Chambao Marbella – Review

On the Golden Mile, Chambao Marbella is back for its second season and has certainly found its stride. It’s better than ever. Marbella’s bijou beach club still offers the same summer pleasures: a Bali bed with the Mediterranean at your feet, lunch in the shade of a parasol or pergola, and live music drifting over the pool, but the kitchen is sharper this year, and the whole place feels polished, more confident.

June sees the season begin, and it’s a joyful time to enjoy Marbella’s coast. We came for a beachside lunch, ordering from the broad daytime menu, before a shorter, curated menu takes over in the late afternoon to early evening.

We arrived to a wonderful vibe, with a singer playing an acoustic guitar, families filling tables shaded by parasols, and people in the pool. Cold apple martinis came to the table as we ordered a few sharing plates.

Andalusian Classics

The seafood is brought over in a fisherman’s basket, so you choose your own, a lobster or the day’s fish, and how you would like it cooked. The classic espeto of sardines grilled over the wood fire has fresh, clean meat and crispy skin sprinkled with sea salt. The embodiment of summer in Andalusia. Another classic is the crisp golden tortillitas de camarón, perfect with a fresh tomato salad with a light pesto dressing that tasted of summer itself. The signature orzo with carabineros deserves its reputation, served at the table. Creamy and layered with flavours.

Service has real alma. Laura and Álvaro looked after us with the warmth that defines Chambao, attentive, yet informal and friendly. As the plates were cleared, the live singer gave way to a mellow DJ, the cue for an afternoon on the sand or by the pool. There are loungers on the beach with the sea at your toes, and premium Bali beds by the pool, facing the Mediterranean.

Beachside Bliss

Chambao takes its name from the improvised beach shelters where Andalusians have always gathered to eat, talk and let the time pass. Here, a few tables sit within their own chambao of dried river reed, private enough for a romantic dinner or a table shared with friends.

Two seasons in, that Andalusian Chambao spirit is intact, only sharpened, and stylish as ever.