The highly anticipated culinary revolution has officially arrived on the Costa del Sol. Following its successful opening on May 26, 2025, Brasserie Astoria Marbella has already established itself as the crown jewel of Nueva Andalucía’s dining scene. This remarkable establishment represents more than just another restaurant opening – it marks the successful realization of bringing world-class Swedish culinary artistry to the sun-soaked shores of southern Spain.
Backed by the internationally renowned Frantzén Group, Astoria Marbella has successfully brought the soul of Stockholm’s celebrated culinary scene to Southern Spain. This ambitious venture, born from the collaboration between Michelin-starred chef Björn Frantzén and founder Eric Ebbing, has already begun to transform expectations of what fine dining can be on the Costa del Sol.
The Culinary Genius Behind the Empire: Björn Frantzén
To understand the magnitude of what Brasserie Astoria Marbella represents, one must first appreciate the extraordinary culinary genius behind it. Björn Frantzén stands as a colossus in the global culinary landscape, holding a distinction that places him in a league entirely of his own. The Frantzén Group currently operates three restaurants with three Michelin stars each — a historic achievement that makes them unique in the culinary world.
This unprecedented achievement showcases Frantzén’s exceptional ability to maintain the highest standards of culinary excellence across multiple continents. His empire now spans three continents with Frantzén in Stockholm, Zén in Singapore, and FZN, Dubai — Opened in October 2024 and awarded three stars in the 2025 Michelin Guide. This makes him the only chef in the world currently operating three Michelin three-star restaurants simultaneously, a testament to his unparalleled dedication to culinary excellence.
The journey to this remarkable pinnacle began in Stockholm, where Björn Frantzén nabbed his third Michelin star, becoming the first restaurant ever in Sweden to earn that distinction. His flagship restaurant Frantzén achieved this historic milestone in 2018, forever changing the Nordic culinary landscape and establishing Sweden as a serious contender in the world of haute cuisine.
Interestingly, Frantzén’s path to culinary stardom was far from conventional. He played football for AIK between 1992 and 1996 before transitioning to the culinary world, proving that exceptional talent can emerge from the most unexpected backgrounds. This unique journey from professional athlete to world-renowned chef has undoubtedly contributed to his disciplined approach and unwavering commitment to excellence that is now evident in every aspect of Brasserie Astoria Marbella.
The Global Success of Brasserie Astoria
The success of Brasserie Astoria in Marbella builds upon a proven foundation of international acclaim. The concept of Brasserie Astoria was introduced in 2021 in Stockholm in a venue that was once a cinema and with a long history of international hot spot glory. The Stockholm location set the foundation for what has become a globally recognized brand synonymous with sophisticated dining experiences.
In 2023, Brasserie Astoria opened in Singapore, and in 2025 the collection expands further with Brasserie Astoria Marbella. This strategic expansion demonstrates the group’s commitment to bringing their unique brand of international brasserie dining to key markets around the world, with each location now operating as what they call an “international power brasserie by the Frantzén Group”.
A Prime Location in Nueva Andalucía
The choice of Nueva Andalucía for Brasserie Astoria’s Spanish debut has proven both strategic and inspired. Located in the former Dorsia restaurant in Nueva Andalucía, the new establishment occupies a space with its own rich culinary history, adding another layer to the restaurant’s compelling narrative.
Nueva Andalucía, often referred to as the “Beverly Hills of Marbella,” is renowned for its upscale residential developments, world-class golf courses, and sophisticated dining scene. This exclusive enclave attracts an international clientele of discerning diners, making it the perfect backdrop for Brasserie Astoria’s unique culinary proposition.
The location offers the perfect blend of accessibility and exclusivity, situated within easy reach of Marbella’s bustling social scene while maintaining the refined atmosphere that Nueva Andalucía is famous for. This strategic positioning ensures that Brasserie Astoria has become a destination for both local residents and international visitors seeking an extraordinary dining experience.
Architectural Elegance and Design Philosophy
The Spanish outpost will accommodate 234 guests and feature a spacious terrace, private dining room as well as indoor and outdoor bars. The restaurant’s design philosophy reflects the sophisticated 19th-century brasserie aesthetic that has become synonymous with the Astoria brand, successfully bringing the grandeur of 19th-century dining halls to Marbella.
The interior design pays homage to the golden age of European brasseries while incorporating contemporary elements that speak to today’s discerning diners. The space seamlessly blends indoor and outdoor dining areas, taking full advantage of the Mediterranean climate that makes Marbella such an attractive dining destination year-round.
The inclusion of both private dining facilities and multiple bar areas demonstrates the restaurant’s versatility. Whether guests are seeking an intimate dinner for two, a celebratory gathering with friends, or a sophisticated business lunch, Brasserie Astoria offers the perfect setting for every occasion. The Astoria of today wants to recreate the international and sophisticated experience with a strong focus on friendly, knowledgeable service.
Culinary Excellence: Where Nordic Meets Mediterranean
Now that the restaurant is operational, diners are experiencing firsthand the unique fusion that defines Brasserie Astoria’s culinary approach. The menu stays true to its roots with many dishes from the original Stockholm location, while incorporating local Mediterranean influences that celebrate the bounty of southern Spain. This fusion approach represents the very best of both culinary traditions, creating a unique dining experience that cannot be found anywhere else on the Costa del Sol.
The restaurant’s culinary philosophy centers around the concept of “international power brasserie” dining, which combines the comfort and accessibility of traditional brasserie fare with the refinement and innovation expected from a Michelin-starred chef’s establishment. This approach ensures that while the food maintains its sophisticated edge, it remains approachable and enjoyable for a wide range of diners.
The incorporation of local Spanish ingredients and cooking techniques with Nordic culinary sensibilities has created a truly unique flavor profile that guests are now discovering. Diners can experience dishes that showcase the best of Mediterranean produce – fresh seafood from the Costa del Sol, premium olive oils, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs – all prepared with the precision and creativity that has made Björn Frantzén’s restaurants internationally acclaimed.
The Bar Experience: A Central Feature of Success
The bar is a central feature of the dining room, where ambitious signature creations meet timeless classic cocktails. Brasserie Astoria Marbella boasts both indoor and outdoor bars, including a spacious terrace bar. The beverage program represents another dimension of the restaurant’s international approach to hospitality.
Our cocktail philosophy combines Nordic heritage with meticulously curated Asian influences and ingredients, creating a distinctive fusion of flavors. This innovative approach to mixology reflects the same creativity and attention to detail that characterizes the restaurant’s culinary offerings.
The multiple bar areas serve different functions throughout the day and evening, each now bustling with activity. The outdoor terrace bar provides the perfect setting for sunset aperitifs, taking advantage of Marbella’s legendary golden hour lighting. The indoor bar offers a more intimate atmosphere for after-dinner drinks and late-night socializing, while the main dining room bar serves as a focal point for the entire restaurant experience.
Early Success and Guest Response
Since opening its doors, Brasserie Astoria Marbella has been met with remarkable enthusiasm from both local residents and international visitors. The restaurant’s sophisticated approach to international brasserie dining has struck the perfect chord with Marbella’s discerning clientele. Elevate your dining experience with the international allure of Brasserie Astoria Marbella – where sophistication meets culinary excellence in every exquisite bite.
The seamless execution of the opening, backed by the Frantzén Group’s extensive experience in operating world-class establishments, has resulted in a dining experience that has exceeded even the highest expectations. The restaurant has quickly established itself as more than just a dining destination – it has become a cultural landmark that attracts food enthusiasts from around the world.
The reservation system, which opened on April 25 through brasserieastoria.es, has seen tremendous demand, reflecting the anticipation and excitement surrounding this prestigious opening. The limited seating capacity combined with the international reputation of the Frantzén Group has made securing a table highly competitive, a testament to the restaurant’s immediate success.
The Impact on Marbella’s Culinary Landscape
The successful opening of Brasserie Astoria represents a watershed moment for Marbella’s dining scene. Bringing the Frantzén concept to Marbella means delivering a level of quality that is truly exceptional. The restaurant has not only met but exceeded expectations, signaling a new level of international recognition for the region as a sophisticated culinary destination.
The presence of a three-Michelin-starred chef’s establishment has brought immediate credibility and prestige that is already influencing other culinary ventures in the area. The “Frantzén effect” is beginning to trigger a renaissance in the local dining scene, elevating standards across the board and creating healthy competition that benefits all diners.
Furthermore, the restaurant’s emphasis on local ingredients and Mediterranean influences has strengthened relationships with local producers and suppliers, creating a positive economic impact that extends beyond the restaurant itself. This farm-to-table approach not only ensures the freshest possible ingredients but also supports the local agricultural economy.
A Testament to Culinary Vision
The success of Brasserie Astoria Marbella since its opening represents a remarkable testament to culinary vision realized. This marks the group’s debut in Spain and the third Brasserie Astoria, following successful locations in Stockholm and Singapore. Each location has maintained the core identity while adapting to local tastes and ingredients, proving the universality of exceptional hospitality and cuisine.
The restaurant’s ability to seamlessly blend international sophistication with local Mediterranean charm has created a dining experience that feels both familiar and exotic, comfortable yet elevated. This balance is perhaps the key to its immediate success and the reason why it has quickly become one of the most sought-after dining destinations in Spain.
Looking Ahead: A Lasting Legacy
As Brasserie Astoria Marbella settles into its role as a cornerstone of the Costa del Sol’s dining scene, its impact extends far beyond the immediate pleasure it provides to diners. The restaurant represents a new benchmark for excellence in the region, demonstrating that Marbella can compete with any international destination when it comes to sophisticated dining.
The success of this venture has also opened doors for future international culinary collaborations in the region. The presence of such a prestigious establishment has put Marbella firmly on the map as a serious gastronomic destination, likely to attract other world-renowned chefs and restaurateurs to consider the Costa del Sol for their next ventures.
The Staff and Service Excellence
The restaurant’s commitment to friendly, knowledgeable service has been evident from day one. The carefully selected team, many of whom were recruited specifically for the Marbella opening, brings together international hospitality experience with local knowledge and warmth. This combination has created a service culture that makes every guest feel valued and welcomed, whether they are first-time visitors or regular patrons.
The multilingual staff reflects the international nature of Marbella’s clientele, ensuring that guests from around the world feel comfortable and well-cared for throughout their dining experience. This attention to service detail is yet another factor that sets Brasserie Astoria apart in the competitive Marbella dining scene.
A Culinary Revolution Realized
The successful opening and early operation of Brasserie Astoria Marbella has confirmed what many hoped but few dared to expect – that this establishment would not just meet but exceed the extraordinarily high expectations set by its predecessors in Stockholm and Singapore. Under the masterful guidance of Björn Frantzén, the only chef in the world currently operating three Michelin three-star restaurants, this establishment has quickly established itself as a destination that attracts discerning diners from around the globe.
The combination of world-class culinary expertise, sophisticated design, prime location, and innovative approach to international brasserie dining has created the perfect storm of excellence that has made Brasserie Astoria Marbella one of the most celebrated dining destinations in Spain within just days of its opening.
For seasoned travelers, local foodies, and anyone who appreciates refined dining, Brasserie Astoria Marbella has already proven itself to be an essential destination. The restaurant has not just opened its doors; it has opened a new chapter in Mediterranean fine dining – one that honors tradition while pushing the boundaries of culinary innovation.
The success of Brasserie Astoria Marbella marks not just the arrival of a new restaurant, but the beginning of a new era in fine dining on the Costa del Sol. As the restaurant continues to evolve and refine its offerings, it stands as a testament to the power of culinary vision, international collaboration, and unwavering commitment to excellence. For the discerning diner, this is more than a restaurant – it is a destination that defines the future of sophisticated dining in one of Europe’s most beautiful locations.
