Max Beach

Ensconced by the soft sandy beach of Playa Riviera, Max Beach boasts a laid-back, boho chic atmosphere that inspires long hours on its outdoor terrace overlooking the sparkling sea. At the helm of this gem are Chefs Lawrence Otterburn (Executive Chef of Metro Group and once-Private Chef to The Rolling Stone’s Ron Wood) and Daniel Kozak (founder of Soliluna and Arenal Beach). Both are masters of matching cuisine to the surrounding area.

The menu is family-friendly and includes a wide array of starters (think bruschetta, tartar, ceviche, haddock carpaccio, shrimp and black garlic, croquettes, roasted cauliflower, and more). It also boasts plentiful salads; main courses (fish, seafood, and meat); beach burgers (we went ga-ga over the Korean Angry Fried Chicken burger, which is super spicy); pastas; risottos; pizzas (does the pulled barbeque chicken pizza sound appealing?); and finally, an Asian bar, with tempting rolls, sashimi bites, and poke bowls.

Max Beach has a host of great wines and cocktails. We ordered various of the latter – including a ginger marita (made with tequila and ginger syrup), sour apples (apple-infused Pisco with lemon juice), and Lychini (a martini with lychee syrup). So refreshing on a hot summer’s day!
www.maxbeach.es

Nobu by the Beach

Nobu is well known as one of the best Nikkei restaurants in the world, with a host of sushi, sashimi, salad, fish, and meat dishes dreamed up by the famous Nobu Matsuhisa. Its Marbella branch is headed by the talented Eleni Manousou, who hails from Athens.

If you are in Marbella or you are staying at Nobu Hotel or at the Puente Romano, then you can sample Nobu fare at the restaurant itself (located in a stunning square overlooking the ancient bridge) or at Nobu By the Beach, where you can tuck into sushi selections and bento boxes from the comfort of a sunbed.
www.marbella.nobuhotels.com

Florida Mijas Beach

This is the brand new baby on the block but it is already receiving rave reviews, thanks in no small part to the culinary talents of Chef Iván Cerdeño, who founded Michelin-starred restaurant haven, Cigarral del Ángel in Toledo. The Chef is passionate about regional cuisine and this is the case as much when he is in Toledo as when he is cooking up a storm at Florida Mijas Beach.

What makes this club so cool is that there are three areas in which to enjoy a different type of atmosphere: Palmira Mijas (featuring a restaurant and terrace), Origen (the pool and beach club) and Lighthouse (for partying by night).

The menu is just what you would expect of a high-end beach club: it features vegetable, meat, fish and rice dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients, as well as fried delights (think squid croquettes or fried squid Andalusian style). One section in the meal (my favourite) is called ‘The Rice Factory’ and it features five different types of rice/fideuas – including rock octopus and Málaga shrimp fideua and traditional paella. There are various tuna dishes as well and an amazing ‘Butcher’s shop’ featuring juicy steaks and chops!
www.floridabeach.es

Trocadero Playa

This lovely casual beachside restaurant is my ‘go to’ escape as soon as the summer months arrive and it also entices me frequently on sunny winter days. Trocadero Playa is literally a five-minute walk from essential magazine, located between the sea and the gorgeous walkway.

This chic chiringuito has been around for as far back as I can remember (almost 15 years if my memory serves me right) and it is as well-loved for its great Mediterranean food as it is for staff members like Yeyo, its friendly PR.

This venue has been visited by everyone from Bruce Willis to famous politicians and its secret is probably the fact that it is so easy to feel at home here!

The menu is varied and food is always fresh and beautifully prepared. Just a few dishes I recommend include the espetos (sardines cooked on a spit in a sand boat), red tuna sashimi, and of course, a classic paella or risotto. The cocktails are also outstanding. I can recall that the last time I visited, I ordered a strawberry daiquiri… and then I ordered another!
www.trocaderoplaya.es

Purobeach Marbella at Laguna Village in Estepona

This beach club has one of the prettiest pools and beach areas on the Coast and it is also part of a gorgeous thatched-roof shopping centre that is home to a host of lovely fashion boutiques and restaurants of all varieties – from Thai to Spanish, Italian, and international.

At Purobeach’s restaurant, Shiro, you can tuck into fusion favourites from Miami, Marrakech and Melbourne or head to Terraza Bar, where you can sip on ultra-refreshing cocktails and enjoy gorgeous music that brings you to a tranquil state.

Purobeach (and indeed Laguna Village as a whole) is designed to entertain you for a full day, with so many different spots to visit and relax in. Rent a lounger by the beach and enjoy a midday siesta beneath the comforting shade of your parasol.
www.purobeach.com

Playa Padre

Argentinean Chef, Franco Franceschini, is the whiz chef that has revolutionised Playa Padre, with fusion cuisine made with fresh, kilometre zero ingredients. At this beachside haven of yum, the Mexican and Argentinean culinary traditions go hand in hand with fresh meat and fish, spiced or freshened up by jalapeño peppers, habanero chilli, and avocado from Granada. All the tiny details matter here too; everything from the placemats to the dishes themselves are inspired on nature and the beach.

The décor of this chic restaurant will help you forget all your worries. Soft sands, swaying palms, and sparkling blue waters make this an ideal spot in which to enjoy great views while sipping on artistically presented cocktails and the music of international DJs.
www.playapadre.com