The stretch of coast within the New Golden Mile, between Benahavís, Estepona and Marbella has developed a real varied restaurant offering in recent years, from well-established neighbourhood steakhouses to newer arrivals bringing cuisines that are still quite rare on the Costa del Sol.
This won’t be a guide to Marbella’s Michelin-starred restaurants or its beach clubs, but a straightforward rundown of the local restaurants you should know about this year.
Vôvem, Cancelada
Vôvem in Nueva Andalucía has been a mainstay for Marbella’s meat-lovers for a number of years, but the opening of their steakhouse in Cancelada in 2025 brings that same winning formula to the western stretch of the coast – and considerably closer to those staying between San Pedro and Estepona.
The restaurant forms part of the Magna Spain group (the same group behind Kalma & Kaos) and the focus is quality grilled meat, prepared with care and served in a straightforward style.
The concept is built around the asador tradition of simple grilling without overcomplicating things. The atmosphere is relaxed and well-suited to groups, and for those who want a reliable, high-quality dinner without venturing into central Marbella, Vovem is one of the most convenient and consistent options on this side of the coast.
Cortijo Luidze, Saladillo, Estepona
Cortijo Luidze sits on the Saladillo road between Estepona and San Pedro, and is one of the more interesting recent additions to the local dining scene. The restaurant was founded by the Luini Group – the family behind the Luini Italian restaurants in San Pedro and Marbella – and takes its name and inspiration from a Georgian culinary tradition.
The biggest feature of Cortijo Luidze is its open fire – a grill around which much of the menu is built, producing chicken, pork, beef, lamb and fresh fish with bold, layered flavours that are hard to find in this part of Spain. Signature dishes include khinkali dumplings, khachapuri bread, grilled meats prepared over open fire, and more refined plates such as sturgeon fillet with pomegranate sauce.
For those travelling with children, the restaurant also has a fantastic on-site play area, making it a practical and enjoyable option for families.
Ammos Greek Restaurant, Estepona
Ammos is the Greek restaurant at the METT Hotel & Beach Resort, located on the beachfront between Marbella and Estepona. Open to non-hotel guests, it draws on Greek and Mediterranean influences – think fresh seafood, sharing plates and grilled dishes – in a setting that looks directly out to the sea.
The restaurant draws on the vibes of the Aegean, paying homage to the rich traditions of the Greek islands and the kitchen’s emphasis on fresh ingredients and straightforward preparation reflects that.
The setting at METT is attractive in its own right, with the pool and the beachfront location adding to the appeal of an evening there.
Isola Ristorante Italiano, Estepona
Isola is the Italian restaurant at the same METT property – originally founded in Dubai’s Jumeirah Islands Clubhouse before arriving on the Costa del Sol – and it operates as a distinct experience from Ammos, with a stronger focus on the cooking itself.
The menu is a celebration of Mediterranean cuisine: homemade pasta, pizza and Italian favourites accompanied by an impressive wine list from Italy and Spain. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Giannis Toman, whose background spans French, Spanish, Greek and Italian cuisine, and the result is a menu that is consistently well-executed and genuinely enjoyable.
Things to bear in mind
Booking: All four restaurants will likely require advance reservations, particularly during August and at weekends.
Getting there: All of these restaurants are located between San Pedro de Alcántara and Estepona, accessible by car from anywhere along this stretch of the coast. Journey times from Villa Padierna are around 10-15 minutes by car, and from Marbella around 15-25 minutes by car.
Who they suit: Vovem and Luidze are well suited to groups and families. Ammos and Isola at the METT are solid options for couples and smaller groups looking for a more polished setting.
