Enjoy your meal at sea front restaurants in Marbella.
Almost nothing beats enjoying delicious food on the beach as you watch the waves and enjoy the sunshine. But no, we’re not suggesting a picnic but a proper meal in one of the beach restaurants on the Costa del Sol. Known as chiringuitos in Spanish and dotted all along the coast, these establishments are something of an institution in the area, and everyone has their favourite. To help you find yours, read on for the ultimate list of the best chiringuitos in Marbella and Estepona.
Chiringuitos on the Costa del Sol have humble origins. Many started life as little more than a shack with bar stools serving beer and grilled sardines. But over the years, they have evolved and become part and parcel of eating out to eat.
While some chiringuitos remain cheap and cheerful, most offer table dining and a range of food and drinks. Many of these have become elegant restaurants in their own right – think linen tablecloths rather than paper and à la carte menus instead of a list of daily specials on a blackboard Chiringuito or beach club?
But whatever the décor and the food, all the best chiringuitos in Marbella and Estepona offer an authentic beachside experience. Sunday lunchtime wouldn’t be the same without a paella at a chiringuito or a July evening complete without a dish of fried fish as you watch the sunset over the Strait of Gibraltar.
Best for chilling – Victor’s Beach Marbella
Tucked away at the far west end of the Golden Mile (Milla de Oro), Victor’s Beach dates back to 1978 making it one of the oldest chiringuitos in Marbella. It sits on one of the quietest beaches too and the bar stools are just metres from the waves. Live music at the weekends.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you’re a fan of live music right by the waves.
More information Victor’s Beach Marbella
Best for the wine list – La Plage Casanis
And the drinks list generally runs longer than most chiringuitos in Marbella. On the seafront at Golden Beach in Elviria, this restaurant offers elegant dining with an international menu where the grilled dishes are favourites among guests.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you want fine wining with your dining.
More information La Plage Casanis
Best for 5-star luxe – Chiringuito Puente Romano
On the beach at one of the most famous hotels in Marbella, this is a serious contender among the most elegant chiringuitos on the Costa del Sol. Wining and dining come with the same 5-star standards as the hotel, and the menu embraces international cuisine, just like local fish dishes.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you fancy a touch of luxury at your chiringuito.
More information El Chiringuito Puente Romano Marbella
Best for busy Banús – Mistral Beach
One of the many chiringuitos at Puerto Banús, this one doubles as a beach club. On the menu, you’ll find a variety of rice dishes, including paella and fresh seafood. Book a table on the sands for a gourmet beach experience.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you like the hustle and bustle of Banús while you dine.
More information Mistral Beach Puerto Banus Marbella
Best for celeb spotting – Trocadero Playa
Right on the beach at the heart of Marbella’s Golden Mile, Trocadero Playa offers good food with a relaxed vibe. Popular with Marbella’s A-list visitors, this is also a great place for celebrity spotting in August. Live music and DJs provide the soundtrack.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you fancy beach dining with a chilled vibe and the occasional famous face.
More information Trocadero Playa Marbella
Best for interior design – Trocadero Arena
Trocadero Playa’s sister leaves the casual vibe behind in favour of beachside elegance. Not for nothing has this chiringuito at Rio Real Playa on the east side of Marbella featured in design magazines. Along with stunning décor, you’ll also enjoy delicious food.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you want elegance in your surroundings as well as on your plate.
More information Trocadero Arena Marbella
Best for Mediterranean views – La Milla
Sandwiched between Marbella’s two most iconic hotels on the Golden Mile, this restaurant offers perhaps the best sea views of all the chiringuitos in Marbella. Once you sit at the table, the Mediterranean Sea spreads out in front of you, and you can almost feel like being on a boat. The menu takes its inspiration from the sea and offers the best from local produce.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you want great food with a frontline sea view.
More information La Milla Marbella
Best for international food – Bono Beach
On the sands at Playa del Arenal on the east side of Marbella, Bono Beach serves a truly cosmopolitan menu. Sushi, Takaki, poke bowls and nasi goreng all appear on the menu alongside Andalusian dishes and classic burgers. Enjoy at the chiringuito tables or on your lounger on the beach.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you fancy trying cosmopolitan food at the beach.
More information Bono Beach
Best for fusion cooking – Chiringuito Macaao
You’ll find this busy chiringuito in Marbella at the far western end of the beach at San Pedro de Alcántara. Pick your table on the sand and enjoy international cuisine with a nod to fusion cooking – local sea bass comes Senegalese style for example—live music at the weekend.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you want something a little bit different to eat and love a busy vibe.
More information Macaao
Best for classic chiringuito – Aurora Beach Banús
A classic among chiringuitos on the western Costa del Sol and one that makes you feel part of the family. Tables are on the sands on the east side of the port at Puerto Banús serving home-cooking on linen tablecloths. And the coffee comes house-roasted.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you fancy good food and coffee directly on the beach.
More information Aurora Beach Banus
Best for surf and sand – Pedro’s Beach
On Playa del Rodeo, at the west end of Puerto Banús, Pedro’s Beach is another one of the oldest chiringuitos in Marbella. Established in 1978, it doubles as a windsurf school. At the table, you’ll find fresh fish and seafood served with vegetables grown at the owner’s organic farm.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if … you like riding the waves and a great meal afterwards.
More information Pedros Beach
Best for ‘what not?’ – Paradise Beach
Yet another, of the chiringuitos in Puerto Banús, right on the beach on the east side. The food is lovely, along with prices that are very reasonable for such a location. It has a relaxed, international vibe. Dine on the sands for the best views.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you’re looking for a great Caesar salad.
More information Paradise Beach
Best for elegance dining – Besaya Beach
Beachfront dining comes into its own at this chiringuito in Marbella at the far western end of the Golden Mile. White linen covers the chairs and tables, all with open views of the sea. Mediterranean fusion with fresh fish and seafood takes centre stage on the menu.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if … you’re looking for fine dining and Mediterranean views.
More information Besaya Beach
Best for central Marbella – Soleo Marbella Beach Club Restaurant
Part of the Fuente Hotel chain, this chiringuito sits in the heart of Marbella centre on the sands near the famous seafront promenade. Nautical stripes provide the décor, and fresh catch-of-the-day is one of the house specials on the menu.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if … you want a chiringuito in central Marbella.
More information Soleo Marbella
Best for central Estepona – Chiringuito Palm Beach
A classic in Estepona, this chiringuito might have a modern facelift, although it has kept its seafront essence and makes a great spot for eating out in Estepona. With a privileged position on Playa de la Rada – one of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol – Palm Beach serves international cuisine with a good choice for vegetarians.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if … you’re spending the day at the beach in Estepona town.
More information Palm Beach Estepona
Best for Bali chill – Sonora Beach Bar
One of the best chiringuitos in Estepona for a chilled vibe and on a quiet beach next to Los Granados Playa. Its signature red parasols greet you on your way to the tables where international food is on the menu. Live music at weekends.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if… you fancy a Bali vibe as you lunch or dine.
More information Sonora Beach
Best for private parties – Salduna Beach
Tucked away just minutes from Guadalmina and Puerto Banús, you will find this privately situated venue, which is located right on the beach. Remarkable experience to enjoy a meal under the stars with views along the coast to Gibraltar and Africa.
You’ll love this chiringuito, if … you enjoy a cosy setting in paradise.
More information Salduna Beach Estepona