Marbella is not just about luxury, beaches and glamour. It’s also about tradition, flavour, and that quintessentially Andalusian art of savouring life one bite at a time. And few things capture the soul of the Costa del Sol better than a good tapas route through Marbella. If you’re planning a holiday in Marbella and want to experience it like a local, Banús Rentals invites you on a gastronomic tour of five must-visit bars where tapas in Marbella become an authentic experience. Get ready to discover corners steeped in history, flavours that linger in the memory, and atmospheres you’ll want to return to again and again. Ready to tapas like a true Marbellí?
Why go on a tapas route in Marbella?
The tapa is a true institution in Andalusia, and Marbella is no exception. Here, going out for tapas is about much more than just eating — it’s about sharing, socializing, discovering new flavors, and soaking up the atmosphere in every neighborhood.
Marbella also offers an incredible culinary variety, blending the best of local produce (think fresh fish, seafood, and vegetables from the Andalusian countryside) with creative twists and modern concepts. From old-school taverns in the Old Town to trendy gastro bars along the promenade and in areas like Nueva Andalucía, the selection is as wide as it is delicious.
That’s why we’ve curated this tapas route for you, with strategic stops so you can combine sightseeing, local gastronomy, and good vibes into one unforgettable experience.
1. Taberna Casa Curro: tradition in the heart of Marbella’s Old Town
- Address: Calle Pantaleón, 3.
- Best for: lovers of traditional Andalusian flavors.
- Must try: the solomillo al whisky (pork tenderloin in whiskey sauce) and the crispy shrimp omelette (tortilla de camarones), some of the best in town.
We kick off our route with one of the most iconic tapas bars in Marbella’s historic center. Casa Curro is a classic Andalusian tavern: think marble tables, walls covered in bullfighting memorabilia, and friendly waiters ready with a smile and a suggestion.
Its kitchen serves up hearty, homemade dishes bursting with flavor. Don’t miss the fried eggplant drizzled with cane honey, the creamy salmorejo, or the mini sandwiches with pringá (a slow-cooked meat blend). Pair them with a perfectly poured caña or a glass of sherry and soak up the lively square-side atmosphere.
2. La Niña del Pisto: cordoban charm and tapas in Marbella
- Address: Calle San Lázaro, 2.
- Best for: traditional tapas lovers in a picturesque setting.
- Local tip: arrive early — they don’t take reservations, and it fills up quickly, especially on weekends.
Just a few steps from Casa Curro, this charming spot brings the flavors of Córdoba to Marbella. La Niña del Pisto is a cozy tavern where every detail, from the tiled walls to the wrought-iron lanterns, evokes the grand old houses of southern Spain.
As the name suggests, the star dish here is pisto – a kind of Andalusian ratatouille served with a quail egg on top. But don’t skip the flamenquines, oxtail croquettes, or homemade meatballs, all customer favorites.
3. El Estrecho: a taste of Marbella since 1954
- Address: Calle San Lázaro, 12.
- Best for: a must-stop bar full of local character and history.
- Pro tip: Order the clams in marinera sauce with a chilled glass of fino sherry.
The name says it all: this bar sits on a narrow alleyway where you can nearly touch both walls with your arms outstretched. But what it lacks in space, it makes up for in heritage and flavor. Founded in 1954, Bar El Estrecho is a true Marbella institution.
The menu is wide-ranging, but seafood lovers are in for a treat. The Galician-style octopus, prawns in garlic-chili oil, and marinated anchovies are among the most popular.
Thanks to its prime location in the Old Town, it’s the perfect stop between sightseeing. Service is quick and friendly, and the atmosphere is always buzzing.
4. La Bodega del Mar: tapas with a view of the Mediterranean
- Address: Av. Duque de Ahumada – Paseo Marítimo.
- Best for: seaside tapas with a refreshing ocean breeze.
- Insider’s tip: book a terrace table at sunset for the full Marbella experience.
After exploring the Old Town, head down to the promenade and continue your culinary journey by the sea. La Bodega del Mar is a fantastic spot to enjoy tapas and small plates with a view of the Mediterranean.
The decor and menu strike a perfect balance between traditional and modern. Highlights include the steamed mussels, Russian salad with tuna belly, and a variety of gourmet toasts. They also offer an impressive selection of Andalusian wines and craft beers.
5. Altamirano: Marbella’s fried fish temple
- Address: Plaza Altamirano.
- Best for: tasting the best pescaíto frito in town.
- Most ordered dish: the Malagueña-style mixed fried fish platter, best shared with a glass of chilled manzanilla.
We wrap up our route at one of Marbella’s most beloved eateries: Altamirano. This family-run restaurant is synonymous with freshness, quality, and tradition. The fish is sourced daily from the local market and fried to crispy perfection.
The menu varies depending on the catch of the day, but you can usually find anchovies, calamari, baby squid, marinated dogfish, grilled prawns, and sardine skewers during the summer. Generous portions, fair prices, and a lively local crowd make this spot a favorite among residents and visitors alike.
Tips to make the most of your Marbella tapas route
If this is your first time tapas hopping in Andalusia, here are a few tips to elevate your experience:
- Share everything. Tapas are meant to be shared — order a few dishes and taste them all together.
- Ask the waiter. Many bars offer daily specials or off-menu recommendations worth trying.
- Go early. The best spots fill up fast, especially in the high season.
- Mix food with exploration. Walk between neighborhoods and discover different corners of Marbella as you eat.
Where to stay to enjoy this tapas route
If you’re planning a gastronomic getaway to Marbella, at Banús Rentals we offer a wide selection of holiday apartments and villas in strategic locations: from the Old Town to the Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía and Puerto Banús.
Our accommodations combine comfort, style and an ideal location so you can make the most of everything Marbella has to offer. Plus, when you book directly through our website, you’ll enjoy the best rates with no commission fees. Discover all our properties in Marbella and Puerto Banús!
In short, going for tapas in Marbella is an experience worth repeating. The gastronomic richness of this coastal city, its welcoming atmosphere and its traditions make exploring its tapas bars one of the best ways to get to know it. From century-old taverns to modern gastrobars with sea views, every stop on this route offers a new perspective on the soul of Marbella. Will you take on this tapas route during your holiday? Enjoy and buen provecho!