Ranchón Cubano

This typical Spanish restaurant has a Cuban twist and the locals in the know head here during the summer months for an afternoon through to late evening of Salsa, Merengue and Bacchata under the stars with live music from the house band, Habana de los Locos. It's located east of Marbella just before Nikki Beach and not far from the Beach House where the waters are lovely and shallow and the sand is fine and golden. The atmosphere on a Sunday in August is simply buzzing!

Racho Cubano isn't just known for it's live music and dancing they also serve up a sumptuous menu of typical Spanish Beach dishes such as pescaito frito, grilled sardines, prawn pil pil, deep fried chicken and also healthier salads at reasonable prices. It is a predominantly adult venue after say 8 pm but that said I have often gone with friends and our younger kids in the earlier afternoon and they have been well fed and thoroughly enjoyed the music, dancing and also the really shallow waters at this part of the beach.

The drinks certainly flow here too with cocktails and jugs of champagne sangria and mojitos often being the order of the day! The best bet if you are a large group of friends is to turn up for some late lunch and then just hang onto the table all evening where you can enjoy waiter service as opposed to queueing at the packed bar.

The dress code is very much beach chic and if you just want to stay in your bikini and shorts with sunglasses as the only accessory this is quite fine! Most people in high summer will be doing the same.

A definite recommendation if you want an alternative to a nightclub in summer!