This summer, Marbella’s culinary scene welcomes a refined new addition. Tucked away in the gardens of the Gran Meliá Don Pepe, under the shade of Mediterranean pines with views of the sea, the celebrated Madrid restaurant China Crownhas opened its first Costa del Sol outpost.

Founded in 1981, China Crown has long been known for transporting diners to Imperial China through its carefully crafted cuisine. Now, in a serene poolside setting at the Gran Meliá Don Pepe, the restaurant offers an immersive dining experience where tradition and sophistication meet.

The opening evening featured some of the kitchen’s signature dishes. Delicate handmade dim sum, sushi presented in boats, and the star of the night—crispy, lacquered Peking duck served with housemade pancakes, cucumber, and spring onion. These highlights set the tone for a menu that blends history with contemporary presentation.

Guests can expect an array of flavours, from crispy prawns with spicy mango and scallop sashimi with Sichuan pepper to grilled Iberian pork marinated in Chinese spices. Wok classics also feature prominently, including lobster with chilli and garlic and stir-fried rice with seasonal vegetables and egg. To finish, desserts such as jasmine tea ice cream, coconut mousse, and fruit with ginger syrup provide a refreshing close. A bespoke cocktail list, infused with ingredients like lychee, kumquat, and Chinese five spice, has been designed to complement rather than overshadow the food.

While Gran Meliá Don Pepe continues to offer its signature dining experiences at Veranda and Bardot, this season all eyes are on China Crown Marbella. It brings an exciting new dimension to the city’s gastronomic landscape, marrying Imperial tradition with contemporary flair.

The hotel itself, a long-standing landmark on the Costa del Sol, is set to undergo a major refurbishment at the end of the 2025 season. For now, however, China Crown stands as its culinary centrepiece, giving guests and locals alike a new reason to rediscover Marbella’s dining scene.