The festive season is about to bare down upon us like a tinsel festooned tsunami. This means only one thing. For some the true meaning of Christmas is “Joy to the World, Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all men”. For others it means only one thing. Food. Festive food, and plenty of it. Christmas, and more specifically “Twixmas”, that period where you are not really sure what day it is, but it’s socially acceptable to consider Baileys and two Quality Street chocolates as a viable breakfast. Personally, my main aim over the holiday is to avoid listening to Yoko Ono screeching through “Merry Christmas, War is Over”, but I digress.
If you want to give your digestive system a fighting chance of making it through the festive season (though let’s face it, living in Marbella with its tasty temptations and long liquid lunches already means that you are probably fighting a losing battle), then perhaps a few days of healthy eating are in order.
Article by Giles Brown
Manuka
Based in Marbella, Manuka is a flexitarian – no, I didn’t know that was a thing either – a restaurant that focuses on offering its clients clean, healthy and wholesome food that is free from refined sugars, additives and chemicals.
The menu features an array of plant-based dishes from around the globe. As well as vegan and vegetarian diets, there is selection of free range and grass fed meats selected to high ethical standards. Sourcing is an important part of Manuka’s philosophy, focusing on non-GMO, pesticide-free, fresh, lively ingredients. It also supports small local business with a passion for what they do in order to bring balance back to the community.
“To eat is a necessity but to eat intelligently is an art” and, with four restaurants in Marbella, that art is obviously in good health.
https://www.manukamarbella.com
Baboon
Just across the road from the Marbella Club Hotel, Baboon Healthy Food and Juice Bar promotes a lifestyle where freedom, health and creativity are central. This balance of health, fun and taste opens up a new and better way of enjoying food, while being conscious and aware of how we feed ourselves.
The menu includes Veggie Ramen, Thai Salad and the Baboon Salad (Relax. It doesn’t contain primates. Just grilled avocado, crispy leek, cherry tomatoes and miso dressing).
Meanwhile, the street food section of the menu includes Banh Mi, as well as the brioche chicken sandwich with ginger, basil mayonnaise and pickled vegetables.
The food not only looks and tastes good, but Baboon also has a brilliantly funky and tongue in cheek humorous decor.
Hustle and Flow
Young and funky, Hustle n’ Flow is a healthy, vibrant restaurant nestled in the heart of San Pedro. From organic supercharged smoothie bowls to a great brunch menu, there are vegan and gluten free alternatives for everything.
Going beyond the “Healthier than thou” attitude, the owners Veronika and Darryn have consciously curated visually stunning dishes, upgraded with superfoods to fuel a busy lifestyle and without compromising on taste.
All this in a fun and vibrant atmosphere that “Brings Healthy Back!”
The Farm
Very quickly one of the most popular restaurants in the Old Town, The Farm is also a performance space and chill out oasis with its own hidden courtyard. Describing itself as an “urban beach bar”, The Farm is the dream of Maria and Elio, who have a passion for locally sourced, creative and organic Food in Marbella. Featuring a restaurant with market cuisine and honest local food, there is also an intimate wine bar. The menu features organic slow food, at km “0”, which also takes influences from a variety of countries.
With everything from organic coffees to fresh fruit cocktails as well as live music and DJ sets, being healthy never felt so good!
Keto Royale Kafé
Keto Royal Kafe has been one of Marbella’s restaurant success stories, despite the small fact of a global pandemic erupting just after it opened. Owners Sam and Adam are walking advertisments for the keto way of life, especially Adam, whose previous New York life had left him feeling bloated and lacking energy.
That energy is needed now, however, as Keto Royal is one of the busiest restaurants in San Pedro. Both the presentation, quality food and the interior are stunning, and the menu allows Sam to showcase her sublime skills. As well as that, the gluten free cakes and other desserts are sin free, even though they taste like the ultimate indulgence.
Highly recommended for the food, the decor and the fabulously funky delivery Tuk Tuk that is parked outside!
Email Adam for Reservations: adam@ketoroyalekafe.com
