Join the savvy Spaniards who lunch at the perfectly located Aurora Beach Restaurant. Specializing in seafood, this hidden gem boasts a warm, friendly staff and a fantastic manager. If it’s in season, get the red tuna salad with pineapple.

Located in the historic center, this 30-year old establishment offers traditional Andalusian cuisine in a low-key atmosphere. With a focus on fresh seafood and alfresco tables set on the Altamirano square, this longtime neighborhood joint is great for an easy night out with friends and family or a relaxed lunch while strolling Marbella town.

A disciple of Spanish cooking legend Ferran Adrià, Dani Garcia is quietly building a culinary empire in Marbella. The latest addition is BiBo, a casual tapas joint that overlooks a large outdoor bar in Hotel Puente Romano. Here, the food is all about whimsical presentation—Garcia uses innovative vessels to serve everything from the cocktails to ceviche. A few menu highlights include the oysters, the Cojonudo Brioche (pulled Ronda chorizo, sweet onion, chipotle sauce and fried quail egg) and the Corvina Ceviche (made with red striped bass, yellow peppers, corn, green apples and jalapeños).

Set at the corner of a charming plaza in Old Town, this tiny café serves delicious churros con chocolate. It’s an ideal stop for people watching while enjoying breakfast or a mid-day snack.

This Michelin-starred restaurant just outside of town features a creative twist on Andalucian cuisine using high-quality local produce. A quiet dinner on the terrace overlooking a lake and the golf course beyond is the perfect antidote to Marbella’s hectic summertime scene.

Located in the gardens of the Marbella Club, this colorful Mediterranean dining spot offers a serene escape with warm and bubbly service.

For a big night out on the town, head to La Sala in Puerto Banus, which offers a Cannes type of dining-meets-nightlife experience. Serving international and classic Spanish dishes, this spot serves surprisingly delicious food and the atmosphere is a full on party. As the restaurant does turn into a proper bar around 10pm, be sure to arrive on the earlier side or sit alfresco to be able to converse as the hours pass into night. Expect lighthearted crowds of all ages in the high season.

You won’t see many tourists at this great little restaurant that sits right on beach. The perfect place for a relaxing lunch, this local favorite is very modern: the staff takes pride in catering to those with special diets and will go out of their way to accommodate guests. If you’re looking to indulge head straight for the cocktail bar–all drinks are made with fresh, natural juices.

A glamorous crowd flocks to the chiringuito at the Marbella Club Hotel, known for fried or spit-roasted fish and light, fresh salads. The chic beachfront restaurant is delightfully low-key, and the perfect encapsulation of what a Spaniard's seaside holiday should entail.

Located in the Hotel Puente Romano, the popular Namazake serves up high-concept, delicious sushi in a chic atmosphere. The restaurant also has a buzzing nightlife scene, with the sake frequently flowing past four in the morning.

This simple restaurant in the Old Town of Marbella serves typical Andalucian dishes, with an emphasis on fresh fish and seafood from Marbella’s ports. A mainstay for over 25 years, Altamirano is beloved by locals.

For a romantic night out, the candlelit garden restaurant at the Marbella Club Hotel cannot be beat. With a rotating menu that highlights the freshest seasonal produce, the Grill couples an enviable atmosphere with elegant, refined cuisine. During hunting season, the restaurant offers a special menu with some of the finest cuts of meat from the surrounding area.