Raices

The best table in a village sports ground

Been there, loved it — our own hearts on the map.

Raices sits in Istans municipal sports complex, next to the public swimming pool, with the Sierra de las Nieves mountains rising behind the car park. Which is exactly the point.

Chef Jose Miguel Marin grew up in Marbella, cooked his way through Villa Padierna and El Lodge, then came home to his grandmothers recipes. Stews and potajes, game from the hills, and a wine list that takes Andalusia seriously.

It is a twenty-five minute climb from the coast. Drive up in the late afternoon, eat while the light goes long, and drive back down for a dessert you can happily skip.

What

Andalusian cooking with mountain produce - stews, game, and recipes from the chef's grandmother.

Where

Istan village, in the hills above Marbella

How long

Three hours, if you are doing it properly

Cost

Around €35-60 per person