Restaurant Review: Frou Frou, Puerto Banús, Marbella
Where Mediterranean sun meets playful sophistication
In Puerto Banús, where yachts glint like jewellery and every café insists on glamour, Frou Frou is a breath of sunlit air. Open barely two months and a ten-minute stroll from the marina, it already feels like a discovery, confident enough to carve out its own identity in this glittering corner of Marbella. And yet, it doesn’t shout. Instead, it whispers: linger, relax, enjoy — the kind of Mediterranean invitation that perfectly suits a leisurely lunch, unhurried, sunlit, and just long enough to forget the clock.
Step inside, and the first thing you notice isn’t the menu (though it promises delight), it’s the interiors. Walls are white, sculptured, and textured, creating depth and light without overwhelming the senses. Vibrantly upholstered plush dining chairs and sofas draped in rich fabrics invite you to settle in with the subtle insistence of someone who knows you might want to linger. Subtle design details create a room that feels both playful and sophisticated — a rare trick in Puerto Banús, where too many spaces try and too few succeed.
And then there’s the bathroom. Oh, the bathroom. A freestanding copper bathtub gleams proudly in the centre of the unisex facilities. It’s whimsical, a little theatrical, and entirely Frou Frou — the kind of detail that makes you smirk and think: this restaurant has personality in spades. But don’t let it distract you; the real show is on the plates.
Lunch begins with starters that set the tone perfectly. The tuna tartare arrives glossy and fresh, seasoned with a restraint that whispers “Mediterranean sophistication.” Each bite tastes of sun, sea, and careful attention to detail — and, yes, demands a second glass of crisp white wine. The Greek salad is equally delightful: crisp, vibrant leaves, juicy sun-ripened tomatoes, salty feta, and olives that taste as though they were handpicked that morning. Both starters are unpretentious, elegant, and a clear declaration that Frou Frou’s kitchen knows its Mediterranean flavours well.
The lamb with salsa verde is next, and it’s a triumph. Tender, aromatic, and paired with a herbaceous, vibrant sauce, it’s indulgent without ever feeling heavy. Every mouthful is a reminder of why Marbella remains a haven for lovers of leisurely midday meals: food to savour slowly, conversation that drifts as easily as the afternoon sunlight through the room. It’s the kind of dish that makes you grateful for the pace of lunch, and a little wistful when you finally reach the last bite.
Dessert, naturally, arrives with a little theatre. The Turon, presented as a large block and sliced tableside, is dusted with crushed pistachios and served alongside a silky pistachio sauce. It’s sweet, nutty, playful, and utterly charming — indulgent without ever feeling over the top. By the time it’s finished, you feel entirely satisfied, both culinarily and atmospherically.
Frou Frou works because it balances Mediterranean authenticity with theatrical polish. The food is bright, fresh, and confidently flavoured. The interiors are stylish yet approachable. The atmosphere encourages a slow, sunlit lunch, where conversation, wine, and relaxation are given equal billing to the plates in front of you. There’s no rush here, no pressure to vacate your chair; just a subtle invitation to enjoy time spent well.
Even though it’s new, Frou Frou feels grounded. The design is confident, the food compelling, and the staff attentive without being fussy. It’s easy to imagine this restaurant becoming a favourite for locals and visitors alike — a place to return to for weekend lunches, celebratory meals, or simply a midweek pause that feels entirely indulgent in the best sense.
Verdict:
For a leisurely, no-rush Mediterranean lunch in Puerto Banús, Frou Frou is already a standout. From the glossy tuna tartare and vibrant Greek salad to the tender lamb with salsa verde and playful Turon dessert, every dish tastes sun-kissed, thoughtfully prepared, and perfectly in tune with the spirit of the coast. Stylish, sunlit, and effortlessly charming, Frou Frou is exactly the sort of restaurant that turns an ordinary lunch into an occasion — one you’ll want to repeat, again and again, with a friend, partner, or family members who appreciates flavour, style, and just the right touch of theatre.
