Messina Restaurante — Restaurant in Marbella

My husband and I spent a couple weeks traveling in Spain. We prioritize great food and restaurants when we travel, especially in world class culinary locations, and we were so fortunate to eat at multiple Michelin star and other highly recommended restaurants. MESSINA was my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE in Spain. We did the chef’s tasting menu with a cocktail aperitif, the wine pairing, and a dessert cocktail (we were on vacation 😉!). I will start with the food. Every dish was delicious! Every single one. In most tasting menus at fine dining restaurants, there is always a course or two that I struggle with; I honestly expect that given how creative and adventurous the food is. But at Messina, flavor reigned and we enjoyed every single dish. This is not to say that risks weren’t taken! Sweetbreads were on the menu, which I absolutely loathe, but somehow Mauricio and his team prepared them in a way that was delicious. He changed my mind on sweetbreads, which I never thought possible. Stars of the menu were the squid roe, the lobster custard, and the beef. This place deserves 2 stars without question. The best part of this meal, however, was Mauricio, Pia, and their team. We originally had a reservation on a Thursday night, but had an unexpected change of plans with just a day’s advanced notice. Pia squeezed us in Friday night and put us at the chef’s counter no less. It was the most thoughtful flexibility I have ever seen in a fine dining restaurant. This place has soul. The team is kind, friendly, fun and attentive. It is a super welcoming atmosphere even though the food is fancy. The playlist is killer. I cannot say enough good things. Prioritize going here when in Marbella!! It is an absolute gem on...

We ate here for my husband's birthday dinner while on a trip to Marbella, and it was by far one of the best restaurants we've ever been to!! We haven't stopped talking about it since we went. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Pia and the team. They were very friendly and showed us to our table. They walked us through the different types of cocktails they have, which we started with one before the meal. We opted for the longer tasting menu since we wanted to try as many dishes as we could. We also did the wine pairings. Every dish tasted SO good and left us wanting more. The presentation was beautiful too. Chef Mauricio came around a few times to check in on things too. It was really lovely talking to him and Pia about the restaurant and how it came to be. The dinner was not rushed at all, which we loved. The space is beautifully designed; it's very chic yet cozy. There are only 8 tables, so it's very intimate. The tables are also spread apart too, which we like a lot. Overall, the experience was so amazing. We loved the food, the service, the wine, and the team. I highly recommend this restaurant; I wish we could go...

Messina: A Michelin-Worthy Gem in Marbella Messina delivered an exceptional dining experience that even impressed two well-traveled New Yorkers. From start to finish, the service was amazing and the food was truly delicious. Sitting at the chef's table provided a truly memorable evening. The chef, his wife (the front of house manager), and his son (the sous chef) were incredibly welcoming and made my birthday celebration extra special. Unlike many other tasting menus, the food at Messina was not only creative but also incredibly flavorful. The passion of the chef was evident in every dish. The ambiance and service were perfect throughout the meal. They even accommodated our special birthday wine and added lovely touches to make me feel celebrated. I highly recommend Messina. It's a must-visit for anyone seeking a top-tier dining experience in Marbella. This place deserves three Michelin stars! I also adored the modern yet warm vibe of...