With fresh local products galore and a history of traditional recipes, it’s no surprise to discover that southern Spain is renowned for its fine wining and dining. And within it, the province of Malaga has become a rising star on the culinary scene. As a result, there are now eight Michelin star restaurants on the Costa del Sol, mostly centered around Marbella with two in Malaga city and another apiece in Fuengirola and Ronda.
A note on menus and prices
Almost all Michelin star restaurants on the Costa del Sol offer tasting menus only. Expect at least 8 dishes in each one, and most restaurants have pairing options as well. Pace yourself for the experience and be prepared for a 2 to 3-hour meal.
A note on booking
Practically all the restaurants with Michelin stars on the Costa del Sol are small venues – Skina and Nintai in Marbella are especially pequeño. So, if you fancy dining in style, book well in advance.
Michelin star restaurants in Malaga
Despite its huge variety of quality restaurants, the Costa del Sol’s capital has hovered below the Michelin firmament. Until 2023, just one of the city’s restaurants held a Michelin star, but we’re hopeful that more excellent restaurants Malaga will gain maximum recognition in the near future.
Jose Carlos García Restaurant – Malaga *
Local Jose Carlos García whose cooking career goes back over 25 years, has held a Michelin star since ??. He brings local products to the centre stage in all his dishes – you can see him selecting the best at Atarazanas Market almost daily – and gives them a “rock and roll” touch.
What the Michelin Guide says
“The dishes champion locally sourced ingredients (around 70%) and showcase time-honoured “malagueño” flavours.”
Cost
€140
Contact details
Plaza de la Capilla, Muelle Uno, Malaga Port (+34) 952 003 588
Kaleja – Malaga *
This restaurant is relatively new in Malaga, but its chef, Dani Carnero, is an established local, with successful establishments such as La Cosmopolita to his name. Located in an alleyway off Calle Alcazabilla, this minimalist restaurant offer fine dining based on traditional recipes.
What the Michelin Guide says
“Every dish is teeming with powerful flavours.”
Cost
€90 to €110, pairing options for €40 and €50 extra.
Contact details
Calle Marquesa de Moya 9, Malaga city centre (+34) 952 600 000
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Michelin star restaurants in Marbella
Marbella has the lion’s share of Michelin star restaurants on the Costa del Sol, with four shining in the resort.
El Lago – Marbella *
If you’re looking for Michelin-star dining with golf views, El Lago is your restaurant of choice. The summer terrace has particularly fine vistas of the greens. Chef Fernando Villasclaras is the creator of the dishes, worthy of a Michelin star since 2005. His cooking champions locally-sourced products and traditional recipes.
What the Michelin Guide says
“As an antidote to the frenzy of summer in Marbella, head to El Lago, where you’ll find a haven of peace and tranquillity:”
Cost
Unusually for Spain, El Lago has a fully vegetarian tasting menu as well as a regular one. €130. À la carta mains cost €26-€36.
Contact details
Urb Elviria Hills, Avenida Marco Polo, Marbella (part of the Greenlife Golf complex) (+34) 952 832 371
Messina – Marbella *
Argentinian-born Mauricio Giuvanini is the creative mind behind the fusion dishes at this restaurant on the seafront side of main road in Marbella. Unlike most other Michelin star restaurants on the Costa del Sol, Messina has a tasting menu and à la carte options. Jus and sauces take centre stage in the menu.
What the Michelin Guide says
“Mauricio always strives for harmony and clean, individual flavours, creating cuisine influenced by Europe (including the Mediterranean) and Latin America.”
Cost
The two tasting menus cost €95 or €117 (pairing options are €46 or €57) and main dishes à la carte from €32 to €35.
Contact details
Avda Severo Ochoa 12, Marbella (+34) 952 864 895
Nintai – Marbella *
Japanese comes to Marbella at this sleek, modern venue in the city centre. Chef Marcos Granda has created an entirely Japanese menu – all the seats at the bar offer front-row views of the sushi making. Surprise desserts and what Michelin calls, “one of the best Sake menus in Spain”, are givens.
What the Michelin Guide says
“Guests can watch Marcos work, create and improvise his “itamae” style of cooking. Here, everything induces a feeling of serenity.”
Cost
€145 for the lunchtime tasting menu and €175 for dinner.
Contact details
Calle Ramón Gómez de la Serna 18, Marbella (+34) 952 608 966
Skina – Marbella **
Up and coming chef, Mario Cachinero, recently took over the kitchen at this tiny venue (4 tables inside), owned by Marcos Granda, the chef at Nintai. Mario’s cuisine is all about the detail – presentation is exquisite – and a new look at traditional Andalusian cooking. The wine cellar is one of the best anywhere.
What the Michelin Guide says
“The raw ingredients are meticulously and skilfully put to work in order to bring out even more of their flavour.”
Cost
Skina has three tasting menus: À la carte €209 (€275 paired), Seasonal €235 (€344 with paired wine) and Gran Cru, €499.
Contact details
Calle Aduar 12, Marbella Old Town (+34) 952 765 277
Discover a world of fine Malaga wining
When you take the Malaga Wine Road Trip. Enjoy a 6-night stay on the Costa del Sol while you discover the very best of local wines and the restaurants with the best wine cellars.
Michelin star restaurants in Fuengirola
Sollo – Fuengirola *
As well as the regular Michelin star, Chef Diego Gallegos also holds a green Michelin star for sustainability. His cooking relies exclusively on freshwater fish and aquaponic production, and brings together his Brazilian and Peruvian roots. Organic caviar produced at Riofrio in nearby Granada province is one of the main focal points in the dishes.
What the Michelin Guide says
“His tasting menu has an unequivocal sustainable thread, featuring modern, delicate and balanced dishes.”
Cost
€150
Contact details
Avenida del Higuerón 48, Fuengirola (+34) 951 385 622
Michelin star restaurants in Ronda
Bardal – Ronda **
Chef Benito Gómez offers one of the most sustainable tasting menus at Michelin star restaurants anywhere, so pace yourself for the 18 or 21 courses (plus optional Andalusian cheese board). The restaurant sits in the heart of Ronda and is a flagship for fine wining and dining on the Costa del Sol.
What the Michelin Guide says
“Recognisable flavours that have a connection to local tradition undergo a transformation in a subtle interplay of contrasts and textures.”
Cost
Bardal’s two tasting menus cost €170 or €190, with pairing menus for €85 and €95 extra.
Contact details
Calle José Aparicio 1, Ronda (+34) 951 489 828
Enjoy fine wining and dining on your holiday
Did you know that the Costa del Sol is packed to the brim with great restaurants? And that you don’t necessarily have to pay Michelin star prices to enjoy it?
Our Foodie Experience Costa del Sol Road Trip includes the best venues for fine wining and dining, with a great selection of wallet-friendly restaurants.