it!
