La Bodega de La Fonda – new tapas bar in Marbella’s Old Town

Tucked away on a charming square, reached by the narrow streets of Marbella’s Old Town, La Bodega de La Fonda delivers an understated yet authentic Andalusian culinary experience. This intimate tapas bar & restaurant, located in Plaza del Santo Cristo and sheltered by the ancient Ermita del Santo Cristo de la Veracruz, offers traditional Spanish flavours just steps from the chic La Fonda Heritage Hotel, the first Relais & Châteaux property in Andalusia.

As early afternoon sunlight bathes the plaza, locals and travellers gather around wooden tables that extend onto the square. Take a seat under the palms where the gentle sound of the trickling fountain adds to the ambiance as conversations flow alongside glasses of classic sangria, a perfect complement to the tapas experience.

Inside, the bodega captivates with its blend of cosy elegance.”¡Auténtica comida casera hecha con ingredientes de primera calidad!” proclaims the menu — a promise of homemade cuisine crafted with premium ingredients that La Bodega delivers with heart. Rocio Lozano and her dedicated team transform wholesome ingredients into flavourful tapas, each plate a celebration of Andalusian heritage.

The menu includes the classic tortilla Española – affectionately dubbed “the queen of omelettes” – arriving at the table with a slightly wobbly centre that releases a cascade of savoury juices with each bite.

The crisp, golden croquettes are a must, and the gildas too – traditional pintxos threading plump green olives, anchovies, and pickled guindilla peppers on wooden skewers – as they pair perfectly with a vermouth.

For those seeking the quintessential tapas experience, La Bodega’s “tablas” provide wooden boards laden with expertly sliced jamón ibérico, local cheeses, and an array of preserved delicacies like “boquerones en vinagre” – vinegar-marinated fresh anchovies that deliver the bright, clean flavour of the Mediterranean.

The bodega invites guests to enjoy the uniquely Spanish tradition of sobremesa, the lingering at the table, continuing conversation long after the meal has finished.

Your can read The Luxury Editor review of La Fonda Heritage Hotel here.

La Bodega de La Fonda is part of the broader culinary offerings conceived by La Fonda Heritage Hotel, where Executive Chef Jorge González Carmona is revitalising the legacy of La Fonda Restaurant, the first on Costa del Sol to earn a Michelin star over forty years ago. While the main restaurant features refined dishes like grilled scallops with black truffle and beef tataki with seasonal mushrooms, La Bodega provides a more casual yet genuine glimpse into traditional Andalusian cuisine.

In the words of Cristina Paraja, operations director at La Fonda Heritage Hotel, “We want every visit to be more than just a meal; it should be a memorable experience.” At La Bodega, this philosophy manifests in every detail, from the sun-warmed square to the perfectly executed tortilla, to the charming setting.

For visitors to Marbella seeking an authentic encounter with Spanish culinary tradition, La Bodega de La Fonda offers a genuine taste of Andalusia’s rich gastronomic heritage, all within one of the Old Town’s most charming squares.