Choosing where to eat is never an easy feat, particulary in a place like Puerto Banús where there are hundreds of restaurants and cafés to choose from. Whether it’s a quick and casual in-and-out meal you’re looking for, or whether you want to make a night of it at a fine dining establishment with live music and dancing, then read on to see our pick of the bunch. Bon apetit!

Picasso’s
Probably the best-known pizza and pasta place in Marbella, Picasso’s has ‘em queuing up down the block. Whether it’s the secret ingredients used to make the mouthwatering dishes on the extensive menu, or the buzzing atmosphere diners enjoy inside, Picasso’s has got casual eating spot-on. Located on the front-line in Puerto Banús, diners can enjoy their extra-cheese pizzas while watching the yachts moored up and the glamorous world swan by. Because there’s a high turnover of tables, it’s great for children and the no-frills, reasonably priced menu makes it a perfect place to go for a quick bite to eat.
Tel: 952 811 717

The Lonestar Brasserie
Fairly new to the scene is The Lonestar Brasserie – sister restaurant of the famous Lonestar Hotel in Barbados – which serves good food in trendy surroundings. Located on the frontline Puerto Banús, it certainly isn’t cheap, but it’s worth every Euro. Bedecked with fashionable furniture and dark maroon walls, the menu is simple but with a Caribbean twist, and includes starters such as Langostine Bisque and Gravadlax and mains such as Beer Battered Fish and Chips and Herb Crusted Rack of Lamb. With an upstairs section that caters for large groups and parties, The Lonestar Brasserie is the perfect place to celebrate to celebrate that special occasion.
Tel: 952 908 808

TGI Friday’s
Great for kids, TGI Friday’s is set further back in Puerto Banús – near the big square and McDonald’s – and serves all-American-style food, including burgers, chicken, pastas, potato skins and salads. While ordering separate main courses, starters and desserts can begin to get a little expensive for comfort food, they do have special menu deals from which you can pick from a three-course selection for just under 20 Euros. While the staff aren’t as friendly as they used to be – them seem to have lost that ‘spark’, as well as the silly costumes – the food and atmosphere are still legendary. What’s more, you can pop in just for a cocktail at the central bar – the Strawberry Daiquiri is to-die-for. And potent. Hic!
Tel: 952 815 993

Metro
Adjacent to TGI Friday’s is Metro. While it looks expensive from the outside, it’s actually very reasonable and serves decent pasta, salads, fish, as well as having a tried-and-tested kids menu. It’s certainly no Picasso’s, but then again you don’t have to queue here.
Tel: 952 907 037

Liquid Lounge
Recently refurbished and reopend, Liquid Lounge is where the beautiful people lunch with a glass of white wine and a club sandwich or nicoise salad. With modern, striking interior design, and an inspired menu that boasts pastas, salads and eastern-style dishes, it really is the cream of the Puerto Banús crop. During the evenings a DJ hits the deck, and it’s the perfect place to prop up the sleek bar with a cocktail or two or three. Be sure to book in the evenings, as would-be-diners are often turned away due to lack of room.
Tel: 952 908 831

Aretusa
One of the more expensive places to dine in Puerto Banús, Aretusa is an elegant Italian restaurant positioned on the frontline. As well as all the usual pasta dishes - including gnocci, for those who like it - the menu comprises a good selection of meats, such as doorstop steaks and breaded veal. Be sure to book a table, dress up and bring your plastic, however.
Tel: 952 812 898

Pizza Marzano
Serving exactly the same food as the much-loved Pizza Express, Pizza Marzano is situated just on the corner opposite El Corte Ingles and the Naga Thai Restaurant. With an expansive terrace perfect for enjoying a range of pastas and pizzas al fresco, it’s a great place to come and have a quick catch-up with friends in between shopping. With WiFi Internet access, it’s also popular with businessmen on their lunch hour. The Goat’s Cheese and Sun-dried Tomato Pizza is exceptional.
952 810 448

Regina’s
Situated a little further back from Puerto Banús in Nueva Andalucia, Regina’s is one of the best fine dining restaurants in all of Marbella. With an extensive Italian menu that puts some top London restaurants to shame, and live music and dancing well into the small hours, it’s great for couples looking to wine and dine. Valet parking adds that extra special touch.
Tel: 952 814 529

Khans
Arguably the best Indian restaurant in Marbella, Khans offers sophisticated Indian cuisine right on the frontline. With big premises to cater for the high turnover of people that pass in and out of its doors, Khans never seems to lose its magical touch. Offering all the staples, from Korma to Madras, with an inspired range of meal accompaniments, it’s certainly not your usual cheap ‘n’ cheerful curry. Closed Tuesday lunchtime. Be sure to book in the summer months.
Tel: 952 814 371

Jack’s
An imitation of TGI Friday’s, Jack’s serves typical American-style cuisine and tex-mex at slightly lower prices. Situated on the frontline on huge two-floor premises, Jack’s is great for large groups and families looking for casual, no-frills dining in funky surroundings.
Tel: 952 813 625

Red Pepper
With a larger-than-life host and attentive staff, the Red Pepper on the frontline is the most renowned Greek-style taverna restaurant in Marbella. The food is expensive, but you’re guaranteed to make a night of it here, with live music and a boisterous crowd. Don’t expect to get in unless you’ve booked a week in advance.
Tel: 952 812 148

Rudy’s East
Set back from the hustle and bustle in Nueva Andalucia, Rudy’s East is known to be the best Chinese restaurant in the vicinity. A little pricier than your usual Chinese, Rudy’s East serves signature Chinese dishes in informal, relaxed surroundings.
Tel: 952 814 579