BACK

The story

BACK in Marbella: A Michelin-Starred Take on Modern Andalusian Cuisine

BACK: A Marbella Star

On a quiet street in Marbella, BACK is a restaurant that wears its Michelin star lightly. Since opening in 2016, the team behind it has built a reputation for modern Andalusian cuisine that is both precise and playful. The restaurant describes its own style as a fusion of technique, precision, and fun—a place where the traditions of Andalusia meet a global perspective.

The kitchen is led by chef David Olivas, a native of Úbeda who sharpened his skills in Marbella’s starred kitchens before opening BACK alongside his long-time partner, head sommelier Fabián Villar. Olivas’s cooking is rooted in the local products of Andalusia, but he is not afraid to add touches from other culinary worlds. The result is a menu that feels both familiar and surprising.

The Duo Behind the Dining Room

Fabián Villar, a Ronda-born sommelier with multiple awards to his name—including Best Sommelier of Andalusia-Costa del Sol—runs the dining room with an approach that is elegant, warm, and dynamic. His wine list is deliberately unconventional, stepping outside the commercial circuit to highlight international bottles with a special emphasis on Andalusian references. The experience is rounded out by a carefully curated cheese trolley and an impressive selection of liqueurs.

A Contemporary Take on Tradition

The menu at BACK changes with the seasons, but the philosophy remains constant: a contemporary vision of traditional Andalusian cooking. The restaurant offers both a la carte and tasting menus, each designed to showcase the depth of Andalusian produce while keeping a window open to the world. The atmosphere is one of relaxed fine dining, with air conditioning, outdoor seating, and full wheelchair access ensuring comfort for all guests.

Recognition and Recognition

In November 2023, BACK was awarded its first Michelin star, a recognition that the team sees as the result of years of consistent work and a shared vision of hospitality. The award places BACK firmly on the map of Andalusia’s most exciting dining destinations, but the restaurant’s focus remains on the plate: a balance of “cocina de ayer y hoy con toques viajeros”—cuisine of yesterday and today with traveling touches.