VIVA LA VITA

As Marbella was my first trip since moving to Spain, I didn’t want to plan too rigorous schedule and wanted to have plenty of time for discoveries and popping in interesting places as we wander around.

We got some pointers from our Airbnb host for restaurants close to the coastline, but when it came to Marbella old town, I left it to a chance.

I got pretty lucky because we found this little treasure just by looking at google maps and checking out the guest photos.

The Farm Restaurant is hidden in a small alley in the old town and focuses on simple but locally sourced organic food, served in pretty spectacular setting.

It is set in a home built in 1502, one of the oldest ones in town and thankfully a lot of its original features are still very much alive.

After walking through the small hallway we headed straight to the Secret Garden which one one of the main reasons I wanted to visit.

Judge yourself – pretty amazing, isn’t it?

When we arrived we were the first guests as it has just opened the doors for evening service.

As it’s a common custom in Andalusia, people tend to eat quite late and that coupled with the lack of tourists this season meant that we could enjoy any of the most popular places by ourselves in peace.

Before our food arrived, I ventured to the garden with the camera to explore all the hidden tables and garden corners.

My personal assistant tested all the chairs in the house only to confirm that we got the best seats we could, on the terrace, overlooking the whole garden.

Inside the restaurant is an impressive collection of local wines and beautifully decorated interiors.

It is the perfect blend of old and new, history and the future.

The menu is seasonal and typical Andalusian cuisine, but all organic and locally sourced, which is something you don’t see too often in Marbella.

Check the seasonal menu here.

Before the food arrived, we got an opportunity to take a peak at their newly opened accomodation on the first floor above the restaurant.

They have two apartments, each very different with a unique atmosphere. The first one was very much keeping in line with the feel of the place and it’s call the Chimney.

It has a lot of handcrafted features with vintage decorations, furniture and beautifully renovated roof. Despite the fact that the building dates back to 1502, modern touches were not left out when it came to the important parts – it has a very modern yet rustic bathroom and everything you would need in a nice apartment.

The second one is much more grand and feels like sleeping in a chapel. It’s dominated by a bedroom with glass cupola and gold details towering over a red bed.

It also has a mezzanine level and very cool bathroom, plenty of space for a family to stay and enjoy a very unique accomoodation.

You can book any of these two directly on their website here.

Continuing down the stairs along the main hallway, with a poster and sofa I fell in love with.

Just in time for our dinner to be served.

I got vegetarian hamburger, home made guacamole with tortilla chips and my husband got a standard burger.

All delightfully fresh, served beautifully presented and most importantly, very tasty.

If you’re visiting the old town, don’t leave this place out.

If not for giant feast, pop in for a drink, Spanish tapas and watch live Flamenco performances on hot summer nights.

The essence of Spain in one restaurant visit.