With a population of only 125,000, Marbella is blessed with an incredible selection of international restaurants of all varieties; befitting a city or metropolitan area of much greater size.  The main reason for this is Marbella’s prominent place on the summer holiday and tourist map for much of northern Europe and increasingly the Middle East.  Boasting a year-round warm Mediterranean climate and lifestyle, Marbella also boasts a sizeable year-round expat population, mostly affluent and accustomed to dining out regularly.

Marbella’s better restaurants can be found in Nueva Andalucia, Puerto Banus, the Golden Mile area and within Marbella’s quaint Casco Antiqua.  One of my personal favorites is Casanis, on Calle Ancha, a rustic French Bistro.

The restaurant occupies an old house in the middle of the old town with a small interior courtyard providing an intimate and unique atmosphere for diners.  Underground parking is available in three nearby lots within a short walk to the restaurant.

Along with the well balanced menu, the kitchen offers a small selection of fresh and seasonal specials, usually at least two appetizers and three or four entrees.  When in season, fresh oysters are flown in weekly from France.  Highlights on the regular menu include a delicious Argentinian sirloin steak with crisp and addictive frites as well as the grilled rare tuna.  The owner and wait staff are all well versed in the small but affordable wine selection and can recommend some new wines you may not have tried before.

A warm chocolate torte and a variety of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream make a nice ending to a meal at Casanis.

Open every night except Sunday, reservations are usually a good idea Thursday through Saturday.

Casanis:  +34 952 900 450.