Lunch in Marbella: Delicious Spots You Can’t Miss
Chiringuito Puente Romano
Pizzeria Picasso
Dune Beach
Photo credits: The Luxury Editor
Marbella is one of those places where food isn’t just about eating - it’s a full-on lifestyle. The town blends old-school Spanish charm with modern coastal energy, and that mix shows up beautifully on every plate. You’ll find everything from tiny tapas bars hidden in side streets to beach clubs where the seafood practically waves at you before it hits the grill. Mediterranean flavours are the star here - olive oil on everything, fish so fresh it could still tell you sea stories, and simple ingredients that somehow taste better under the Andalusian sun. One thing I’ve learned is that Spaniards treat lunch or la comida like a sacred ritual. It’s the main event of the day, usually happening around 2 or 3 p.m., and no one’s in a rush. There’s wine, laughter, and the kind of long conversations that make you forget you ever had emails to answer. Honestly, I think they might be onto something.
In this blog, I want to share three lunch spots I really enjoyed during my time in Marbella - the kind of places that made me slow down, savour every bite, and understand why nobody here seems to be in a hurry.
Chiringuito Puente Romano
If you’re looking for a lunch spot in Marbella that feels like a mini holiday in itself, Chiringuito Puente Romano is the one. It sits right on the beach - the kind of place where you can eat with your toes almost in the sand and the sound of waves quietly competing with the DJ’s playlist. It’s stylish, relaxed, and somehow still feels personal, even though it’s part of the well-known Puente Romano resort.
The food? Let’s just say seafood is the main character here. The menu leans Mediterranean with dishes like lobster risotto, seared tuna from the wood grill, and sea bass baked in a salt crust (basically, everything you dream of eating by the sea). I went for a classic burrata to start and then spaghetti vongole, which turned out to be one of the best I’ve had in ages - full of flavour, perfectly cooked, and loaded with clams that actually tasted like the ocean.
Service can be hit or miss depending on who you get, but when it’s good, it’s great. Jose Miguel, for example, was an absolute star - friendly, professional, and made the whole experience feel easy. Just a heads-up: prices here are definitely on the higher side, and you might get charged for things like bread and olives that seem complimentary. Still, with that view, that atmosphere, and that DJ spinning just the right kind of beachy music, you kind of stop caring. It’s one of those places where you pay a little extra for the feeling. And honestly, it’s worth it.
Pizzeria Picasso
Pizzeria Picasso in Puerto Banús isn’t just another Italian joint - it’s a full-blown institution. For more than 30 years, this place has been feeding hungry locals, yacht owners, and sunburned tourists with pizza that actually tastes like pizza, pasta that could make an Italian nod in approval, and portions so big you’ll probably need a nap afterward.
Had the tiramisu and it was so delicious!
You’ll smell this place before you even see it - wood-fired crust, garlic, olive oil, and that unmistakable buzz that happens when every table’s full (and trust me, it always is). There’s usually a queue out the door, but everyone waiting knows it’s worth it.
Once you sit down, the food hits the table fast, the staff move like a Formula 1 pit crew, and somehow they’re still smiling through the chaos. The menu’s got everything - fresh fish, good meat, a dreamy tiramisu, but the pizza and pasta are the real stars. The shrimp fettuccine and spaghetti bolognese will make you rethink every “Italian” meal you’ve had in a tourist trap before.
It’s noisy, crowded, a little wild and that’s exactly what makes it perfect. Big food, good people, small bills. You leave full, happy, and just a bit smug knowing you’ve eaten better (and cheaper) than half the port.
Dune Beach
I had an amazing time at Dune Beach Marbella - it’s where style, comfort, and good taste meet the Mediterranean with just enough flair to remind you you’re in Marbella. Created by the same team behind Ocean Club, Dune has quickly become one of the coast’s favorite places to eat, drink, and look effortlessly cool while pretending you’re not checking your reflection in your sunglasses :)
Perched right on the sand in El Rosario, surrounded by natural dunes and the sound of the waves, Dune feels more like a private escape than a restaurant. The design is modern and chic without trying too hard - neutral tones, clean lines, and an atmosphere that says “relaxed luxury.” The DJ knows exactly what he’s doing - the music’s always on point, never cheesy, and somehow makes you feel like life should always have a soundtrack.
Then there’s the food: a Mediterranean mix that travels from east to west without a single misstep. Fresh seafood and perfectly grilled meats worth breaking your diet for. Everything’s beautifully presented but never fussy - just simple, bold flavors made with top-quality ingredients.
The service is sharp, friendly, and charming in that way that makes you tip a little extra without realizing it. Whether you’re here for a long, lazy lunch, sunset dinner, or a few too many cocktails after a “quick stop,” Dune always delivers. The crowd’s a mix of families, couples, and friends who know how to enjoy themselves - stylish but not snobby, well-dressed but still ready to kick off their shoes in the sand.
Here, everything just clicks - the setting, the food, the music, the people. It’s part beach club, part fine dining, and all-around paradise with a bit of attitude.
All in all, I really enjoyed my time at Dune Beach Marbella. It’s the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression, and if any of my friends ever ask for recommendations in Marbella, this is absolutely one of the first places I’ll suggest. From the food to the setting to the staff, it’s just a really complete experience that’s hard to beat.
