Our journey through Spain took us to some wonderful towns and cities most U.S. tourists don’t think to travel to. One such city was Marbella, located in Spain’s southern Costa del Sol region. A popular getaway with British tourists, we were one of the few Americans visiting. The rainy, dreary days we experienced in France left us wanting sun, sand & surf, which Marbella offered us!
One reason we love Spain so much is because of its tapas culture. There’s nothing better than sharing dishes, having a ‘family’ meal, and introducing our kids to new foods. Marbella not only offers up delicious Spanish tapas restaurants (two of which are mentioned below), but it also consists of a wide variety of cuisines, if you want something different.
Here’s a list of LouLou & Jaf’s favorite restaurants in Marbella.
Friends Bar de Tapas
A great family-friendly restaurant serving up a variety of traditional and fusion tapas. We ordered a number of dishes, all of which gets placed in the center of the table for all to sample. We heard that there’s musical entertainment on weekends, which the kids would have enjoyed.
Kids favorites: any of their bbq meats (steak/chicken/pork), calamares con pisto, jamon iberico
Passion Cafe
This cafe is great if you’re looking for a scrumptious breakfast or bunch, serving up pancakes, bagels, sandwiches and eggs. Why us adults loved it is for the free wifi: perfect for catching up on email, blogging while the kids are munching away.
Kids favorites: pancakes with bacon, fresh orange juice
Aqui Te Quiero Ver
If you’re in the mood for fresh Spanish seafood dishes, head to this typical chiringuito aka beach-front restaurant. Located on one of Marbella’s most popular beaches, Real de Zaragoza, we loved everything we were served especially the sardines al espeto – they’re freshly grilled on a stick!
Kids favorites: Seafood paella, fried calamari
Hanuri Korean Restaurant
Whenever we travel, there’s nothing we miss more than our favorite restaurants on Oahu. Who knew you could find authentic Korean food all the way in Southern Spain! The service was friendly, and we love Korean bbq for its immersive experience with kids. They loved watching the meat being prepared right at the table.
Kids favorites: green tea ice cream, hot pot & of course, their kimchee fried rice
Cibo Italiano
If you’re craving pizza, this is the kid-friendly spot to go to in Marbella. One of the locals mentioned if you’re in town during a birthday, they host “Make Your Own Pizza” parties where the kids get to design, prepare and even bake their own pizza’s in the restaurants kitchen…wish we were there during LouLou or Jaf’s birthday’s.
Kids favorites: calamari & prawn bruschetta, salami di napoli pizza, Italian cheeses spread
There are plenty of things to see, do, and eat in Marbella that make it one of the best and most varied destinations in Spain. You won’t be disappointed if you put it on your itinerary!