The Best of Spanish Cuisine in Marbella

For many years Spain has enjoyed a leading position on lists of Europe’s and the world’s best restaurants. This year, Martín Berasategui’s restaurant in Lasarte near San Sebastian polled at No.1 in the world on TripAdvisor thanks to the laudatory comments of visitors who travel from far and wide to dine at this establishment where the meals are described as “culinary poetry.” Azurmendi in the Basque province of Vizcaya came in at No. 10 on the poll and Girona’s El Celler de Can Roca was awarded thirteenth place. It’s a splendid achievement for Spain and a reflection of the inventiveness of its top chefs, who appear to have unlimited imaginations when it comes to culinary creations. Spain’s northern regions have long been a destination for Michelin-starred chefs and their restaurants, but Marbella, at the opposite end of the Iberian peninsula, is giving the northern coastal resorts a run for their money. Marbella’s Michelin Stars Marbella’s reputation as a destination for overseas visitors has never been stronger, and its gastronomy plays a major role in attracting the sophisticated traveller. This year, four of Marbella’s restaurants have been awarded Michelin stars, affirming the superior quality of their chefs. It is also quite an achievement for a relatively small municipality to receive such a wealth of these coveted stars and it’s a testament to the creativity of this new era in Marbella gastronomy. The award-winning restaurants include Skina in Marbella’s Old Town. It opened in 2004 and received its first Michelin star in 2008, having impressed visitors with its “intimacy, romanticism and excellent food” since its launch. In keeping with the ‘buy local’ trend in cooking, Skina aims to showcase the best of southern Spanish produce. The name Dani García is known worldwide and he is an illustrious ambassador for Málaga and Marbella. The famous chef received his first Michelin star for Calima and can now boast two stars for Restaurant Dani Garcia in the stylish Plaza Village at the Puente Romano Beach Resort. His tasting menus brought him fame and fans with an imaginative, innovative celebration of intense and delicate flavours. Diego del Rio is a chef who believes in completely reducing the food-produced carbon footprint to zero. His menu at El Lago is a tribute to the meat, fish and seafood produce of Málaga province. Lastly, but definitely not least, Messina in the heart of Marbella, has finally received the accolade of a well-deserved Michelin star after years of its fans wondering why it hadn’t been awarded one already for its innovative menu, as well as stylish ambience. Of course, dining in Marbella isn’t just about Michelin stars, and this town boasts an enviable collection of superb restaurants and tapas bars offering local and international dishes cooked with love. With so much to offer the food lover, it seems certain that Marbella will become a gastronomic destination to rival San Sebastian and anywhere else in Spain. Buen provecho!