We are back and ready to continue our gastro journey around the most interesting neighborhoods on Marbella and its surroundings – specialty of Marbella Unique Properties. Before moving towards The Golden mile we still have few more remarkable areas to explore around San Pedro Alcantara.
Municipality of Benahavis is recognized on the national level for having one of the highest rates of foreign population in Spain and the highest average value insured for real estate. Its beautiful mountainous landscapes with rivers crossing green valleys, allowing splendid panoramic sea and mountain views have grown into magnificent areas of golf courses and luxurious real estates: Los Flamingos, La Quinta, Los Arqueros, El Madroñal, La Zagaleta, Los Arqueros – just to mention a few. Locals of Benahavis (a little village of traditional Andalusian white washed houses located in the heart of municipality) spotted an opportunity, opened restaurants and over the years built up their reputation to become the culinary center of the Costa del Sol. If we had to choose among dozens of restaurants we would suggest Los Abanicos or La Escalera. They both offer large portions of authentic Spanish dishes for reasonable prices: pil pil prawns, chorizo, black pudding as starters, sea bass roasted in salt, duck, steak, slow cooked meats such as beef stroganoff and lamb shoulders as main dishes. La Escalera is a small and intimate place, the owner creates a unique atmosphere with his magic tricks and piano playing. Most of the white table clothes tables of Los Abanicos restaurant are set outside on the narrow pedestrian street and that makes for an awesome atmosphere.
Leaving behind the mountainous Benahavis and following the Guadalmina river towards the sea shore we come across the restaurant Asador de Guadalmina, located just above the coast road, in the area called Guadalmina Alta. This establishment has been around for years, with many regular Spanish clients and it definitely has an owner with character. He claims to be traditionally Spanish, conservative and catholic and he allows smoking inside his restaurant. Famous for the meat dishes, especially beef steak and its outstanding choice of gourmet tapas. If you are staying in Guadalmina Alta and fancy fish rather than meat than book a table at Restaurante Victor. The classic choice in the area, well known among loyal local customers faithful to this family run place able to maintain the high quality standards of seafood, fish and rice dishes throughout the year. If you believe that seafood and fish tastes better on the beach, then the best suggestion would be El Ancla. This romantic and elegant venue with lot of white decoration is set right on the edge of the sea in the area of Guadalmina Baja. It is not just a restaurant. It is a beautiful beach club with impressive salty water pool and plenty of comfortable sunbeds to chill after the meal. Plenty of fresh fish and seafood, sublime local olive oil, vegetable paella and homemade desserts. Menu in multiple languages for the international crowd.
As we start moving back towards Puerto Banús we will stay around the beach to suggest some interesting options around luxurious urbanizations such as Malibu and El Embrujo. If you are a lover of luxurious beach life and wine you cannot miss D-Wine. A divine restaurant with the wine shop or the divine wine shop with the restaurant? Try and decide for yourself. The establishment offers thousands of the best denominations of both national and international origin. The professional sommelier will guide you through the impressive wine list and will help you to make the best choice. Tasteful furnishing, intimate atmosphere and luxurious international food like ceviche, tuna and wagyu beef makes it more of a place for a special occasion. On the other hand, El Mistral beach restaurant is a great option for an informal everyday meal on the beach. Set literally on the sand in front of the Guadalpín hotel offering a great selection of salads, pasta, hamburgers and seafood and good variety of cocktails. Lively and vibrant venue with laid back atmosphere also provides beach club services which makes it a good choice for a relaxed day by the sea.
We will now move to Aloha, one of the largest suburbs of Marbella with a cosmopolitan atmosphere and a wide choice of international gastronomy. If you want to be impressed by the environment and please all your senses try Tuc tuc. Outdoor candlelight dining to the sound of an impressive water cascade. If you prefer to eat indoor you can observe Thai cooks in the open-glass kitchen preparing delicious Asian fusion dishes: crispy duck salad, thai fish soup, chicken satay, shrimp tempura, spring rolls, green and red curries, teriyaki salmon, various sushi and noodles plates among others.
Young and beautiful people, super trendy decoration, deep house DJ music, dance and art shows… If you like to be up to date with Marbellas hot spots, do not miss The Mosh fun kitchen in the Aloha area. It combines modern international dining and clubbing in one place, serves signature cocktails and offers surprising flavours of shishas.