Five Terraces for a Long Autumn Lunch in Marbella
Shade, sea air and a menu that rewards a three-hour sitting: our picks for the best lunch terraces now that the summer crowds have gone.
Autumn lunch on the coast is one of life's quieter pleasures: the light softens, the tables empty out and the kitchens relax. Five terraces we keep returning to:
- Casa Almendra — the courtyard under the orange trees in the old town; book the chef's table for eight if you can.
- El Chambao de la Playa — the Elviria chiringuito, for sardines on the embers and Sunday paella.
- Mar Salada, Estepona — red prawns and whole turbot on the quay as the boats come in.
- Trattoria La Quinta — Golf Valley Italian with a wood oven and a Piedmont-heavy cellar.
- Ember & Oak — a Golden Mile steakhouse that opens its terrace for Sunday lunch.
Most of these take reservations through LaCostaDelSol; the chiringuito does not, so arrive before half past one.
