Like all Spanish towns, Marbella offers an excellent choice of tapas restaurants. From traditional to trendy and from Andalusian to Basque, you’ll find tapas for all tastes. Choosing the best restaurants wasn’t an easy task, but we’ve put together a list of our favourite five. All serve very different food and have totally different vibes. But, they all share one common denominator – they’re among the best tapas restaurants in Marbella. Bon Appetit!
Traditional tapas at El Estrecho
El Estrecho is one of the oldest and most traditional tapas restaurants in Marbella. Tucked up a narrow side street in the old town, this venue knows its stuff because they’ve been serving tapas here since 1954. Inside, it’s typical Andalusian tiles and memorabilia bringing a typical touch to the bar.
On the menu are typical Spanish tapas – croquetas (ham and chicken croquettes), boquerones en vinagre (cured anchovies) and ensaladilla rusa (potato salad). Plus a good list of fried fish and meat stews. El Estrecho serves portions in tapas (for one person), half plates (for two) and full plates (raciones – for several people).
Calle San Lazaro 12 (off Plaza de la Victoria). Open Monday to Sunday 12.30pm to midnight.
Fresh fish at Altamirano
Most tapas restaurants in Marbella include fish and seafood on their menu, but if you want to try a large selection, head for Altamirano http://baraltamirano.es/. Located in a pretty square in the heart of the old town, this tapas restaurant has been serving the catch of the day for over three decades. Inside can be a little noisy and cramped so choose a table outside.
The menu comes with a long, long list of fish – mostly fried but grilled or baked fish is also available – plus a good choice of seafood. Altamirano doesn’t serve tapas, but you can order sharing plates to discover your favourite fish.
Plaza Altamirano 3. Open daily 1 to 4pm and 7.30 to 11.30pm.
Local vibe at Ebe La Polaca
Getting off the tourist trail at resorts on the Costa del Sol isn’t always easy, but at this tapas restaurant in Marbella you’ll be almost exclusively in the company of locals. Situated opposite the fresh food market, Ebe La Polaca has three floors of dining space, all eclectically decorated with antiques, memorabilia and sepia photos.
The food’s good too and you can choose from light bites to more filling tostas (open sandwiches) with creative toppings. Or if you don’t fancy anything to eat, enjoy a cocktail on one of the upstairs terraces and contemplate the Marbella sky at night.
Calle Haza del Mesón 6. Open daily noon to 2am.
Best Basque at Lekune
No list of the best tapas restaurants in Marbella would be complete without a nod to the classic tapas served on bread. These typical tapas, known as pintxos, originate from the Basque Country in Northern Spain. Several venues serve pintxos in Marbella, but one of the best is Lekune, located 5 minutes’ walk west from the centre of Marbella.
You can order from the menu, but your best bet is to sit tight at your table and wait for the staff to come round with the freshly-made pintxos. Take your pick from a wide selection – the bacalao al pil-pil (spicy cod) and pimientos rellenos (stuffed pepper) are particularly good. Breakfast is also excellent here.
Avda Fontanilla 1. Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. See Facebook page for opening hours.
Views to die for at Rio Real Golf & Hotel
And last but not least, we’ve gone for views with our tapas. How about enjoying magnificent vistas of one of the most iconic golf courses in Marbella and some delicious tapas? At Rio Real Golf & Hotel Restaurant you can do just that.
Book your table with a view before your round of golf! Open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
