LA CABAÑA
(east side of Marbella town) When you can't get into The California, walk 100 yards up the circunvalación to La Cabaña. Not quite as fashionable with the out-of-towners, but the locals all know that the food is jiust as good. Tel: 952 77 88 95.

LA RELOJERA
(Marbella fishing port) The quaint location is an attraction of this restaurant. You can sit on the roof terrace in the summer evenings and watch the fishing fleet depart with its entourage of seabirds. Famous for its barbecued fish. Tel: 952 77 14 47

SANTIAGO
(Paseo Maritimo Marbella) The place in Marbella to eat Lobster (Bogavante), it's Irish equivalent -Dublin Bay Prawns (Cigala), or the daddy of them all - Rock Lobster (Langosta). Great for watching the activity on the Paseo. Tel: 95 2770078.

MARISA 'S BEACH CLUB & GRILL
(Rio Verde Beach) The place to lunch on the beach in summer. Some people spend all there, but many just lunch. Great for beach walking to Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 82 45 34.

EL CIPRIANO
(Playas del Duque, Puerto Banús) Probably the smartest fish (but not just fish) restaurant in town. You and your guests will be impressed - the food, the service and the décor are all world closs. Tel: 952 81 10 77.

LA DORADA
(at the entrance to Puerto Banús) In competition with El Cipriano, this is on off-shoot of the famous Madrid restaurant, and it more than lives up to its reputation. Not exclusively fish, although it's reputation was earned for the brilliant seafood. Tel: 952 81 18 92

LA MERIDIANA
(up from Puente Romano) In the heart of the Golden Mile, this is the in restaurant for summer nightlife. A spectacular terrace setting with the dramatic backdrop of La Concha mountain and panoramic views all around. All year round excellent 5-star restaurant. Tel: 952776190.

LA PESQUERA
(Paseo Marítimo, San Pedro) At the other end of the spectrum, there are a row of ' Little Fishies' restaurants along the Paseo, on the beach in the new part of San Pedro, all of which are good. We recommend La Pesquera for the quality, although it' s a bit of a culture shock for the uninitiated. Tel: 952 78 77 21.

NUEVO REINO
(San Pedro Paseo Maritimo) Rather more sophisticated than Nini's and the others, this is at the east end of the row and is large and professionol enough to cater for big groups (our yearly office party!) Tel: 952 78 66 66.

BAR MERCHÁN
(San Pedro pedestrian area, near the post office) Always our favourite, with the best gambas pil pil (prawns in hot, spicy oil) in the world. We managed to keep it a secret for years, but sadly the secret is out, and like La California you won' get in Easter or August, for the Madrileños now flock there. (Try the spicy potatoes as well) Tel: 952 78 01 34.

FERNANDOS
(San Pedro back streets, off Calle Cordoba) Discovered by the English at about the same time as the Abba song of the same name. Don't hold this against it as the food is excellent and the atmosphere always good. Tel: 952 78 79 99.

PARA BIEN
(San Pedro up from the Renault Garage) More sophisticated, northern Spanish cuisine. Mainly fish but not exclusively. This restaurant has the novelty of a large glass window into the kitchen So you can watch the master chef at work. Tel: 952 78 65 81.

VICTORS
(Guadalmina near Barclays Bank) This is the place to eat fish baked in rock salt (either Sea Bream -Lubina, or Gilthead -Dorada are the best. You won't taste the salt, but it will be light, white, flavourful fish boked to perfection. Serving it is also something of a show. A truly great fish restaurant. You must book even when it's not Easter or August, and at least a month in advance for those. Tel: 952 88 22 80..

NIKKI BEACH
Nikki Beach Marbella is one of the latest luxury beach clubs to hit Marbella and has very quickly become a first choice to many party goers and lovers of beach lunches.

RESTAURANT GUIDE
If you want the latest and most comprehensive marbella restaurant guide or a general Costa del Sol guide then visit one of the aforementioned links.