Restaurante BACK — Restaurant in Marbella

Our dining experience at Restaurante BACK in Marbella was nothing short of extraordinary. This restaurant, which recently received its first Michelin star, lives up to its reputation in every possible way. From the ambiance and service to the food and wine selection, everything was impeccable.

Upon arrival, we were offered a choice between a degustación menu at 138 euros, featuring a wide variety of dishes, and an à la carte menu. We opted for the à la carte menu, and it turned out to be a splendid decision.

The meal began with a simple yet delightful treat: crispy bread paired with high-quality olive oil. The bread's texture and the olive oil's richness set the tone for the evening. This was followed by the house aperitif, consisting of a mousse of gazpacho with goat's cheese and a pepper bread topped with sardine. Both were delightful and unique starters that showcased the restaurant’s creativity.

The oysters, large and bursting with flavor, were a highlight. We then moved on to the croquettes of carabineros and chickle de foie with pistachios. The chickle de foie was my personal favorite, featuring an incredible blend of flavors. For our starters, we also had lubina, which was prepared to perfection.

Our main courses included the pescadilla, which was exceptionally good, and the lomo de ciervo, which was a surprisingly delightful dish with a remarkable flavor profile. To cap off our savory courses, we enjoyed the Costilla de Black Angus. The rib was tender and flavorful, melting in our mouths with each bite. The presentation of each dish was very creative and beautiful, enhancing the overall dining experience.

Although we were too full for desserts, we opted for tea infusions. The staff allowed us to select fresh herbs, which they then prepared in front of us – a lovely and aromatic experience. To our surprise, they also brought us an assortment of small desserts, including chocolate truffles, a lemon marshmallow, and a mini orange tart-like dessert. These final touches left us thoroughly impressed.

Overall, every aspect of our meal at Restaurante BACK was amazing. From the first bite to the last, it was clear why this restaurant earned its Michelin star. Reservations are a must, and we recommend booking a couple of weeks in advance to ensure a spot at this remarkable establishment. Definitely recommended for anyone seeking a top-tier dining experience...

I don’t want to sound rude, but I feel the need to share my honest experience. As someone who regularly dines at Michelin-starred restaurants around the world — from Geneva to Bangkok, Barcelona, and beyond — I can say with confidence that this restaurant does not meet the standards of a 1-star Michelin.

I came twice, because the first time was already disappointing — but I wanted to give it another chance. Unfortunately, the second experience confirmed my concerns. The fish I ordered was 39€, and the portion was shockingly small, served without any sides or explanation. We had to call the staff ourselves when we needed something, as they never came to check on us. When they saw that I had barely touched my plate, there was no question, no interest, no service.

The staff simply placed the dishes without a word, and the overall experience lacked the care, attention to detail, and hospitality expected from a Michelin-starred venue.

In total, I paid around 62€, and honestly, I left feeling that I had paid a high price for nothing — and worse, I left still hungry. Even when I left, I had to open the door myself because no one noticed my departure — a final detail that reflects the overall lack of attentiveness.

There was nothing memorable about the food, the atmosphere, or the service, and in my opinion, the Michelin classification is completely unjustified.

I’ve given 2 stars in this comment because I still want to encourage the team, but it’s important to share the reality of my experience in the hope that it helps...

I recently had the pleasure of dining at this restaurant, and my experience was a delightful mix of highs and lows. The food was simply extraordinary, showcasing an exemplary flair for fine dining at an impressively reasonable price. The flavors were rich and thoughtfully combined, leaving a lasting impression on my taste buds.

However, the experience was not without its imperfections. When it came to the drink selection, the non-alcoolholic offerings were confined to generic commercial brands, leaving something to be desired for those in search of a more unique beverage to complement their meal.

Another notable issue was the timing of the tasting menu. Despite being assured that the meal would last no longer than an hour and a half, it ultimately spanned nearly three hours. While the food itself was worth the wait, the discrepancy between the promised and actual timing was a bit frustrating.

In spite of these setbacks, the ambiance of the restaurant was utterly fantastic. With great music and a wonderful atmosphere, it remains a place I would recommend. These minor inconveniences did not entirely mar the experience, but they were notable impediments that the establishment could look into improving. Overall, it's a restaurant worth visiting for the food and ambiance alone, but one should be prepared for a potential lapse in the beverage...