The Gourmet Grid — Society Marbella

Each issue we will be taking you on a gastronomic journey along the coast stopping along the way at our top pics for each culinary style or dish. This month we take our inspiration from Italy in search of the coast’s best pizza!

**Estepona - La Resina Golf and Country Club**

The Location – The one gets top points here, with stunning views overlooking the golf course.

Staff & Service – Above and beyond, the owners are hands-on and their passion for Italian cuisine and hospitality is evident in every aspect.

The Restaurant – Simple and to the point, the location does the talking.

What to Order? – The secret recipe Calzone filled with mozzarella, tomato and Ricotta or for something a little different the Calzone Fritto – deep fried Calzone, yes please!

If you are living, visiting or simply fancy a drive towards Estepona and are in the need of delicious, traditional pizza then this is your stop. With the chef hailing from Napoli, these authentic pizzas are top-class. The wood-burning pizza oven ensures all of your favourites come out crispy on the outside, and rich in flavour. Their famous Calzones contain a top-secret ingredient that the owners will take to their grave! But trust us, make sure you try it once in your life! Plus, the views over the golf-course add a unique factor to this eatery, if golf and pizza are your things, then we know where to find you.

The Location – Two minutes’ walk from the hustle and bustle of Banus, or a 30 second leap to La Sala, ideal for pre and post cocktails!

Staff & Service – Always going that extra mile, the team paid extra attention to my daughter letting her come up and see the pizza oven which scored big points for us.

The Restaurant – A little piece of Italy, complete with a Vespa inspired table!

What to Order? – The Prawn Pil Pil pizza combines everything you could want from a pizza with all the rich flavours of the Mediterranean in the form of succulent prawns. Do I need to go on?

This rustic Tuscan style eatery is a must visit in Puerto Banus. Enjoy a taste of Italy at Villa Toscana; a quaint, secret garden inspired restaurant offering authentic Italian pizzas from the roaring artisan wood burning oven. The delicious pizzas are offered in three ways; traditional Italian, gluten free (so no one has to miss out!) or light, with a crisp salad centre. Don´t leave without trying the Dolce Vita pizza smothered with rich Nutella, fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream designed to bring out the child in everyone!

The Location – Right in the hub of everything, just a short walk to Banus, but with BREATHE and AIR upstairs, you don´t really need to go anywhere else.

Staff & Service – Professional and first-class all the way.

The Restaurant – This has to be one of the most aesthetically beautiful restaurants on the coast, everything from the tables to the swinging chairs is strikingly impressive.

What to Order? – Can´t go wrong with the Big Cheese. Cheese, cheese and more cheese. Mozzarella, goats’ cheese, blue cheese, smoked Idaizabel & Parmagiano Reggiano. Yes please!

Ground is at the heart of the BREATHETM philosophy of offering good, honest food made from locally sourced, quality and seasonal ingredients. This trendy chic, urban industrial setting is perfect for lunch or dinner. Choose from their regular thin crispy base or opt for the gluten free buckwheat flour option.

The Location – In the centre of La Campana, one of the locals best kept secrets!

Staff & Service – Warm, friendly, welcoming and never too busy to take the time to talk to the customers.

The Restaurant – Traditional and quaint with a beautiful terrace ideal for making the most of the warm summer evenings.

What to Order? – The Goats Cheese with Caramelized Onion, Rocket and Mozzarella pizza or for something a little different, try the pizza topped with Duck Confit and Hoisin Sauce with Red Onion, Mozzarella and Pineapple.

Shango’s offers exceptional pizzas´ cooked to perfection in their wood burning pizza oven. You cannot beat the value for money at this owner operated little gem. In addition, enjoy first-class meat, fish and traditional favourites alongside the exciting pizza choices such as Prawn and Salmon with Spinach, Garlic, Roasted Tomato and Mozzarella or Shango´s Special of Marinated Chicken, Spicy Pepperoni, Chorizo, Mozzarella and Rosemary.

The Location – Right in the heart of the Golden Mile within close proximity to Marbella and Puerto Banus.

Staff & Service – Very professional team, nothing was too much to ask.

The Restaurant – Downtown city vibes but with a casual touch.

What to Order? – The Pamplona is a meat lover´s heaven. Pepperoni, chorizo, salami, prosciutto and fresh green chilli all aboard a thin, crispy stone baked base!

Cibo offers fresh, authentic Italian food with a contemporary twist, all at very reasonable prices. Fresh food. Beautifully simple. Presented in a happy bustling environment. A great choice to meet and share fresh food with friends and family right in the heart of the Golden Mile. Our top tip is to book a table in one of the alcoves, oh and order the Pancetta, Goat´s Cheese and Fig Crostini to start!