Brasserie Astoria

Brasserie Astoria Marbella sits in Nueva Andalucía. What to eat? Pretty much everything. I always go for the flambéed steak, which is great, and they prepare it tableside, same as the carpaccio.

It is a Swedish chain run by the Frantzén group, here as a joint venture with the Swedish Marbella entrepreneur Eric Ebbing.

Service is some of the best we have had on the coast. Most of the team is Swedish, and so is a good part of the crowd. You will spot a Swedish celebrity or two.

One thing to know for summer dinners outside: the terrace faces direct west. Sit slightly toward the inner part and you get shade. The outer edge sits in full heat, though they do have fans.

Some nights a live DJ comes on, usually a lady, very good. The bar makes excellent cocktails.

It has not disappointed us yet. Dress code is summer chic: linen, white or lighter colours.

Parking pretty much does not exist, and there is no valet. I recommend taking a taxi or walking.