These are the 7 restaurants recommended by the Michelin Guide for their 'good cooking' that still don't have a Star

The Michelin Guide is, possibly, the ultimate reference in gastronomy in the eyes of great chefs. Possessing the three Michelin Stars, the guide's highest distinction, is synonymous with the most pristine excellence in gastronomy. It's not just about the product, but also technique and creativity, experiences that go beyond. It is often said that, in the eyes of the Michelin Guide, year after year, there are few surprises about their new Michelin Stars. "It's something you see coming," say the chefs, those in the know, about their decisions. Obviously, the Michelin Stars are a long-distance race, which has its process, and a good focus to find those candidates year after year, is in the guide itself, among the 'selected restaurants' that detail and offer a "good cuisine" for the Michelin inspectors. These are the restaurants in Marbella that enjoy that title.

Leña Marbella

Josper grills, embers, aged meats, yakipinchos (adaptation of Japanese yakitori), knives from various origins... all with an international touch and the stamp of chef Dani García. In this striking restaurant, which has twin units in Madrid and Dubai, the various cuts of premium meats are the main protagonists. Curiosities? They have a burger called "The burger that made sense of everything," a version of which they offered in 2019 at their three Michelin Star restaurant," they mention about Leña Marbella.

• Address: Boulevard Príncipe Alfonso von Hohenlohe, Marbella, 29600, Spain

La Milla

Right on the Nagüeles beach, on the sand itself, there's an old beach bar that has managed to update itself to offer that characteristic setting with a top-notch setup. Here you will find traditional Mediterranean cuisine that flags seafood as its banner, always of the highest quality and knowing just the right modern touches so that the Andalusian flavors are not lost," they praise about La Milla in the Michelin Guide, the restaurant that captivated the legendary Michael Jordan: "Although the dining room enjoys privileged views, it also has two pleasant terraces. Within its menu, with a section of grills and skewers, we were struck by the White Shrimp Brioche with lemon and its Creamy Rice with scarlet shrimp".

• Address: Urbanización de los Verdiales, Marbella, 29604, Spain

Erre & Urrechu

Surprising with three grills that use different woods: holm oak for its magnificent meats, orange wood for vegetables, and olive wood for fish. There are vegan options!", they explain about Erre & Urrechu from the Michelin Guide.

• Address: José Meliá, Marbella, 29602, Spain

Areia

About Areia, the Michelin Guide defines the following: "A Mediterranean-style venue that captivates with its aesthetics, dominated by light tones and with original craft pieces, in fabric, dressing part of its ceilings and walls. From its kitchens emerges a proposal with a strong international base, with dishes like the Veal Shank (designed for two and carved before your eyes), the essential Rossini Sirloin, or its surprising variety of Soufflés (they run out and are flambéed in the room). The menu is completed with a tasting menu!".

• Address: Ramón Gómez de la Serna 23, Marbella, 29602, Spain

TA-KUMI

About Ta-Kumi, recently recognized as the best restaurant in Málaga this past year by the Gastronomic Academy of Málaga, they say: "It is very well managed by two Japanese partners and boasts a service that, due to its extraordinary level of kindness, has become a distinctive sign of the house. Within its comprehensive Japanese cuisine menu, which now includes delicious artisanal mochis, there's a specialty not to be missed: the California roll of shrimp in tempura and green asparagus".

• Address: Gregorio Marañón 4, Marbella, 29602, Spain

Casa Eladio

A current-maritime line house with a long tradition that shows new vigor with the third generation behind the stoves. Here they offer an updated traditional cuisine, based on nearby and seasonal products, which focuses much on the sea but does not forget the iconic acorn-fed Iberian pork. Within its menu, with the option of two tasting menus (Essence and Southern Path), we really liked the Red Tuna Tartare, Malaga white garlic of almonds, tender sprouts, and mango", they explain about Casa Eladio.

• Address: Virgen de los Dolores 6, Marbella, 29601, Spain

Candeal

About Candeal, they review the following: "The flavors of Castilian cuisine... right in the old town of Marbella! Chef Pablo Rebollo's proposal, surprising for these parts, invites us to discover a Mediterranean and creative cuisine that gains personality by incorporating interesting ferments, game dishes, pickles, marinades... and subtle nods to the culinary traditions of his native Valladolid (the magnificent bread, for example, arrives daily from Peñafiel). The menu is completed with three tasting menus: Candeal Market (lunches only), Candeal Tasting, and Grand Candeal Menu. Aesthetically, it simulates the interior of a cellar!".

• Address: Plaza Blas Infante 1, Marbella, 29601, Spain