There’s always something charming about getting lost in Marbella’s Old Town – the winding whitewashed alleyways, the flowering balconies, the unexpected plazas buzzing with life. While we’ve long loved the traditional tapas joints and classic cafés tucked into its historic corners, this year has brought a fresh wave of energy to the neighbourhood’s culinary scene.

If you’ve been wondering where to eat in Marbella’s Old Town in 2025, we’ve done the delicious legwork for you. These five newcomers have quickly earned a spot on our favourite places to linger, celebrate, and indulge. From plant-based goodness to bold Persian flavours, here are the best new restaurants to check out this year.

5 New Restaurants in Marbella Old Town in 2025 You Should Visit

1. Manuka Alameda

 Manuka Alameda - New Restaurants in Marbella Old Town

We’ve been fans of Manuka for a while now. This homegrown Marbella concept has always stayed true to its roots in plant-forward, conscious dining. But with the opening of their Alameda location, they’ve taken things to the next level. Nestled off the leafy paseo, it’s the perfect place to hit reset after a beachy morning or fuel up before exploring town.

The vibe is everything you’d want from a modern, healthy café: clean design, lots of wood and greenery, and a staff that knows its ingredients like sommeliers know their grapes. The menu is a dream for anyone looking for vegan or vegetarian options without skimping on flavour. We return for their green Thai curry, loaded with coconut, lemongrass, seasonal veggies, and the rainbow poke bowl with marinated tofu, kimchi, and quinoa.

If you’re more of a breakfast-all-day person (guilty), the acai bowls, chia parfaits, and smashed avocado toast with vegan feta are light yet filling. Bonus: they’ve got great matcha and beetroot lattes, too. Whether you’re a committed vegan or just craving something clean and fresh, Manuka Alameda feels like a little slice of Bali in the heart of Marbella.

2. Kain Marbella

Tucked along one of the quieter side streets of Old Town, Kain Marbella is a sleek, sultry newcomer already making waves with its confident take on Asian fusion cuisine. If you love discovering places that feel like hidden gems, Kain’s moody interior and inventive menu will have you hooked.

The design alone had us snapping photos – dim lighting, bold art, and a modern take on traditional Asian motifs make it the kind of place where dinner easily turns into cocktails and conversation. But the real magic is on the plate.

Kain’s kitchen weaves together influences from Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, resulting in a creative menu without being gimmicky. We fell hard for the spicy tuna crispy rice, and their miso black cod might rival Nobu’s (yes, we said it). Their Korean fried cauliflower is addictive, and the yuzu margarita? Don’t leave without trying it.

Perfect for date night or dinner with friends when you’re craving something edgier, Kain brings an exciting new flavour to Old Town’s mix.

3. Sí, Chef!

It’s difficult to take something as sacred as traditional Spanish cuisine and give it a modern update without losing its soul – but Sí, Chef! manages to do just that. This new restaurant, set on a quiet corner just off Plaza de los Naranjos, is a love letter to Spain’s rich food heritage, with just enough innovation to keep things interesting.

We came for the name (seriously clever) and stayed for the pulpo a la gallega, which practically melts on the tongue. Their take on patatas bravas is playful yet deeply satisfying, and the Iberian pork secreto with smoked paprika glaze left us speechless.

The space itself is warm and welcoming, blending rustic Andalusian touches with contemporary flair. Think: terra cotta walls, open kitchen, wood, and natural light. The service is spot-on – friendly, knowledgeable, and more than happy to guide you through their list of small-production Spanish wines.

If you want to introduce visitors to Spanish cuisine in a familiar and elevated way, Sí, Chef! is a must.

4. Cicchetto Venexiano

Now and then, a restaurant opens that instantly transports you, and Cicchetto Venexiano does just that. This cosy spot brings the soul of Venice’s bacari bars to the Andalusian coast, and we couldn’t be happier about it.

For the uninitiated, Cicchetti are Italian tapas – small, flavour-packed bites typically enjoyed with a glass of wine or a spritz. And this place nails it. The moment you step inside, with its vintage maps, Murano glass accents, and soundtrack of soft Italian jazz, you’re no longer in Marbella.

Their truffle arancini are the stuff of dreams – crispy on the outside, creamy and earthy on the inside. We also loved the grilled polenta with gorgonzola, and the mini squid ink sliders were as beautiful as they were delicious. They’ve got a strong rotating selection of wines from the Veneto region and a seriously good Negroni Sbagliato.

Whether popping in for a late afternoon aperitivo or sitting down for a full-on cicchetti tasting dinner, Cicchetto Venexiano is a gorgeous, delicious breath of Italian air.

5. Mazeh

We didn’t realise how much Marbella needed a Persian restaurant until Mazeh opened its doors. Hidden behind a bright blue doorway just off Calle Virgen de los Dolores, this new addition is a feast for the senses from its colourful tiled walls to the heady aromas of saffron, rosewater, and grilled meat.

Mazeh’s menu is a generous, aromatic journey through Persian cuisine. Start with the mirza ghasemi – a smoky roasted aubergine dip that pairs perfectly with their warm, sesame-dusted flatbread. The ghormeh sabzi, a slow-cooked herb and lamb stew, is rich, tangy, and utterly comforting. And if you’re a kebab lover, their koobideh is among the best in southern Spain.

What really sets Mazeh apart, though, is the warmth of the experience. The staff makes you feel like an old friend, happy to explain ingredients and share stories behind each dish. It’s the kind of place where you lose track of time, sip endless Persian tea, and finish with a delicate faloodeh or rose-scented rice pudding.

Final Thoughts

Marbella’s Old Town has always had charm to spare, but this new crop of restaurants has brought in fresh flavours, fresh faces, and a new level of culinary creativity that we’re so excited about. Whether you’re living here full-time, just visiting for the week, or planning your next foodie escape, don’t miss out on these five newcomers. Each one brings something special to the table – and we mean that literally. You can also check our list of the best ice cream shops in Marbella Old Town, which you will surely enjoy. If you are looking for accommodation to visit all those culinary places, book your stay at Marbella Village!