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The Marbella Club hotel, that old stomping ground of the rich and famous, is just minutes away from Villa Tiberio, probably the reason why many celebrities that are found there, dining in the luxurious restaurant or probably the splendid garden.

Nearly two decades ago, there was just a decrepit house overgrown with weeds, in this same location. It took the vision and passion of Sandro Morelli to bring it to its present splendour. With the azure pool glinting in the warm sun, the neatly trimmed shrubs surrounding it, the fragrant arbour that leads to the restaurant, al fresco seems to be the preferred mode of dining for patrons.

In this gorgeous setting, almost fairytale like in its lush splendour, guests are treated like royalty as they sit down to a wonderful meal. The cuisine is not limited to one country but favours a more cosmopolitan approach with flavours from the Mediterranean interspersed with those from Italy and Spain.

The gastronomic journey at Villa Tiberio starts with scallops and jumbo prawns in a cream and brandy sauce, thinly sliced beef with avocados and lemon dressing, or pancakes filled with spinach, fresh salmon and cheese au gratin. As a prelude, these dishes are excellent, and provide a fresh burst of enthusiasm for what follows.

The homemade pasta, with a variety of rich sauces, are tempting and you could try the pappardelle alla Sandro, flat noodles with generous chunks of lobster and tomato for a delicious main course. The other variations, with cream, caviar and smoked salmon, are equally enticing, while risottos and lasagnes are prepared with care and skill, leaving no room for dissatisfaction.

Affirmed meat lovers will find the fillet of beef with Madeira wine, foie gras and truffle to be a generous display of culinary excellence, while the pan fried veal, with fresh peppers, black olives and capers holds its own ground. The duck baked with orange and Curacao liqueur, the crispy roast suckling pig and baby lamb braised in Barola wine are signature dishes at Villa Tiberio, that have led to repeated success with customers.

The wine list is extensive and covers three thousand bottles of the best Spanish, French and Italian wines. Sandro Morelli is a connoisseur of fine wines and vintages and the 1938 Chateau Margaux, Petrus or the 1894 Chateau Haut Brion in his bodega are proof enough.

While Marbella attracts the usual crowd of jet setters and glamorous personalities for its white sands and beaches, Villa Tiberio is one destination everyone makes a point to visit.

'What's in a name?' is a popular phrase from Shakespeare's lyrical tale of star-crossed lovers, but at Garum there is so much to that name, which literally means a traditional method of preparing an ancient Roman fish sauce, believed to have originated from the historic settlement of Boloña on the southern Spanish shores. Despite all the years that have passed, the ruins of this town are still present and so is the memorable flavour of its ingenious recipe.

Step inside and you will find a room that is elegantly dressed with artistically designed nooks, strategic lighting and a dining area with a conservatory-like appearance. Who doesn't like a glimpse of sunshine on a languid summer day? Not only do they have a large terrace but its pleasing vistas take in uninhibited views of the Mediterranean beyond, and you may just have to be quick off the mark to get a spot.

The European theme is hard to avoid on the menu, with dishes such as cold gazpacho with ratatouille, herb oil and balsamic vinegar, and foie gras vienetta with white chocolate and chilli toffee sauce. Starters like soto ajam - lemongrass soup served on cold garnish of chicken, celery, glass noodles, dried onion, tomato and quail's egg - exhibit some real innovation.

The kitchen's ambitious style is even more evident in the mains with salmon baked in the oven and served with Mexican bean salad and lime tequila 'milkshake'; marinated king prawns, semi peeled and served with a coconut orange soup and fried spiced rice, and rack of lamb with a German style potato, vegetable pancake and mint garlic jam. Pasta lovers will find solace in the scrumptious chicken fillet lasagne with tarragon cream cheese served with fresh tagliatelle and green asparagus.

Desserts have been innovatively christened 'health kick', dark chocolate crème brûlée with an orange cointreau salad or the 'highland fling' of scotch whiskey and saffron poached pears and cream. Little members of the family can choose between rosada, a white fish, with chips; chicken or pasta bolognaise. The cellar offers an eclectic selection of Spanish wines produced in small, select vineyards.

The team at Garum, inspired by the namesake method of cooking, aim to create a memorable dining experience that will linger in their guests' memories for a long time by creating an array of cosmopolitan, inspired cuisine that continually challenge both the eye and the taste buds.

Set in a pristine country house, amidst an avocado plantation, Finca Besaya ensures that guests dine in the lap of luxury. Its cosy, rustic interior, embellished with original paintings as well as traditional antiquities, makes for a unique setting. The terrace, a charming spot, overlooks the farm and benefits from a magnificent view; the seating arrangement and soft lighting set the tone for a quiet conversation with your companion or idle chatter with friends. The bar is comfortably furnished with sofas that make you feel thoroughly at home while you browse through the menu and enjoy your drink.

There are three main dining areas, the first being on the ground floor, which has an enormous fireplace, and then upstairs where you can choose from either 'the blue room' or 'the library', both of which are filled with old books.

Founded by Francis Butler, a stage and screen personality, this highly individual Marbella restaurant started as a room in his house and gradually expanded. Now in new hands with an exciting menu, it continues to attract a theatrical and vivacious crowd.

The fixed price three course carte du jour offers creative Mediterranean dishes. Main course delicacies - such as fried sea bass, quinoa risotto and champagne sauce; pan-fried turbot, polenta, asparagus and mushroom jus, and the house speciality of vanilla flavoured lobster with confit of carrots - take gastronomes on an exciting journey. But, not before starters such as beef carpaccio, rocket leaves, shaved parmesan and basil oil, and terrine of foie gras, spiced bread and apple chutney have extended you a warm welcome. To bid adieu, a range of sweets led by lime mousse with basil and strawberry sauce and chocolate praline and crème anglaise queue up to be chosen.

This is just a sampling of the bill of fare; for others the draw could be the grilled duck breast with ginger sauce, and chicken skewers. Those who enjoy salads may opt for one of avocado, carrots, endive, palm hearts, tomato, lettuce, orange, smoked duck breast and yoghurt with lemon sauce.

After dining you can dance the night away to the classic tunes played at La Finca Besaya. The glorious location, the ambience, the food and service by five star staff make this attractive place well worth a visit.

Tropical cocktails, Polynesian food and a Caribbean atmosphere in the middle of a palm tree oasis characterise the only Trader Vic's restaurant in Spain. Enjoying a good meal in pleasant company is one of the most satisfying pleasures in life, especially if the place is out of the ordinary. The Trader Vic's chain offers customers precisely that for over 70 years. Today Trader Vic's has more than twenty restaurants all around the world. They all have serve the incomparable recipes that have made the restaurant famous.

Among the classical Polynesian food there are also delicacies from French, Creole, Oriental and American cuisine, a variety which cannot be found very often. In addition there is an attractive range of cocktails, which include many of their own creations. It is the extraordinary inviting and comfortable atmosphere, which attracts many guests. The decoration made out of wood, bamboo as well as Tikis, typical Polynesian statues, create a special ambiance, underlined by the colourful uniform of the staff.

A real taste of Mediterranean is to be found at Zozoi, a trendy restaurant set in an old converted house situated in the heart of Marbella, which has a particular name for its warm and friendly service. The décor is modern and the venue also has a large terrace within a courtyard for alfresco dining. Located where it is it makes an ideal setting for romantic rendezvous, dinner with friends or a great place to entertain your family.

The kitchen offers a select menu which changes by the season including some delectable daily specials that will instantly impress your companion. With a tempura of tiger prawns to set the meal going, served with crispy salad, or warm goat's cheese with honey and thyme on a fresh herb salad for those having a bad seafood day, you are leaving plenty of options. A dish that involves oriental duck breast, cumin sautéed noodles and wok fried vegetables could tickle many a palate, with braised lamb shank, couscous and baby vegetables as a consideration.