Home

Download

NO BAD **RECOMMENDATIONS**.

London, United Kingdom

Red Room

New York, USA

La Esquina Brasserie

Tokyo, Japan

Don-Don

The most popular restaurants in Nova Circle right now

TRENDING NOW

Guide to

- you book them just for the pool

Europe's most spectacular pool hotels

EAT & STAY

Summer in Europe

in Sweden

The Most Unique Spas

Beaches, Clubs, Hotels & Things to Do

Ibiza 

Explore curated travel guides filled with hidden gems and top recommendations to inspire your next adventure.

TRAVEL GUIDES

Discover standout moments and top picks from our vibrant community of travelers and explorers.

USER HIGHLIGHTS

Meet our most active and inspiring community members sharing unique recommendations and insights.

TOP USERS

New Launch: August 2025

Zimbabwe

Mpala Jena Private Villas

for Your Next Long Haul Flight

Beauty Hacks

Luxury Travel on a Budget

How To:

for a Stress-Free Trip

Top 10 Travel Hacks

with 30% discount

Get Lounge Access

Stay updated with the latest travel tips, trends, and exciting updates from the Nova Circle community.

NEWS

Discover

10 things to do in Stockholm

Stockholm

Dog Friendly Dining

Eat & Do

Hidden gems in Marbella

Explore

Koh Samui

A Tropical Getaway

 Find fresh ideas and experiences to discover, from must-visit spots to unique activities.

MORE INSPIRATION

Connect with trusted partners who share our passion for unforgettable experiences and quality travel.

OUR SELECTED PARTNERS

Nova Circle is your single space for saving and sharing top recommendations around the world while getting inspired by likeminded people.

Nova Circle - No Bad Recommendations

As a valued Nova Circle member you can enjoy our exclusive partner discounts. Simply just sign in to claim the deals.

Partner Discounts

Enjoy exclusive travel partner discounts with Nova Circle.

Nova Circle Benefits - Travel Partner Discounts

Benefits

Marbella

Messina Restaurante in Marbella has garnered acclaim for its innovative Mediterranean cuisine, led by Chef Mauricio Giovanini. Diners frequently commend the restaurant for its creative dishes, impeccable service, and sophisticated atmosphere. The establishment offers a variety of tasting menus, including the Tasting Menu (€140), Messina Menu (€180), and the exclusive Chef's Table Experience (€350), each showcasing the chef's dedication to culinary excellence. Additionally, the restaurant provides a Caviar Experience, featuring Beluga caviar paired with Veuve Clicquot champagne, available in 10g (€50), 30g (€130), and 50g (€198) portions. The ambiance is described as romantic and family-friendly, with features such as live music, outdoor seating, private dining options, and wheelchair accessibility. Guests also appreciate the availability of gift vouchers, which are valid for six months and can be used towards any dining experience at Messina.

Messina Restaurante Marbella Spain Michelin Star Dining Experience Overview and FAQs Review 2024.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Marbella on Avenida Severo Ochoa, Messina Restaurante stands out as a beacon of gastronomic excellence in Andalucía. Awarded a prestigious Michelin star, this elegant, modern minimalist restaurant has become a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking innovative cuisine that artfully blends Spanish traditions with international influences.

A unique culinary journey with creative flair

At Messina, Chef Mauricio Giovanini crafts inventive tasting menus and à la carte options that surprise and delight with a sophisticated play of textures, flavors, and intensities. The menu is a vibrant exploration where Andalusian ingredients meet global culinary techniques, ensuring each dish tells a story. Beyond the plate, the restaurant embraces mixology with thoughtfully paired cocktails and a curated selection of local wines that complement the culinary creations perfectly.

Messina Restaurante is known for its remarkable atmosphere — a sleek, tasteful setting with excellent acoustics, ideal for intimate dates or lively dinners with friends.

Expect professional and attentive service that complements the exquisite dishes made from the freshest ingredients. While some diners find the service polished and slightly formal, others appreciate the international crowd and relaxed yet refined ambiance. The restaurant is reservable, perfect for special occasions or to savor a carefully curated dining experience with friends or loved ones.

Does Messina Restaurante have a Michelin star?

 Yes, Messina proudly holds a Michelin star as of 2024, recognized for its innovative cuisine and outstanding quality.

Is there a special Chef's Table experience?

 Yes, the Chef's Table offers an exclusive and intimate tasting menu prepared personally by Chef Mauricio Giovanini for up to four guests.

How can I book a table at Messina Restaurante?

 Reservations are available via TheFork, phone, or email, ensuring a smooth and easy booking process.

 Yes, thoughtfully selected local wines are paired with tasting and à la carte menus to enhance your meal.

Is Messina Restaurante suitable for special occasions?

 Definitely, its exceptional food, service, and ambiance make it perfect for celebrating milestones and special events.

Messina enjoys glowing acclaim from food critics and diners alike, celebrated for its creativity and meticulous attention to detail. Its Michelin star status and near-perfect rating on TheFork reflect the restaurant's commitment to excellence. While some guests note that not every dish or side hits the mark perfectly, the overall experience—from the artful presentation to the harmonious wine pairings—delivers memorable value.

Visitors often recommend reserving in advance, exploring the tasting menu for a full spectrum of flavors, and indulging in the Chef's Table for an exclusive culinary encounter. The modern décor and soothing atmosphere complement the refined cuisine, making Messina Restaurante an ideal spot for foodies, couples, and groups seeking an elevated dining experience in Marbella.

 Book ahead to secure your table, try the tasting menu for a full experience, and consider the wine pairing for perfect flavor harmony.

 Whether a romantic date or a celebratory dinner, Messina offers an unforgettable ambiance and cuisine to mark the moment.

Europe

Spain

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Marbella, Messina Restaurante offers a culinary journey that combines innovative gastronomy with a warm, inviting atmosphere. This Michelin-starred establishment is renowned for its creative dishes and exceptional service, making it a must-visit for food enthusiasts and travelers seeking a memorable dining experience in Spain's sunny Andalusia region.

Discover more about Marbella's finest dining experiences

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQOGNtYTZBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJVWH3NvYncw0RYd7C6ytZxrc/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQOGNtYTZBRRAB

I did a small Michelin tour in Andalousia, this is the Michelin Star I tried the first day. Follow me for all the reviews on this, on others tours and on every Michelin stars in Paris and 3 stars in France.

The chef has a lot to say.
What’s interesting here?
The chef is exploring in plenty of ways and directions. So you’ll be surprised and entertained. In hindsight, he is quite different from others in the region. And bonus points, there’s an interest for mixology. The dishes may differ at lot in the sequence (in intensity and style), so it’s not your regular ride. I can surprise the usual Michelin gastronome, as it makes a bit more difficult to read him. Also some side dishes were not up to par.
The atmosphere was pleasant, the crowd international and the service agreeable.
It’s great for a date or a friends dinner.

Does deserve its star

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3MEtxRjVBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJVWH3NvYncw0RYd7C6ytZxrc/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUM3MEtxRjVBRRAB

Reservation went smooth. The restaurant is tastefully decorated - modern style - and with good acoustics. We had had the small menu which was plenty of food for us. We also ordered the wine menu.

The shrimp was our favorite. Very delicious. No doubt a lot of thinking had been put into the individual dishes but some nevertheless  did not work for us, either taste or texture i.e. the squid.

Wines are local which we appreciate. They were not highend but well matched with the food. Servings of wines were very small glasses. I went dry of wine twice during the meal which should not happen.

The service was polite and correct all the way through but also a bit mechanical. We are used to and hoping for a more friendly and hospitality kind of style where you discuss the food and the wine along the way.

The total bill for the experience was definitely reasonable.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuOWRUMVhnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJVWH3NvYncw0RYd7C6ytZxrc/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURuOWRUMVhnEAE

Elegant modern minimalist restaurant in Marbella with one well-deserved Michelin star as of 2024. Offers both tasting menus and a la carte. Very professional and attentive service complement excellent dishes with top ingredients that combine Spanish recipes with international influences.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNEOXRMNFJBEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJVWH3NvYncw0RYd7C6ytZxrc/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNEOXRMNFJBEAE

I typically have a lot to say about my dining experiences, though I don’t have a whole lot to say about my experience at Messina Restaurante.

I chose the Menu Messina for dinner. I usually mention a “standout” dish, though no dish in particular stood out to me. The presentation was very nice but the food and the service were just okay.

Personally, I wouldn’t rate this experience very high on my list of fine dining experiences. For the price tag, and in comparison to the other Michelin star restaurants I’ve reviewed, the value isn’t quite as high. Though I left relatively underwhelmed, it was not a bad experience overall and I would be happy to give it another try if some improvements are made.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2XzRpVDdBRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJVWH3NvYncw0RYd7C6ytZxrc/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUN2XzRpVDdBRRAB

What a wonderful evening. We have wanted to try Messina for years, we are pleased we managed to finally get there. The food was amazing, the service was superb, and all in a beautiful setting. Some wonderful extra touches too. We loved it! We will not wait so long to return…thank you for a superb evening.

Michelin-Star Messina Restaurante in Marbella, Spain

Founded in 2003 by Pía Ninci and Chef Mauricio Giovanini, Messina Restaurante has become a Michelin-starred establishment renowned for its innovative Mediterranean cuisine.

Messina Restaurante History and Michelin Star Journey in Marbella Spain 

Nestled on Avenida Severo Ochoa in Marbella, Spain, Messina Restaurante has grown to become a 

 in the vibrant Andalucían food scene. This elegant and modern minimalist restaurant was established in 2003 by the visionary Chef Mauricio Giovanini alongside Pía Ninci. Over the years, Messina has artfully blended Spanish culinary traditions with international inspirations, creating a unique gastronomic experience that captivates both locals and international visitors.

The inception of Messina Restaurante in 2003 marked the beginning of a new chapter in Marbella's culinary landscape. Chef Mauricio Giovanini and Pía Ninci combined their passion and expertise to create a dining destination that would elevate the gastronomic standards of the region. From the outset, Messina set out to deliver refined dishes crafted with top-quality ingredients, offering both tasting menus and à la carte options that showcase a creative fusion of flavors.

A significant milestone arrived in 2016 when Messina Restaurante was awarded its first Michelin star. This prestigious recognition not only affirmed the restaurant's exceptional quality and innovation but also positioned it among the elite dining venues in Andalucia. The Michelin star reflects the mastery and dedication of Chef Giovanini and his team, noted for their explorations in culinary creativity and an adventurous approach that continuously surprises and delights guests.

Messina Restaurante stands out thanks to its modern minimalist décor, a welcoming ambiance with excellent acoustics, and a menu that artfully balances Spanish recipes with international influences. The culinary team pays close attention to ingredient quality and inventive flavor combinations, sometimes incorporating mixology elements to enhance the dining experience. While some dishes vary in intensity and style, this dynamic approach keeps diners intrigued and entertained throughout their meal.

Guests appreciate Messina for its pleasant atmosphere and international clientele, making it an excellent choice for romantic dinners or gatherings with friends. Service is professional and attentive, although some visitors note a preference for a warmer hospitality style that engages more deeply with food and wine discussions. The restaurant also offers a well-selected local wine menu and creative cocktails, complementing the diverse flavors of the cuisine.

 by Chef Mauricio Giovanini and Pía Ninci, establishing a new dining landmark in Marbella.

 recognizing the restaurant’s culinary excellence and innovation.

Blend of Spanish and international cuisine

 with a focus on top ingredients and creative flavor pairings.

Dine In

Restroom

Good for Groups

Serves Beer

Serves Wine

Serves Lunch

Serves Dinner

Serves Dessert

Serves Cocktails

Reservable

Messina Restaurante in Marbella offers a delightful blend of Mediterranean cuisine and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for both gourmet aficionados and casual diners. Located on Avenida Severo Ochoa, it features a menu rich in seasonal produce and fresh seafood, all served in a beautifully designed space that invites guests to linger and enjoy their meals.

Messina Restaurante

A fusion of Mediterranean flavors with global influences, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients and innovative culinary techniques.

Tasting Menu

Messina Menu

Chef's Table Experience

Caviar Experience

Messina Restaurante Menu

Nestled in the heart of Marbella, Messina Restaurante offers an exceptional dining experience where contemporary innovation meets Andalusian tradition. Under the masterful guidance of Chef Mauricio Giovanini, the menu showcases a bold fusion of global flavors crafted with precision and artistic flair. This Michelin-starred gem invites guests to explore a culinary journey that is as surprising as it is satisfying.

Begin your meal with exquisite Beluga caviar served with refined Veuve Clicquot Champagne, available in elegant portions of 10g, 30g, or 50g. Each starter is designed to awaken your palate and set the tone for a memorable dining experience.

The heart of Messina’s menu is a selection of tasting menus that offer an adventurous exploration of Chef Mauricio Giovanini's culinary vision. Choose from the classic Tasting Menu or the more intricate Messina Menu, each featuring the chef's curated selection of dishes that blend international influences with local Andalusian ingredients.

For those seeking a heightened experience, wine pairings carefully matched with each course elevate the flavors, available with both the Tasting and Messina Menus. The ultimate indulgence is the exclusive Chef's Table, where Chef Mauricio Giovanini prepares a personalized tasting menu showcasing his most imaginative creations.

Desserts at Messina Restaurante continue the journey of innovation, presenting modern interpretations of classic sweet delights that perfectly conclude your meal with elegance and creativity.

The wine selection focuses on local vineyards, offering well-matched choices that complement the thoughtfully crafted dishes. Guests can also enjoy expertly crafted cocktails, premium beers, and aromatic coffees, making each sip as memorable as the meal.

 - An exclusive tasting menu personally prepared by Chef Mauricio Giovanini, showcasing his most imaginative dishes.

 - Carefully curated wine pairings designed to enhance the tasting menus and highlight Andalusian terroir.

Indulge in Mediterranean flavors at Messina Restaurante in Marbella. Savor exquisite dishes in a stunning setting. Book your table now!

Messina Restaurante: Fine Dining in Marbella, Spain

Málaga Municipality

An exclusive dining experience for up to four guests, featuring a personalized tasting menu prepared by Chef Mauricio Giovanini.

Chef's Table

Customized gift vouchers valid for six months, applicable towards any dining experience at Messina.

Gift Vouchers

Discover the culinary gem of Marbella, Spain – Messina Restaurante, a Michelin-starred haven where innovation meets Andalusian charm.

 is perched on Avenida Severo Ochoa in the heart of Marbella, offering an elegant and minimalist setting that perfectly frames its culinary artistry. This Michelin-star venue is renowned for its refined blend of Spanish classics and international flair, crafted by the visionary Chef Mauricio Giovanini. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a traveler eager to savor the best of Málaga's dining scene, Messina promises an experience filled with surprises and thoughtful innovation.

Unique dining experiences at messina restaurante

At Messina, every meal is a journey. Opt for the 

 to sample a curated selection of the chef's most emblematic dishes, a perfect introduction to Messina’s culinary style. For an even more indulgent experience, the 

 offers a more extensive and refined voyage through innovative flavors and textures, ideal for those looking to immerse themselves deeply in the chef’s vision.

 – An exclusive, personalized tasting menu created by Chef Mauricio Giovanini for up to four guests, priced at 350 EUR.

 – A selection of the chef’s signature dishes, priced at 140 EUR.

 – An elevated tasting menu with more dishes and refinement, priced at 180 EUR.

 – A specially curated selection of wines to complement your meal, available for 70 EUR.

Messina boasts a modern minimalist décor that provides a stylish yet comfortable setting for an intimate dinner or celebratory gathering. The ambiance is enhanced by excellent acoustics and tasteful design, making it ideal for dates or dinners with friends. Service is professional and attentive, ensuring that your dining experience is smooth and memorable.

 – Book in advance to secure your table at this popular Michelin-star spot.

 – Celebrate anniversaries or milestones with a meticulously crafted meal.

 – Enjoy thoughtfully matched local wines that enhance each course.

 – The atmosphere and menu are designed for adult diners seeking a sophisticated experience.

Andalucía Region

Discover Messina Restaurante in Marbella, offering innovative Mediterranean cuisine, exclusive tasting menus, and a Michelin-starred dining experience.

Messina Restaurante Marbella - Michelin Star Culinary Experience

Enjoy exceptional dishes, personalized Chef's Table, and the finest local ingredients at Messina Restaurante in Marbella for a memorable culinary journey.

Messina Restaurante Marbella - Gourmet Mediterranean Dining

Experience top-quality caviar, wine pairing, and innovative Mediterranean flavors at Messina in Marbella. Book your exclusive culinary adventure now.

Michelin-Star Messina Restaurante in Marbella, Spain

Playa Padre: Beach club & restaurant

Soleo Marbella Beach Club Restaurant

Casanis Bistrot Marbella