International Gastronomy: Restaurants with Michelin stars on the Costa del Sol

Spain is renowned for its culinary credentials, and one of its most celebrated gastronomic regions is Marbella. This majestic city offers a plethora of dining options to suit all tastes and styles, but it is especially distinguished by its Michelin-starred restaurants.

Marbella boasts the impressive privilege of having three restaurants with one Michelin star and one restaurant with an extraordinary three Michelin stars. In this article, we will explore these exceptional establishments.

The Michelin Guide

The Michelin Guides are a series of publications created by the French company Michelin over a century ago. When referring to the Michelin Guide, it typically means the Michelin Red Guide, the oldest in Europe, which uses a rating system from one to three stars. Earning a Michelin star is a symbol of status, quality, and exquisite taste.

One Michelin Star Restaurants

Restaurante EL LAGO

Established by the Greenlife Estates group in 2000, Restaurante El Lago earned its Michelin star just five years later. The restaurant focuses on the innovation and creativity of its dishes, complemented by an extensive wine list featuring over 300 national bottles.

Located on the Greenlife group’s golf course, El Lago offers picturesque views of the golf course and the serene lake that gives it its name. Years of dedication and excellence have made El Lago a landmark of Spanish cuisine.

Restaurante Messina

Opened in 2003, Restaurante Messina received its Michelin star in 2016, which it retained in 2017 and 2018. Situated on Marbella’s main road next to the Amare hotel, Messina’s menu evolves with the seasons, using primarily Mediterranean seafood and local Andalusian products. The restaurant is known for its simple yet elegant presentations, showcasing technical mastery.

Restaurante Skina

Another Michelin-starred gem in Marbella, Restaurante Skina, opened in 2004. Skina prides itself on crafting dishes using ingredients from both the sea and the mountains of Málaga, drawing inspiration from Marbella’s rich culinary history. The restaurant is attentive to diners with allergies and intolerances, ensuring a safe and delightful dining experience.

Accompanied by an impressive selection of over 700 wines, Skina’s menu is highly regarded by culinary experts around the world.

The Luxurious Dani García Restaurant

Previously holding three Michelin stars, Dani García Restaurante was a project by the visionary chef Dani García. Known for his innovative approach and continuous quest for inspiration, Dani García created a dining experience like no other. However, on October 22, 2019, the restaurant closed its doors as announced by the chef in December 2018.

Following its closure, the same location now hosts Leña, a high-end steakhouse also under Dani García’s direction, offering exquisite dishes at more accessible prices. Despite the change, the legacy of exceptional culinary art continues.

Marbella remains a beacon of gastronomic excellence, with its Michelin-starred restaurants providing unforgettable dining experiences that blend tradition with innovation.