Located in the heart of Marbella, Entre Limones has become a benchmark for those who enjoy authentic, characterful cuisine. We speak to its creator and chef, Alfredo Medina, about how the project began in 2011 in small premises in the centre, and how it has grown over the years to occupy a larger space on the ground floor of the Hotel El Fuerte, with an entrance from the seafront promenade.
The beginnings of a dream
“I have very fond memories of the beginning,” Alfredo recalls, reminiscing about 2011 when he opened his first restaurant in the centre of Marbella. “The comments from customers made a big impression on me, some directed at me and some that I overheard while they were dining. They showed me that I was on the right track. I always compare it to the water of a river that gradually finds its course.’
A restaurant for sharing
At Entre Limones, there is no traditional menu, but rather an invitation to let yourself go, try whatever piques your curiosity and share. Alfredo explains that the idea came from a regular customer who came every week, either alone or with others, and always said the same thing: “The nice thing here is sharing and being tempted by what’s happening at the next table.”
“He was someone very special to me. He’s no longer with us, but he helped me a lot and I’ll always be grateful to him,” confesses the chef.
Inspiring travels
Before settling in Marbella, Alfredo worked in kitchens in cities such as Barcelona, New York and Beijing. “I don’t know if they influenced my cooking as much as they boosted my confidence. Working in such different countries, seeing that my work was successful, and receiving compliments boosted my confidence and helped me to overcome my fears and become more decisive.”
Simplicity with a twist
If there is one thing that characterises the dishes at Entre Limones, it is that unexpected detail: a citrus note, a touch of spice or a crunch. How do you achieve that balance?
“Chefs tend to overcomplicate things when creating a dish. I learned to put myself in the diner’s shoes and ask: how would I like this dish to be prepared if I came to eat here? The answer is usually simple, but it’s the special touch that makes all the difference.”
A cuisine made from experiences
Alfredo acknowledges that his personal history is present in every bite of his food. From the inspiration of his mother, Mercedes, to his time working in the great hotels of the Costa del Sol, everything adds up.
“There is no specific part of my life in my dishes, but rather the sum of all my experiences. That’s what makes me cook the way I do: I never stop researching and I am always adapting to offer something authentic.”
A new chapter by the sea
Today, the small restaurant in the centre of Marbella has been transformed into a restaurant with more space and privileged views of the Mediterranean on the ground floor of the Hotel El Fuerte. It is a natural evolution of a project that began humbly yet boldly and continues to grow without losing its unique essence.