Eat, Live, Love & Repeat.
Costa CuisineCosta CuisineThere’s something irresistible about Italian cuisine, the kind that instantly transports you to a sun-drenched terrace in Tuscany, where laughter fills the air and the aroma of freshly baked focaccia lingers.La Dolce Vita, nestled within Occidental Puerto Banús Hotel, does exactly that.
I recently visited for an early weekday lunch with a colleague (who also happened to be on photo duty). The restaurant was bathed in natural light, beautifully decorated with a chic, Mediterranean feel.
As the afternoon progressed, the restaurant filled up, creating a lively and cosmopolitan atmosphere, enhanced by an effortlessly cool playlist of alternative Italian classics in the background.
Situated in the heart of Puerto Banús, the hotel’s prime location makes it an easy go-to for both locals and visitors alike.
The hardest part?
Deciding what to order, so we were appreciatively guided by the chef.
We started with the Bologna Focaccia: a decadent mix of Italian mortadella, creamy stracciatella cheese, and pistachio cream on top of perfectly crisp yet airy bread. It looked so good that I barely gave my photographer time to capture it before taking a bite. Absolute perfection.
Next, we sampled the Amalfi, featuring fresh burrata resting on a Sicilian caponata, an explosion of aubergine, courgette, peppers, and tomatoes softened in extra virgin olive oil and finished with fragrant basil. It was light, delicate, and wonderfully refreshing.
For mains, we went all in with two standout pasta dishes. The Panciotti, ravioli stuffed with prawns and scallops, came in a rich, creamy bisque, balanced by a citrus touch that lifted the flavours beautifully. Meanwhile, the Raviolo Barolo, filled with slow-cooked Barolo DOCG beef stew, was deep, intense, and comforting, coated in its own demi-glace and finished with Parmigiano cheese. These dishes were pure indulgence, each bite packed with flavour and tradition.
Despite being thoroughly satisfied, dessert was non-negotiable. Enter the Semifreddo al Torroncino, an almond and hazelnut parfait topped with melted chocolate. I officially declare it one of my top five desserts in Marbella; smooth, nutty, and perfectly sweet without being overpowering.
The brilliance behind La Dolce Vita’s menu comes from Niki Pavanelli, the restaurant’s gastronomic advisor. A Bologna-born chef, Pavanelli has spent over 20 years shaping the Spanish fine-dining scene and recently earned a Michelin star for Il Bocconcino, his Italian restaurant within another Barceló Hotel Group property. His expertise ensures that La Dolce Vita delivers an authentic yet elevated Italian dining experience, combining traditional recipes with a modern touch.
If La Dolce Vita wasn’t already tempting enough, 2025 will bring some exciting new additions. A revamp of the menu will introduce new gastronomic offerings, with the chef himself presenting each dish with detailed descriptions of its ingredients and preparation. The restaurant will alsolaunch El Aperitivo, a new concept for Thursday and Friday afternoons from May onwards. Expect classic Italian cocktails such as Aperol Spritz and Negroni, alongside a delicious buffet of traditional antipasti, bringing a taste of true Italian-style happy hour to the Costa del Sol.With an exceptional menu, warm and attentive service, and dishes that celebrate true Italian tradition, I’ll definitely be back, perhaps for El Aperitivo next time.
La Dolce Vita Trattoria Occidental
Puerto Banús Av. Rotary Internacional s/n, 29660
Marbella, +34 851 814 002