This summer Marbella welcomes a dazzling new chapter in its gourmet scene with the opening of China Crown Marbella, an imperial Chinese cuisine restaurant that brings centuries of culinary tradition into a refined modern context. Guests arriving at the elegant Don Pepe Gran Meliá hotel are now invited to discover a restaurant that is set to become one of the most talked-about destinations this season

On 24 June China Crown opened inside the prestigious Don Pepe Gran Meliá hotel, occupying a prime location facing the pool With its arrival the city gains not just another dining option but an immersive journey into the elegance of ancient dynasties The space offers approximately 103 m² indoors and a 109 m² terrace together accommodating over a hundred diners in a balanced blend of refined indoor ambiance and refreshing outdoor charm This opening is framed by a seasonal context because in mid-October the hotel will enter a year-long refurbishment and the restaurant will close its doors temporarily This summer window invites a sense of rarity and exclusivity around every visit

Every detail of China Crown Marbella reflects its mission to evoke the grandeur of the imperial courts of China The interiors were designed by the studio of Marisa Gallo drawing on clean lines and a timeless elegance that can transition from intimate dinners to celebratory group evenings Strategic lighting, thoughtfully positioned seating zones combining formality and comfort, and décor that nods to Far Eastern motifs all come together to shape a sensory environment that complements the culinary journey

The cuisine at China Crown Marbella embraces the legacy of imperial Chinese gastronomy while making it accessible to contemporary taste buds Dishes are rooted in centuries-old techniques, reinterpreted with flair and refinement One standout creation is a crispy lobster paired with caviar and bathed in a passion fruit and mango sauté, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors Another section of the menu celebrates dim sum, a Cantonese tradition of small bites perfected over generations These ‘small selections’ showcase remarkable craftsmanship, presenting items like beef cheek, duck with foie gras, prawns accompanied by coral and tobiko roe, and crispy beef with ginger—all presented in bite-sized harmony However the showstopper remains the Beijing Imperial Duck known widely as Peking duck This signature item is prepared following a recipe said to trace back to the Ming Dynasty The duck arrives carved tableside in three sensory layers the caramelized skin, the succulent meat, and delicate pancakes—each designed to highlight a different nuance of the preparation

As much a feast for the eyes as for the palate, China Crown Marbella turns dining into theatre The carving of the Peking duck in view of diners adds drama and ritual to the moment Cultural legacy meets culinary performance in each gesture Guests get to take part in the heritage of the dish, assembling their own bites with enthusiastic anticipation The ambiance, enhanced by the soft glow of the lighting and the aesthetic harmony of the décor, elevates each table into its own private stage for sensory delight

The culinary narrative continues through carefully curated cocktails that merge tradition with contemporary creativity Inspired by Chinese spices and aromatic ingredients these cocktails reflect the same design philosophy as the food while turning each sip into a reinterpretation of ancient flavors The beverage menu becomes part of the story of softened opulence anchored in imperial heritage

China Crown originally began in Madrid in 1981 and over the years it has become a reference point for high-end Chinese cuisine in Spain Now, with this summer outpost in Marbella the brand expands its reach anchoring itself in the sunlit glamour of the Costa del Sol The restaurant joins a growing roster of institutions offering guests refined global dining under the Mediterranean sky

The timing of China Crown’s opening is both opportunistic and strategic, giving food lovers an exclusive window into this kind of haute cuisine before the hotel begins scheduled renovations in October This temporal limitation adds to the experience : each dinner becomes a rare opportunity to taste something exceptional in an elevated setting Visitors seeking a blend of luxury, culture, and fine food will likely be among the first to secure reservations

Marbella’s dining scene is known for its variety, from beachside tapas bars to high-end Mediterranean restaurants China Crown introduces a fresh concept Imperial Chinese haute cuisine in a setting that speaks to tradition and prestige It adds diversity to the gastronomic offering and aligns with Marbella’s reputation as a world-class destination for discerning food enthusiasts

The restaurant operates evenings from 18 00 to midnight and parking is available free for guests The cuisine maintains balance between indulgence and accessibility with offerings like Imperial vegetable rolls priced around fourteen euros, an assorted dim sum selection near sixteen euros and the Peking duck at approximately sixty nine euros For special occasions or those wanting to continue the experience at home China Crown also offers exclusive catering services in Marbella transforming private events into memorable culinary journeys

China Crown Marbella is not simply a restaurant but a cultural experience translating the majesty of ancient Chinese cuisine into a modern, engaging, and refined format Set within a storied hotel in one of Spain’s most glamorous cities it offers a rare and opulent dining opportunity this summer Its combination of traditional techniques, contemporary sensibilities, elegant design and theatrical service creates an immersive experience that resonates beyond the plate For anyone looking to taste tradition with a touch of spectacle in a Mediterranean context China Crown promises to deliver a narrative of flavor, ambiance and cultural homage that lingers long after the meal ends