Tag: restaurants

72 Hours In Marbella; Where to Eat, Drink & Soak Up Marbella Energy

July 19, 2026

One of the things Marbella does exceptionally well is dining. Whether you’re sipping cocktails overlooking the Mediterranean, enjoying tapas beside the yachts of Puerto Banús or discovering hidden gems tucked away in the hills, every meal feels like part of the holiday experience.

Over our long weekend, we ate our way through some of Marbella’s most popular restaurants, alongside a few local finds, and every venue brought something different to the table. So here’s everywhere we ate and drank during our stay.

Lunch at LaLaLa, Puerto Banús

We kicked off our Marbella weekend with lunch at LaLaLa, perfectly positioned overlooking the glamorous Puerto Banús marina. 

Watching luxury yachts drift in and out while people wandered the waterfront was the ideal way to ease into holiday mode.

Keeping things traditional, we shared a generous spread of Spanish tapas including cured meats, local cheeses, fresh bread and of course, a plate of perfectly blistered Padrón peppers. Simple, authentic and exactly the sort of lunch you hope for on your first afternoon in Spain.

Friday Night at Zellij, Forum Marbella

For our first evening we headed to Zellij Restaurant, located amongst the stylish cluster of shops and eateries in Forum Marbella.

On a Friday night the atmosphere was electric with restaurants buzzing and the whole area filled with people enjoying the start of the weekend.

We began with barbecue chicken croquettes before moving on to the charcoal baby chicken served with roasted carrots, homemade za’atar, chicken jus and fresh herbs. Alongside it we ordered the fragrant saffron rice and a beautifully fresh salad of mixed leaves, roasted beetroot, orange blossom dressing and aged Parmesan.

Everything was packed with flavour without feeling overly heavy, making it the perfect meal before soaking up Marbella’s vibrant Friday night energy.

A Relaxed Lunch in Marbella Old Town

After a morning exploring the charming cobbled streets of Marbella Old Town, we found ourselves in the picturesque Plaza de los Naranjos and stopped for lunch at a local spot called Annare Italiana.

My boyfriend chose a comforting homemade lasagne while I fancied something lighter, opting for a fresh salad of lettuce, tomatoes, sweetcorn, onion and olives. Sometimes a big bowl of crisp, nutritious greens is exactly what you need.

Before continuing our wander through the boutiques and hidden alleyways, I picked up an iced long black from Kafein and it was without doubt one of the best coffees I had all weekend.

Saturday Night Glamour at La Petite Maison

If you’re looking for that iconic Marbella aesthetic, La Petite Maison delivers it effortlessly on all levels.

Overlooking the Mediterranean as the sun began to set, the restaurant came alive with singers and musicians entertaining guests throughout the evening, exactly what you imagine when you picture a chic Marbella date night.

Rather than ordering individual courses, we shared several dishes across the table including a fresh green lentil salad, creamy dauphinoise potatoes, steamed broccolini and the star of the meal, a beautifully grilled 400g sirloin steak.

Rich, perfectly cooked and everything you would expect from classic French cuisine; the steak just melted in the mouth.

After dinner we wandered over to the Puente Romano Plaza Bar for a night cap.

The atmosphere here was fantastic with people spilling out into the plaza enjoying the warm evening air.

The lovely bartender personalised our drinks to suit our tastes and my margarita, with the subtle addition of cocoa powder, was genuinely one of the most memorable cocktails I’ve ever had.

An impeccable ending to a wonderfully romantic evening.

A Casual Sunday Lunch by the Sea

Following a morning out on the water, we stumbled across Diblu while walking along Marbella’s beachfront promenade.

With uninterrupted views across the Mediterranean, it made an ideal relaxed lunch stop.

Still full from our hotel’s generous breakfast buffet, we kept things simple. I ordered an iced coffee while my boyfriend chose a tropical fruit milkshake blended with frozen yoghurt, then we shared a portion of crispy, salty sweet potato fries.

A Final Dinner at Nota Blu Brasserie

Our last evening took us to Nota Blu Brasserie, a recommendation from Chat GPT that absolutely lived up to expectations.

Nestled slightly inland among Marbella’s leafy hills, Nota Blu perfectly balances sophisticated dining with Marbella’s effortlessly cool, laid-back style.

Although there wasn’t live music on a Sunday evening, the restaurant was still filled with stylish locals and visitors enjoying one final weekend dinner.

For our meal we went back to some old favourites; a classic Caesar salad topped with prawns for her and a traditional margarita pizza for him.

The Caesar dressing was a little richer than I would usually choose, with what felt like an entire block of Parmesan generously sprinkled on top, but there was no denying how delicious it tasted. The pizza disappeared just as quickly and was equally enjoyable.

The service was attentive throughout and the views of the surrounding Spanish hills were stunning, making it a lovely place to finish our Marbella weekend mini break.

The Final Verdict

Dining in Marbella certainly isn’t the cheapest, but every meal felt like an experience rather than simply somewhere to eat. From elegant waterfront restaurants to bustling local squares and hidden hillside gems, every venue had its own unique personality.

If you’re searching for those iconic Marbella moments, La Petite Maison takes the crown. Between the sunset views, live music, exceptional food and effortlessly glamorous atmosphere, it’s everything you imagine a Marbella evening should be.

For a slightly more relaxed but equally stylish experience, Nota Blu Brasserie would be my recommendation. Chic without trying too hard, fantastic service and a wonderfully laid-back ambience make it the perfect spot for a memorable final evening dinner.

If there’s one thing Marbella excels at, it’s making every meal feel like a special occasion ❤

Aesthetic Date Night Scenes; The Ivy Asia Guildford

May 17, 2026

For ultimate date night vibes complete with aesthetic interiors, delicious food and top service, we are never disappointed with an evening at The Ivy.

With 8:30pm reservations at The Ivy Asia located in Guildford, we popped next door first for an aperitif at The Ivy Castle View.

I had envisioned a picturesque sundown drink on their terrace overlooking the castle, but the rainy English weather had other plans, so instead we sat at their brilliant feature bar where the bartender made our cocktails in front of us.

My look for the evening was built around my new Stradivarius white flared jeans paired with this gorgeous denim corset from White Fox Boutique.

I’ve been loving the French twist up-do I’ve been seeing all over my Instagram explore page, so I had a go at recreating the style myself.

Thankfully my hair was cooperating and I was obsessed with the final result which felt so elegant and classy.

To complete the elevated date night fit, I wore my By Alona pearl necklace, statement round gold earrings, my Abbott Lyon gold bangle, Sandro green velvet handbag and my favourite vintage oversized green Jaegar blazer.

The touches of green in my fit were the perfect little nod to the green accents at The Ivy.

Pre-dinner cocktails of choice were a Strawberry Mojito for my boyfriend.

And a Tommy’s Margarita for me with that perfectly sweet but spicy hit I’m looking for in my Marg.

Sitting at the central bar amongst fellow dinners as the busy Saturday night service unfolds, makes for a fun atmosphere to kick off date night right.

Soon it was time to hop back next door for our dinner booking at The Ivy Asia.

The vibe here is made for evenings out as the place comes into its own by night.

With a live DJ and the amazing green lighted floor, it always brings a fun and buzzing atmosphere for those Saturday night vibes.

We were seated at the bar whilst our table was being relaid, so we started by ordering some drinks.

A glass white in hand and ready for an Asian feast, we were taken to our booth table.

I requested the booth seating as it feels more plush and is often that bit more comfortable.

We even had the beautiful blossom tree overhead, perfect for those Instagram shots.

To start we had the edamame beans served with a spicy sauce for added flavour and a fiery kick.

For mains we ordered lots of the smaller plates to share between us and it turned out to be quite the spread.

Of course I had to have a plate of sushi so I opted for the salmon avocado roll and it was divine.

My boyfriend had his favourite glazed chicken karaage dish as well as the satay chicken skewers.

The cucumber peanut salad side dish is another must whenever we visit.

We also had the steamed rice, chilli noodles and wok fried greens for the table.

As ever the food was beautifully presented and tasted delightful, we were certainly very full and satisfied following our mini feast.

With its brilliant service, outstanding food and opulent interiors, complete with a buzzing atmosphere that makes you feel more like you’re in a trendy Manhattan hotspot, The Ivy is always a good idea for date night ❤

Tulum Eats; Mexico Meets the Med At Ciao Osteria

March 10, 2026

We stumbled across Checkpoint Ciao Osteria following a lovely dinner at their sister pizzeria just down the beach road in Tulum. It was a place so charming that one visit simply wasn’t enough.

We first wandered in for a pre-dinner drink, taking two seats at the bar with no intention of ordering much more. But the moment we spotted the bread basket on the menu, curiosity got the better of us.

This was far from your standard bread and butter situation. Instead it arrived as a beautifully elevated appetiser: warm sourdough bread accompanied by creamy burrata cucumber salad, a delightful mini parmigiana, and of course a side of olives.

Simple ingredients thoughtfully done, the kind of sharing plate that makes you slow down and savour each bite. That little taste of the menu was all it took to convince us we needed to come back for a proper dinner.

The interiors alone are reason enough to visit. The design feels like a dreamy blend of Bali and Morocco, yet somehow still perfectly suited to the laidback spirit of Tulum.

One of my favourite details was the striking sun sculpture above the arched entrance, instantly setting the tone for that Mediterranean meets Mexico atmosphere you are welcomed with inside.

When we returned a few nights later, we were seated in the restaurant’s beautiful indoor-outdoor dining space where the palms sway above and warm evening air drifts through the room.

The central open kitchen feature, something we noticed was a theme across many restaurants in Tulum, gives the whole place an inviting, lively energy.

Naturally, we couldn’t resist ordering the bread again to start. This time it arrived with a slightly different accompaniment, swapping the mini parmigiana for marinated peppers with tonnato sauce, equally delicious and just as indulgent.

For mains I chose the homemade pasta topped with a generously creamy burrata that melted beautifully into the sauce, whilst my boyfriend went for a classic lasagne layered with rich bolognese ragù, a comforting and hearty dish.

And because pasta always calls for something fresh alongside it, we shared the Checkpoint salad of crisp lettuce, tangy orange, sweet apple and crunchy walnuts.

Everything was genuinely divine, from the flavours to the presentation. The experience was made even more memorable with the wonderfully friendly and attentive service, the kind of hospitality that makes you feel welcomed and at ease.

Beautiful interiors, exceptional food, and warm, thoughtful service, Checkpoint Ciao Osteria delivers all three effortlessly. If you’re craving Italian cuisine with a Mediterranean soul while in Tulum, this new spot is absolutely worth a visit ❤

Tulum Eats; Every Night’s A Party!

March 3, 2026

The foodie options in Tulum are abundant with plenty of variety, from fine dining restaurants offering lots of alternative cuisines, to health food cafes and of course traditional Mexican street food. However for me when dining out on holiday, it’s more than just the food I’m looking to impress me, but the atmosphere and ambience needs to be on point too.

Now I’m not usually one to necessarily need entertainment with dinner, although we discovered that’s exactly what they like to offer in Tulum at some of the top rated restaurants.

Starting with one of my favourite restaurants for Greek food in Tulum, we visited Ilios twice during our trip and each time had a brilliant experience.

Every night at 9pm there is a fire show and acrobats to entertain guests around the restaurant floor as they enjoy their meal.

It’s quite the spectacle and lasts about half an hour, so you’re getting a great show for free alongside your dinner.

The evening we went for my birthday celebrations we even smashed plates Greek style and had sparklers to dance with, it was such a laugh!

Moving on to Tora where they serve delicious Japanese cuisine, later in the evening we were handed sparklers for a boogy as the DJ played the drums live during his set.

The waiters all get involved too making for a super fun and lively atmosphere amongst diners even after the sparklers are over.

We had a delightful spread of Japanese dishes including the smoked and poached salmon sushi roll which was divine.

Another top restaurant I want to mention for its aesthetic interiors and delectable food is Chambao.

As a traditional steak and grill, the menu is classic dishes done to perfection.

The bread basket with an assortment of three different butters to start was outstanding, and I’m not even usually a big bread basket lover.

I opted for the pear, goat cheese, walnut salad which was beautifully presented and packed with flavour and goodness.

Whilst my boyfriend had an epic steak burger with all the extras, we couldn’t fault a thing.

Although there is no entertainment at this place, the aesthetic interiors and indoor-outdoor style of dining make for a wonderfully romantic setting for a date night dinner.

The only other place I will mention, but save the details as it deserves its own separate post, is Gitano Jungle.

We went here on our final night and were treated to an awesome show complete with disco balls hanging from the jungle canopy.

So that’s a roundup of my top restaurants in Tulum if you’re looking for an elevated dining experience beyond just the food; because every night’s a party in Tulum ❤

First Date Night Of 2026

January 11, 2026

It might be a new year but it was the same Saturday drill for us last night as we went out for our first proper date night of 2026. Last weekend was spent recovering from all the Christmas celebrations, but this Saturday we were ready for a cute and cosy date night out again in the local town.

My look for the evening was this gorgeous backless top from Stradivarius in that luscious chocolate brown colour, a pair of flared dark wash jeans also from Stradivarius, pointed brown boot heels by Topshop and my favourite green velvet evening handbag by Sandro.

With the temperatures dropping below zero degrees here in the UK, I wrapped up in this oversized grey trench coat from NA-KD and completed the look with my trusty brown knitted beret from Urban Outfitters.

And not forgetting my stunning new clip-on earrings by Heaven Mayhem featuring the statement maroon stone and gold hardware; the perfect finishing touch for my winter date night look.

We decided to try a new Thai restaurant which has recently opened on Fleet highstreet called Tay Tar Thai.

Thai cuisine is one of our favourites so we were excited to experience somewhere new and see how it compared to our usual Thai locals.

I had a glass of red, my boyfriend ordered a beer and of course we ordered the prawn crackers with sweet chilli dip to nibble on as we browsed the menu.

My boyfriend had his usual chicken Penang curry with coconut rice, whilst I went for something a bit different and braved the fiery hot jungle curry with vegetables.

It was nice to have a lighter curry without the creaminess of the traditional coconut based dishes and despite the challenging heat, I really enjoyed my dish packed full of authentic veggies.

Whilst the food was good and the restaurant had a nice atmosphere, the service was very slow on a busy Saturday night and the prices more expensive than usual in comparison to our other local Thai restaurants.

With the weather absolutely freezing, we headed straight home for a cosy night on the sofa with the warming fire and a brilliant new romcom on Netflix ‘People We Meet On Vacation’.

A simple, wholesome date night was just what we needed on this dark, bitterly cold Saturday evening in early January ❤

Cosy Date Night Season

December 15, 2025

Winter has a way of gently nudging us indoors and this past month felt like a celebration of cosy date nights, good food, and leaning fully into that slower, more romantic pace.

With darker evenings and a definite chill in the air, we found ourselves gravitating towards warm, welcoming spaces and making a bit of a ritual out of going out for Saturday night dinner together.

One of our newest local favourites has been The Falcon, a traditional English pub that’s recently changed hands and undergone a renovation inside.

It still has that classic pub charm, but with a fresh, thoughtful update that makes it feel extra inviting.

The menu strikes the perfect balance between comforting pub grub and slightly more unexpected dishes.

My absolute favourite is their Durban jackfruit curry; rich, warming and packed full of flavour, it’s the perfect winter dish.

There’s something so reassuring about having another lovely pub right on our doorstep, somewhere that already feels like it’s becoming part of our routine.

Another highlight was heading into Farnham town for a slightly different kind of date night at Thai Lotusland. 

Thai food is one of our favourite cuisines and we have a few regular local spots we like to go, but this one is new to our rotation.

We dined in the sunken seating area for a change, instantly making the evening feel more intimate and a little bit special.

It was fun experiencing something alternative to the usual wining and dining setup and the food was every bit as comforting and flavourful as we’d hoped.

We also revisited one of our old-school favourites, Côte Brasserie a few weeks back.

It’s one of those places that never disappoints with delicious French food, faultless service, and romantic vibes that are always on point.

The Côte in Lion and Lamb Yard is particularly lovely, and by the end of November it was already feeling extra cute and festive with the Christmas lights twinkling outside.

The pinnacle of date nights this season though, was without a doubt our evening at the Four Seasons Hampshire. 

Visiting in early December meant we just missed the pre-Christmas rush, making our experience feel even more exclusive.

We booked drinks and dinner in the Wild Carrot Bar and having worked there over three years ago now, it certainly was nostalgic to be back.

The opulent Christmas decorations throughout the hotel were even better than I remembered, from the ginormous Christmas tree by the grand staircase next to reception…

…to the impressive gingerbread village displayed along the central walkway.

It’s the kind of place that makes you feel like a kid in a fairytale.

After a scenic stroll around the grounds, we were seated in the stunning bar area which gives serious old money vibes with its plush sofa seating, elegant chandeliers, and feature fireplace.

As you’d expect, the service was impeccable and the food didn’t disappoint.

After some complimentary nibbles with our aperitif, I opted for a classic prawn cocktail served with brioche soldiers, while my boyfriend went for the BBQ chicken burger and fries.

Comforting, indulgent, and perfectly done, nothing beats simple food done excellently.

If you’re looking for festive, cosy vibes with a sprinkle of class and elegance, Four Seasons Hampshire really is the place to go.

So that’s my round-up of a winter’s month filled with wonderful date nights; wholesome, cosy, and full of all the aesthetic, stylish touches a girl could wish for.

It’s been a reminder that sometimes the simplest plans done well, are the ones you end up cherishing the most ❤

NYC Diaries; Date Night At TAO Uptown

November 2, 2025

During our week in New York we were keen to try different cuisines and on the Monday night, I had a craving for some Asian food. So after a quick look to see what was in the area, we found a popular Asian-fusion restaurant called TAO, just a five minute walk from our hotel.

I wore this Topshop playsuit which was giving classy Asian inspired vibes paired with nude heels, my velvet green Sandro handbag, and a small silk scarf thrown around my neck to complete the look.

We made an 8pm reservation and arrived a little early to enjoy some pre-dinner cocktails at the bar.

I ordered the TAO martini which was super sweet in taste and looked very aesthetic with the three raspberries for garnish.

We were then shown to our table in the main restaurant where we were seated at a booth with a view of the iconic sixteen foot tall Buddha statue.

I was excited to have some sushi and so I opted for the special crispy tuna roll which was delightful.

My boyfriend ordered the orange chicken which was more like sweet and sour, the sticky pork ribs, a side of rice and we shared a side of wok fried greens too.

Everything was delicious but safe to say we over ordered as the portions were very large; we should’ve known being in America!

It was only when I was watching an old Sex & The City episode the following week at home, that I realised Carrie Bradshaw and her friends attended the opening of TAO Uptown in season 4 episode 3.

We also happened to watch the movie Hitch when we got back from NYC and we spotted the TAO restaurant again as the location they filmed the speed dating scene. It would seem you’re never far from a famous location or celeb when in New York City!

It was a fabulous evening at TAO Uptown and a fun spot for date night with its lavish interiors, ultra trendy vibe and scrumptious Asian inspired menu. I’d recommend trying TAO if you’re in the city, just be sure to make a reservation in advance as this popular spot books up quick – https://taogroup.com/venues/tao-uptown-new-york/

English Country Pub Fine Dining; The Mutton

September 14, 2025

Since opening a few years ago, The Mutton at Hazeley Heath has been a firm favourite local pub for Friday drinks as well as their award winning menu of traditional pub dishes done to a five star standard.

So this Saturday we decided to book a table in the restaurant for date night and as always enjoyed a delectable meal complete with top service.

Now we are well into September, it felt like the last weekend I could get away with white jeans and mules, so I wore my Topshop white slim fit jeans paired with a ruched detail backless top, my gorgeous Senso pink satin mules and a Cult Gia dupe mini box bag.

Blush pink hues for date night is a timeless classic and I would’ve worn my pearls to complete the look, but with a nigh neck top on I opted for statement gold drop earrings which I recently got from Na-kd.

With 8:15pm reservations, we arrived at The Mutton for 8pm to have an aperitif. I sipped a classic Dirty Martini which was delightful; I felt very Carrie Bradshaw from Sex & The City ❤

The interiors at The Mutton are very classic countryside chic with a subtle modern twist, and the low lighting in the restaurant makes for the perfect sophisticated evening atmosphere.

To start we shared the sourdough bread with charcoal butter and homemade spicy pickles which were divine.

For main course I ordered the chargrilled sea bream, crushed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and white wine sauce with a side salad, whilst my boyfriend had the sirloin steak with nduja butter, fries, pickled shallot, parmesan and rocket salad.

I had a glass of the Gyotaku, Christophe Mittnacht Alsace, French white wine upon recommendation from the waitress as a pairing to my fish dish.

As always it was a 10/10 meal presented beautifully, cooked to perfection and full of incredible flavour.

We savoured every last bite and with clean plates all round, we left very satisfied indeed.

The bill came to just under £150 so its certainly on the pricier side for a meal out, but definitely worth it for a special occasion or a treat for date night.

The Mutton at Hazeley Heath remains our top spot for fine dining in Hampshire, so be sure to try it for yourself if you’re in the area – https://themuttonathazeleyheath.co.uk

Friday Lunching; Sea Containers London

July 20, 2025

Working in events, researching and visiting venues is an important part of the planning process. So on this Friday afternoon, we were invited by the sales team at Sea Containers London to go for a lunch and look around the venue spaces.

We were treated to a lovely lunch on the terrace overlooking the Thames and City of London, basking in the glorious sunshine of this summers afternoon.

To start we shared a few appetisers including the SeaCo Bread with Marmite Butter, Yellowtail Tuna Crudo with Citrus Seasame Chilli, Four Cheese Croquettes with Jalapeño Mayonnaise, Blistered Padron Peppers and Seabass Ceviche Tacos with Red Onion Coriander Salsa.

For my main course I opted for the Green Salad of Butter Lettuce, Avocado, Herbs, Shallot Dressing and Burrata. Portions were generous, wonderfully presented and everything tasted delicious.

Following lunch we were shown around the venue spaces, starting with the award winning Lyaness Bar with its plush interiors and magnificent marble bar.

With a design reminiscent of a 1920s transatlantic cruise liner, details like the statement anchor in reception and the copper wall feature reflect this nautical style. I particularly liked the inspiring quote wall display which changes every hour.

Their largest events space called 12th Knot on the 12th floor, was fabulous with that sweeping view of the Southbank and St Pauls.

Even the guest toilets were so aesthetic with brilliant theatre style mirror lighting and chic black and gold tiling.

For the occasion I wore my white flared Mango jeans, Pull & Bear cream high neck vest, Next green mules, matching green Moncrief handbag, Celine round sunglasses and my Le Scarf silk neck scarf to complete the look. Classy and chic but still fun and cute for a Friday fit.

We had a delightful experience at the Sea Containers London and were very impressed by the delectable food, welcoming hospitality and tasteful interiors of the hotel; the perfect way to end the working week in style.

To book a stay or experience their restaurant or bar, visit the Sea Containers London website here – https://www.seacontainerslondon.com

Farewell Bali; The Final Chapter

April 6, 2025

It was always going to be a tough farewell to our dream life in Bali after two months living in pure paradise. However the unexpected horror that unfolded in our final week when I was attacked and bitten by a pack of dogs, was something I never imagined might happen to us on our favourite beach in Canggu. One minute we were strolling by the shore at sunset, the next a huge pack of stray dogs were running and barking at us before proceeding to bite my legs. Thankfully I got away from a terrifying situation which could’ve got a lot worse, but I was left with very painful wounds and unable to walk properly for our final few days in Bali.

Nonetheless, I didn’t let that spoil the many wonderful memories we had already made and decided to embrace a more slow pace, relaxing final weekend soaking up stunning sunsets and savouring the most delicious food back at our favourite cafes, restaurants and beach clubs one final time. And whilst this wasn’t the fairytale ending to our perfect time living in Bali, I’m so grateful for my healthy body which has kept me strong, fought diseases and heeled my wounds like magic. Checkout the full vlog on my YouTube channel here – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4DKxzlwZeY

I heal, I grow, I manifest, I flow ❤