Best Family-Friendly Restaurants in Nueva Andalucía

Nueva Andalucía is where most expat families end up living, and for good reason — it is central, has great schools nearby, and is stuffed with restaurants. The problem is working out which ones are actually good for families versus which ones just happen to have a high chair gathering dust in the corner. We have been eating our way around this neighbourhood for years, and these are the places we keep going back to with our kids.

What Makes a Restaurant Family-Friendly Here

Before the list, a quick note on what we mean by "family-friendly" in the Marbella context. We are not talking about a chain with a ball pit. We mean:

• Staff who genuinely do not mind children — this is Spain, so the bar is high. Most places are welcoming, but some are next-level
• Outdoor terrace space so kids can move around a bit without disturbing other diners
• Flexible kitchen that will do plain pasta or a simple grilled chicken without attitude
• Reasonable timing — places that will seat you before 8:30pm

Our Picks

La Sala, Puerto Banús

La Sala is not in Nueva Andalucía proper, but it is a five-minute drive and deserves a mention. The terrace is enormous, the menu is broad enough for fussy eaters and adventurous adults alike, and the staff handle families with ease. Sunday lunch here is particularly good — they often have a live musician and the atmosphere is relaxed. Kids can wander the terrace safely while you finish your wine.

El Capricho, Centro Plaza

Right in the heart of Nueva Andalucía, El Capricho sits on the Centro Plaza square where there is a small open area where kids can run around while you eat. The food is solid Spanish fare — grilled meats, fresh fish, good salads. Nothing fancy, everything dependable. The waiters know every local family by name and will bring bread and olives for the table the moment you sit down.

Trocadero Sotogrande (yes, the Nueva Andalucía one)

Despite the confusing name, there is a Trocadero outpost in the Centro Comercial area of Nueva Andalucía. It does excellent burgers, good seafood, and generous portions. The terrace is partially covered, which makes it workable even in the heat of summer. They have an actual children's menu that goes beyond nuggets — grilled chicken, mini pasta dishes, and fresh fruit for dessert.

Restaurante Vovem, Aloha Gardens

A newer addition to the neighbourhood, Vovem is a proper sit-down restaurant with a modern Mediterranean menu. What makes it brilliant for families is the location — right next to a play area in the Aloha Gardens urbanisation. Your kids play while you eat. The food is a notch above the typical terrace restaurant, with good wine and well-executed fish dishes.

Dani García's BIBO, Puerto Banús

If you want to treat yourselves while bringing the kids, BIBO pulls it off. The tapas-style menu means you can order small plates for the children to pick at, the terrace is spacious, and the staff are polished without being stuffy. It is pricier than the other options, but the quality shows. Our kids loved the mini brioche burgers and the tortilla.

Tips for Eating Out with Kids in Marbella

A few things we have learned the hard way:

• Book ahead on weekends — the good restaurants fill up, even in the off-season
• Go early — 7pm feels weird when everyone else arrives at 9pm, but your kids will thank you (and so will the other diners)
• Bring crayons — most restaurants will provide colouring sheets, but not all. A small pack of crayons in your bag avoids meltdowns during the wait
• Do not skip the bread — Spanish bread service is usually generous and arrives fast. It buys you crucial minutes

The Bottom Line

Nueva Andalucía is one of the best neighbourhoods on the coast for family dining. The combination of outdoor terraces, genuinely welcoming staff, and a culture that treats children as tiny humans rather than inconveniences makes eating out here a pleasure. Pick a spot from this list, book a table for 7pm, and enjoy the evening.