La Fonda, the first restaurant on the Costa del Sol to earn a Michelin Star over 40 years ago, is set to reclaim its culinary reputation with the appointment of Chef Jorge González Carmona as Executive Chef. This historic restaurant is part of the La Fonda Heritage Hotel, the first Relais & Châteaux establishment in Andalusia, located in Marbella’s picturesque Old Town.
This week The Luxury Editor revisited La Fonda to experience the new dining experience at the hotel’s fine-dining La Fonda restaurant, one of three unique dining spaces including Los Patios for drinks and tapas, and La Ermita, an intimate setting within a 16th-century chapel. There is also a Skybar with stunning views of the old town, as well as La Bodega tavern, which serves traditional tapas in a charming square.
You can read The Luxury Editor review of La Fonda Hotel here.
Under Chef González Carmona’s leadership, the restaurant aims to honour the legacy of La Fonda while focusing on high-quality, seasonal ingredients. “We want to respect the restaurant’s history with a fresh approach,” he said. “Our menu will evolve with the seasons, showcasing local produce.”
Diners can look forward to dishes that reflect a blend of Andalusian and Mediterranean flavours, including twice-cooked pigeon, beef tataki with seasonal mushrooms. During our lunch we tried the some of the new signature flavours including grilled scallops with black truffle, a delightful dish with subtle complex layered flavours – La Fonda Restaurant is set to be a success.
A Unique Dining Experience
La Fonda opens from Tuesday to Saturday and features live music to enhance the dining experience.
La Fonda Restaurant: Offers a menu featuring classic dishes like sea bass in green sauce and carabinero carpaccio.
Los Patios: An inviting courtyard setting perfect for enjoying tapas outdoors.
La Ermita: A unique dining space within the original chapel, providing an intimate atmosphere.
Cristina Paraja, operations director, noted, “We want every visit to be more than just a meal; it should be a memorable experience.”
The Skybar provides a relaxed setting for enjoying cocktails while taking in views of Marbella’s skyline. Meanwhile, La Bodega offers a selection of traditional tapas, including Spanish omelette and creamy croquettes, in a casual setting on Plaza del Santo Cristo, in front of the hotel.
Restoring a Piece of History
The renovation of La Fonda has also revealed significant archaeological finds, including remnants from the 14th century. General Manager Carmine Sacco stated, “This restoration is about bringing history back to life in Marbella, and we’re excited to share that with our guests.”
With 20 distinctive rooms, La Fonda Heritage Hotel is not just a dining destination but a place to experience the rich history and culture of Marbella.
Contact Details
Website: www.lafondaheritagehotel.com
Address: Plaza Santo Cristo 9 & 10, Marbella 29601, Spain
