Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday 19.00-23.00
Close period: Due to illness we will be closed until March 31, 2023
Welcome to La Mar Chica
At La Mar Chica we change the menu every 6 weeks, to allow for creativity, and we do our outmost to take care of each ingredient as it deserves. Therefore, every dish is prepared of is fresh ingredients and cooked at the moment.
In a society driven by haste and immediacy, it can be difficult to respect the times that each creation needs. At La Mar Chica, we try to remember it and pay attention and respect to both the produce and all the processes that it received before we serve the dishes to you.
Our intimate living-room restaurant is open for dinner for a maximum of 7 tables and have capacity for a maximum of 20 guests, in order to offer you a personal experience with focus on good food, interesting combinations and great service.
Dutch head chef and owner Dennis Van Tintelen composes the ever-changing menu with inspiration from his international experience in Michelin star restaurants, and his favourite culinary corners of the world, be it New Nordic cuisine, Spanish or Asian...
Restaurant La Mar Chica is located in the typical Andalusian White Village of Benalmádena Pueblo, with narrow cobblestone streets and flowers in front of every house. Benalmádena Pueblo is a short drive from the coast between Malaga and Marbella on Costa Del Sol, Spain.
We look forward to welcoming you!
Dennis & Kikki
WHAT OUR GUESTS SAY ABOUT US...
*****
"We, a group of three, visited La Mar Chica in February 2020. We had a seven course meal with wine menu. The courses and the wine were chef's choice, which was handled perfectly!
La Mar Chica is truly a hidden gem where the owners have managed to create something very special with regards to both food and atmosphere. I would describe the kitchen as modern and experimental with an emphasis on quality ingredients.
Everything tastes and feels like a great deal of work has been put into creating a delicious meal for the guests.
You are taken care of at La Mar Chica as if you were a guest in the their home.
The service is warm, accommodating and very aware of the needs and wants of the guests. I will definitely be back next time I am in the area.
My warmest recommendation goes to La Mar Chica.
Remember to book in advance, as there are only 7 tables in the restaurant."
*****
Small, star-quality restaurant!
"Discovered this restaurant only recently (via Facebook), and went for the first time yesterday, together with my parents.
Fantastic experience. We will certainly be back!
They work with a changing menu, and you can opt for 4,5,6 or 7 dishes, and they offer also wine pairing.
We went for the 7 course menu, with wine pairing (great wine selection) and it was just perfect ! Dennis & Kikki ( the owners) are great hosts and make your visit into a great experience!
...
This restaurant offers a pleasant and star-quality experience !
I already booked my next visit."
*****
"In my opinion, the best restaurant experience on all of Costa del Sol. Welcome to prove me wrong!
Truly a hidden gem run by a lovely couple. Will always be back.
10/10 - Best international restaurant experience we have tried in Spain.
Hot plates, hot food, beautiful presentation, flavour combinations spot on, reasonable prices.
Lovely couple running the restaurant. Everything cooked with passion and great attention to detail. Highest quality ingredients.
Wine and water glasses were filled up as soon as they were half full or empty. Service was perfect and always there when needed.
Very attentive and accommodating towards allergies/intolerances and if vegetarian/pescatarian.
Everyone could enjoy the evening to its fullest.
Highly recommend taking the seven course menu to experience the full palette of chef Dennis’ kitchen magic."
(Source: Google Reviews, February 2022)
About us
We are Dennis and Kikki, we opened La Mar Chica in March 2019 with the passion of providing guests a personal restaurant experience with focus on high quality at affordable prices.
We take great pride in making everything homemade - from our bread to ice cream - to ensure flavours and quality! And simply because we cannot help it!
We cook with what's in season and you'll often find us foraging in the Andalusian nature for produce to use in our menu.
Dennis is from the Netherlands, and has more than 20 years of experience as chef from across the World; the Netherlands, France, Denmark, Caribbean and Spain. He is schooled in the classical French cooking, with experience from working in Michelin restaurants and from working closely alongside Michelin chefs such as Herman den Blijker and Ron Blauw. Dennis has previously owned two restaurants in the Netherlands.
Kikki, originally from Denmark, has International hospitality and event management experience. She is responsible for front of house, and for selecting our favourite wines.
We look forward to welcoming you into our living-room restaurant!
Dennis & Kikki
Restaurant La Mar Chica
