Marbella: Eating and Drinking

Once a sleepy Spanish fishing village, now a playground for the rich and famous, Marbella's fantastic climate, beautiful beaches, thriving night life and plentiful golf courses all help make it one of the most popular destinations on the Mediterranean.

From playboys to package-holiday makers...Marbella has a restaurant for them all. International favourites are well covered here, but if you're looking for a Spanish gem, follow the locals.

Buenaventura

Full of traditional Andalusian charm - and in one of the best locations in town - Buentaventura's innovative take on Spanish classics is a consistent crowd pleaser.
Plaza de la Inglesia de la Encarnación 5. Tel. +(34) 952 858 069; www.demarbella.net .

Aralia

Poolside dining and live music provide a pretty perfect backdrop to a creative Mediterranean at Aralia. Dress up if you're going in the evening.
Gran Hotel Gvadalpin Marbella, Blvd. Principe Alfonso de Hohenlohe. Tel. +(34) 952 899 400; www.granhotelguadalpin.com/en/restauracion/.

Casa Fernando

Michelin-recommended and family-run for some 30 years, this is generally considered the best seafood restaurant in the area.
Avenida del Mar, San Pedro de Alcantara. Tel. +(34) 952 784 641; www.casafernandos.com.

Drink

Marbella was built for a good time, and the bars are no exception. Looking for celebrities, footballers and reality TV stars? Head to Puerto Banus - but expect to pay larger than life prices, too.

La Notte Piano Bar

An elegant setting, live music and a cracking cocktail list - La Notte attracts a crowd that is as sophisticated as it is wealthy.
Camino de la Cruz s/n, Marbella. Tel. + (34) 952 866 996.

Sinatra's Bar

Probably the best know bar in Puerto Banus. Sinatra's may not look much for the outside but it's always buzzing - day or night.
Front line Puerto Banus. Tel. + (34) 952 81 90 50. .

Portside

People watch - or boat watch - from the front and back terraces. There are also seven screens so you won't miss the latest sporting events either.
Frontline , Puerto Banus. www.portsidepuertobanus.com/