The Spanish Experience
Where we go for tapas, pintxos, fresh seafood and Andalusian classics.
- El Sombrero
Fresh fish on the beach right beside Skol.
International kitchens
A taste of the world without leaving the neighbourhood.
In the Old Town
Get lost in the old whitewashed lanes and emerge with a glass of fino and a plate of jamón.
For that special occasion
Reservations are a must. These are the spots we send guests to for birthdays, anniversaries and that one big night out.
Breakfast & brunch
- Cappucino Grand Cafe
Classic café for coffee, breakfast and light bites.
Drinks & local pubs
- The Claddagh
Your local Irish pub at Skol Apartments.
- Nellies
The Irish pub on the port.
- Lucky Leprechaun
The oldest pub in Marbella.
Rooftops
- Lima Hotel — Paladar Rooftop
Colourful cocktails with a view.
- Fuerte Hotel Rooftop
The best panoramic views of Marbella.
- Linda Hotel Rooftop
Cosy Old Town vibe, great for golden hour.
- Obal Hotel — 360 Sky Bar
360° panoramic views from the Obal Hotel rooftop.
At sea
Rent a paddle from Nalusur, a jet ski, or a boat from Marbella Sports Boat — and enjoy a drink at sea while admiring the Marbella skyline.
- Barco Bar
A floating bar that usually stops by Marbella Club.
- Mojito a Bordo
Cocktails delivered straight to your paddle or boat.
When in Puerto Banús...
Two must-stops when you head west to the marina.
- Martini Bar
On top of Dolce & Gabbana in Puerto Banús.
- Kebab
The oldest kebab in Andalucía.
When we fancy pizza...
Unfortunately there are no authentic pizza places in Marbella that an Italian family can recommend. So when the craving hits, we make the trip to one of these.
Vegan & vegetarian
Marbella's plant-based scene has quietly become world-class. Eleven spots we love, all walkable from Skol.
- Officina 84
Roman-style Pinsa and artisanal pasta on Camilo José Cela. Daily 13:30–16:00 & 19:30–23:30.
- Kebab Marbella Sheesh
Daniela & Vincenzo's favourite for plant-based — legendary falafel, hummus and baba ganoush. Edificio Imperator, Calle Camilo José Cela 13. Daily from 17:00.
Navigating a Spanish menu as a vegan
A cheat sheet for those moments when the group ends up at a Spanish taberna.
- Gazpacho / Salmorejo — cold tomato soups (ask "sin jamón y sin huevo" for the salmorejo).
- Pimientos de Padrón — small green peppers fried in olive oil and sea salt.
- Berenjenas con miel de caña — fried aubergine with cane honey.
- Espárragos trigueros — grilled wild asparagus.
- Aceitunas & frutos secos — olives and toasted almonds.
- Queso manchego — iconic aged sheep's milk cheese.
- Croquetas de espinacas — creamy spinach croquettes.
- Patatas bravas — fried potatoes with spicy sauce (check the alioli).
- Tortilla de patatas — the classic potato omelette.
- Revuelto de espárragos o setas — scrambled eggs with wild asparagus or mushrooms.
- Huevos rotos — fried eggs over potatoes (order "sin jamón").
- Boquerones en vinagre — fresh anchovies in vinegar and garlic.
- Gambas al ajillo — prawns sizzling in garlic and chilli oil.
- Espetos de sardinas — the Marbella classic, grilled on a skewer.
- Fritura malagueña — local fried fish.
"Soy vegano/a. ¿Tienen algún plato que no lleve carne, ni pescado, ni lácteos?"
I am vegan. Do you have any dishes without meat, fish, or dairy?
Marbella Food Tours, on YouTube
Daniela & Vincenzo's full playlist — tapas crawls, new openings and honest first-bite reactions. Watch before you fly, then come find us in your favourite.