Gluten-Free Adventures in Marbella
If you’re wandering through Marbella like I did, with just a backpack and a serious appetite for good food, you quickly notice that gluten-free options aren’t always easy to come by. It’s one thing to find a salad or a plain grilled dish, but it’s another to find places that actually make gluten-free feel intentional, not like an afterthought. Over a few days, I wandered through the winding streets of the Old Town, peeked into the small alleys lined with cafés, and soaked up the sun along the promenade, tasting my way through the city. Some places were hit or miss, but a few really stood out - spots where the food was fresh, the staff knew their stuff, and gluten-free was treated with care. This isn’t just a list of restaurants, it’s a little tour of the places that made me feel like traveling gluten-free in Marbella didn’t have to be a compromise - it could actually be enjoyable.
La Scala: A Taste of Italy
If you’re in Marbella and craving authentic Italian with a touch of Mediterranean charm, La Scala is a spot that shouldn’t be missed. Honestly, it ended up being one of those evenings where you feel like you’ve accidentally stumbled into the perfect Instagram post. The restaurant somehow mixes a Mediterranean garden vibe with classy Italian elegance - you sit down, look around, and half-expect someone to start playing a mandolin in the background. Outdoor seating under the starry sky was a real treat, and I may or may not have dramatically inhaled the aroma of fresh herbs like a food critic in a movie.
I went straight for the pasta, and wow - delicious doesn’t even cover it. You could tell the chefs really know their stuff, and it’s one of those dishes that makes you momentarily forget all your other life problems. The menu is huge, with plenty of authentic options, and everything I ordered hit the mark. The staff? Incredible. Friendly, attentive, and not at all the “here’s your food, now leave us alone” type. Big shoutout to Alberto, the Maitre D’, who made the experience feel personal and welcoming. They even went out of their way to celebrate a couple’s anniversary nearby, which made me wonder if I should start leaving subtle hints about my own imaginary milestones just to get a table fireworks moment.
La Scala is tucked away in a quiet housing area, so finding it is like a little treasure hunt, but don’t worry, it’s not the kind that ends with you lost and hangry. Parking is limited right at the entrance, but there’s space nearby if needed. The interior and exterior design are beautiful, blending elegance with that Mediterranean garden feel, and the whole place screams “fancy, but chill.” Yes, it’s on the pricier side - main courses usually start around €30, but the portions are generous, the flavors are worth it, and let’s be honest, you’re on vacation, so you deserve it.
For me, La Scala wasn’t just a meal, it was a full Italian dining experience in Marbella: great food, charming ambiance, and service that made me feel like I might actually belong there. If you’re planning a special evening, or just want to treat yourself without shame - this place comes highly recommended. Plus, if you’re lucky, you might even catch me dramatically sniffing the herbs again.
A Sunny Morning at Brunchit
On a sunny morning in Marbella, I found myself at Brunchit, and it did not disappoint. I went straight for the acai bowl - it looked as good as it tasted, clean and colorful, and just the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re doing your body a favor while still enjoying yourself. The service was effortless: friendly, fast, and totally flexible with ingredient swaps or omissions, which for a solo traveler like me is always a relief.
Brunchit has this Bali-inspired, Malaga-made energy that somehow just works. You can tell the team really cares about the food, from organic flours in their artisan breads to estate and organic coffee. Every little detail, from clear allergen labeling to vegan options, shows they’ve thought about how to make brunch accessible, healthy, and just a little special. It’s not just a meal - it’s a philosophy. They’re all about fresh, seasonal produce, respecting natural flavors, and transforming ingredients in a way that’s minimal but delicious.
What’s really cool is the story behind it. Lydia Nieto, the founder, brought her love for brunch from travels in Barcelona and Bali back to her hometown of Malaga, and honestly, it feels like a little revolution in a bowl. She’s passionate, curious, and constantly exploring new gastronomic trends to keep Brunchit innovative and unforgettable. You can really feel that energy in every dish and every corner of the café.
For me, Brunchit wasn’t just a breakfast stop, it was a little experience of mindfulness and flavor wrapped up in a bright, calm, inviting space. Healthy, colorful, delicious, and genuinely enjoyable - if you’re in Marbella and want a brunch that feels a bit like a treat for your body and your Instagram feed, this is the spot. I’ll definitely be back.
Cascada: Romance, Jazz, and Delicious Bites
Sometimes you just need a little escape from Marbella’s crowds without leaving Spain, and that’s exactly what Cascada Cocina & Bar offers - a hideaway tucked into the foothills. From the moment you arrive, with the waterfall gently flowing nearby, it feels like you’ve stumbled into a scene from a foodie daydream - minus the stress of pretending to know how to pronounce anything on the menu. I went for dinner and had the gluten-free fish, and honestly, it was gorgeous - fresh, perfectly cooked, and plated so nicely that I almost didn’t want to eat it (almost).
Cascada opened in September 2020, led by the talented Lagarde brothers, Jacques and Mathieu, and their passion for culinary journeys really shows. From the carefully designed à la carte menu to handcrafted cocktails and a thoughtful wine selection, every detail feels intentional. The atmosphere is cozy and romantic without being stiff, and the staff are friendly and attentive enough to make you feel looked after but not watched - perfect for a solo traveler pretending to be sophisticated.
One of my favorite touches is the live music on weekends - jazz or Spanish guitar floating through the air adds just the right vibe. The combination of gorgeous views, creative dishes, and thoughtful service makes it feel like the kind of place where even a simple dinner turns into a mini-event. Sustainability is also clearly a priority since they grow some of their own herbs and source fresh local produce, which makes every bite feel bright and lively.
For anyone craving a dinner that’s a little romantic, a little peaceful, and a lot delicious, Cascada Cocina & Bar is well worth the short journey into the hills. Cozy, beautiful, and full of flavor (plus, it’s the kind of spot where you can pretend you’re in a food magazine while happily demolishing every bite).
