Take your taste buds on a culinary world tour. Featuring cuisine from every country and culture on Earth, and limitless possibilities ranging from informal lunches to romantic candlelit dinners, the Costa del Sol is truly your oyster.
For an authentic taste of the Mediterranean, head for a ‘chiringuito’ (beach bar/restaurant), and enjoy fresh, locally landed fish and seafood served at the water’s edge. And if you’re exploring the scenic countryside, choose from one of myriad inland ‘ventas’ specialising in wholesome regional cuisine for no-frills lunching and dining... at prices that will make your holiday spending money go further than you thought possible!
MALAGA
In Málaga, make for Plaza Mayor – a giant leisure and entertainment complex near the airport – with an astounding choice of some 70 bars, restaurants and cafes offering fast-food, Italian, American, Tex Mex, Oriental, Asian, Spanish and international options, as well as discotheques and bars; the maze of narrow Old Town streets near the cathedral; or the Malagueta district close to the Bullring.
TORREMOLINOS
In Torremolinos: the dozens of eateries catering for all tastes and budgets on the La Carihuela promenade; and the trendy bars and clubs on Calle San Miguel.
BENALMADENA
In Benalmádena, don’t miss the award-winning Puerto Marina harbour with a vast selection of restaurants, piano bars and nightclubs open ‘til dawn; with still more to choose from on buzzing Plaza Sol y Mar (24-Hour Square).
Jacks American Brasserie
Authentic American food: steaks, fajitas, sandwiches, fresh burgers, crispy salads, delicious desserts and exotic cocktails.
Address: Puerto Marina. Tel: 952 56 36 73
Airen
Michelin-starred chef creates delicious recipes, combining native and exotic cuisines and Mediterranean flavours.
Address: Autopista Salida 217, Club de Campo & Spa. Tel: 952 56 58 84
Metro Pizza & Pasta
Metro is one of the newest and most exciting Italian restaurants to open on the coast. Classic and contemporary dishes with emphasis placed on the freshness and quality of the ingredients. All at reasonable prices.
Address: Darsena de Levante, Lc.A20-21, Puerto Marina, Benalmadena. Tel: 952 44 64 60
Hapenny Bridge
Situated next to Hotel Aloha Playa in Benalmádena.
This Irish Bar provides coverage of all major sporting events shown on giant screen t.v. An atmosphere that’s hard to beat. Relax in comfortable, cosy surroundings – karaoke, entertainment and bbq’s on selected evenings. Guaranteed a warm Irish welcome.
Urb Costa Mar Block C1, Benalmádena Costa (opposite Hotel Aloha Playa)
Tel: 952 57 5222
FUENGIROLA & LOS BOLICHES
In Los Boliches, you’ll find a huge choice of inexpensive bars and restaurants on the seafront, or for a more laid-back atmosphere, the bijou bistros on the streets behind are unbeatable. In Fuengirola, you’ll be superbly catered for in ‘Fish Alley’ at the heart of the Old Town and in the surrounding streets; while other areas well known for their bars, nightspots and eateries include the Paseo Maritimo (seafront) and the Port, with its wide choice of inexpensive establishments.
Aroma
Stylishly appointed quality restaurant serving fine and superbly presented food.
Address: Calle Moncayo 23 (Fish Alley).
Tel: 952 66 55 02
Caribbean
Enjoy international cuisine along with the cool breezes and unspoiled views of the med.
Address: Paseo Maritimo, Seafront, Carvajal, East Fuengirola. Tel: 607 91 27 86
Chill Zone (La Cubana Beach)
The coolest place on the Coast, Chill Zone La Cubana is located on the best beach in town. An informal and inspirational fusion of East meets West, Chill Zone La Cubana is a family-friendly tropical beach club where you can relax in hammocks, listen to the best of Latin and chill, and lunch or dine on authentic Thai cuisine. As the sun sinks slowly into the sea, sip an exotic cocktail, and kick back in the lounge area.
Address: Playa de Carvajal, Fuengirola – Benalmádena
Tel: 952 569 528. www.chillzonelacubana.com
Coast Point Restaurant and Cocktail Bar
Exotic Meals and Caribbean Cocktails in family friendly seafront restaurant.
Address: Edf. Eucalipto, Paseo Marítimo, Torreblanca 107, Fuengirola. Tel: 952 47 14 27
Los Corales
Specialising in freshly caught fish and top quality meats, this makes a great venue for that special occasion or just a great meal out.
Address: Paseo Maritimo, Rey de Espana 76, Los Boliches. Tel: 952 46 22 14
MIJAS & MIJAS COSTA
Mijas Pueblo – and the road linking the village to Fuengirola – is famed for the quality of its many gastronomic restaurants; and the sprawling Mijas Costa region (including La Cala and Calahonda) provide a comprehensive range of inexpensive eateries and late night bars. The tiny port of Cabopino has a good choice of waterfront restaurants, too.
Bellini's
Minutes up the Fuengirola to Mijas Village road on the left is this impressive new restaurant. Glorious terraces, wonderful views plus good food from the Italian chef (homemade pastas etc.) make this a must.
Address: Ctra. de Mijas Km 4.2. Tel: 952 59 07 27
El Oceano
All but dabbling its toes in the limpid waters of the Mediterranean, the sumptuous El Oceano Beach Hotel – together with its three to-die-for restaurants open to non residents – boasts an idyllic beachfront location midway between Marbella and Fuengirola.
Privately owned and operated and with the staff to client ratio typically associated with a luxury liner, the uncompromisingly high standards of personal service are second to none.
Open all year round and with mouthwatering lunches and dinners served every day, an air of relaxed indulgence pervades El Oceano Beach Hotel… a seriously cool place in which to chill out and allow yourself to be pampered. In fact, with its exquisite,
Caribbean-themed accommodation – mostly beachfront mini suites – extensive subtropical gardens, magnificent swimming pool which seems almost to merge with the sea, Polynesian pool bar, room service, and the spectacular al fresco Boardwalk Restaurant, appealing Ocean Veranda Restaurant, and inviting Ocean Room perfect for stylishly intimate dining in the winter months… once discovered, you may never want to leave, and will soon be back craving for more!
Other facilities in which to luxuriate include an indoor pool, jacuzzi and steam room, and adjoining the indoor pool you will find an exquisite beauty facility, providing every conceivable well-being treatment, massage, facials, hairdressing and nail enhancement... spoil yourself!
While children are welcome in the restaurants – featuring live music by acclaimed pianist Johnny Baker – the hotel itself has a minimum age limit of 14 years. ...the ultimate secluded retreat!
Address: E7 (CN340) Km. 199, Miraflores Beach, Mijas Costa.Tel: 952 587 550 www.oceanohotel.com
Molino del Cura
Just 500 metres on the right before the picture postcard village of Mijas in a centuries old Mill. Lovingly refurbished and boasting a full complement of charming Thai waiters and culinary experts, you will dine from the best of the Pacific Rim.
Address: Ctra. de Mijas, 500m before Mijas village. Tel: 952 48 58 13
Streets of London
The ideal place to call in for a quick drink, or for a sit down family meal in their fully air-conditioned restaurant. An out and out pub restaurant for all the family.
Address: Urb. Los Claveles, Ctra de Cádiz Km 202, Mijas Costa. Tel: 952 49 4275
Villa Paradiso
Sophisitcated yet relaxed restaurant for fine wine and dining, spacious terraces for enjoying al fresco meals and an atmosphere that makes you want to return again and again.
Address: El Zoco centre, Calahonda. Tel: 952 93 12 24
MARBELLA
Marbella, Puerto Banús and Nueva Andalucia are legendary for sophisticated wining, dining and clubbing the night away. The favourite haunts of international celebrities, prices tend to be higher than elsewhere on the Costa del Sol, but quality and service are world-class. In Marbella, the Old Town (Casco Antiguo) with Orange Square at its heart is synonymous with chic dining, as is the Golden Mile. The seafront is an attractive but more economical alternative. Puerto Banús, while featuring the ultimate in exclusive dining, also has plenty of fast-food and American-style establishments.
EAST MARBELLA
Fondue Lounge
Restaurant located in Elviria. Specialists in fish, meat, cheese and chocolate fondues! You can either come for dinner or just come for a drink at the lounge bar.
Address: Centro Comercial Los Pînares, Local 1, 2, 3 Elviria. Tel: 952839347
Chez Michael
Fabulous restaurant with the menu updated regularly with exciting new dishes. Excellent wine list.
Address: Avda. de las Cumbres, Elviria (opposite Golden Beach).Tel: 952 83 55 60
Albert's on the Port
Juicy steaks & ribs, well known for one of the best places to have a Sunday roast.
Address: Crta. de Cádiz Km 194, Puerto Cabopino. Tel: 952 83 68 86
CENTRAL MARBELLA & OLD TOWN
La Comedia
Excellent and creative menu. Ask for a romantic balcony table overlooking the Plaza de la Victoria Square.
Address: Old Town. Tel: 952 77 64 78 or 651 772 887
Sansai
Japanese restaurant and Sushi Bar. Delicious fresh food. Good service.
Address: Calle de Fuerte 4 (just around the corner from the El Fuerte Hotel). Tel: 952 85 73 73
Dalli’s Pasta Factory
Well-established and popular Italian restaurants run by 3 brothers, the other 2 restaurants are in Puerto Banús. All fresh pasta.
Address: Avda. Fontanilla. Tel: 952 77 67 76
La Tricicleta
Lovely summer terrace and private dining room. Imaginative menu including magret of duck, foie gras with mangoes plus the chef's specialities.
Address: In the charming old town. Tel: 95 285 76 86
Casa Nostra
Well-priced Italian restaurant with good meat dishes.
Address: C/Camilo José Cela, 12. Tel: 952 86 11 08
La Pesquera
Good tapas & fish, breakfast starts at 10 and stays open until way past midnight.
Address: Plaza Victoria, Old Town (just off Orange Square). Tel: 952 77 80 54
Sushi Katsura
Top-class Japanese cuisine.
Address: C/ Ramón Gómez de las Serna, 5.
Tel: 952 86 42 27
El Mexicano
Tex Mex food, great Mexican restaurant, cheap and cheerful.
Address: C/ Jose Torres Murcianos No 12- E (off the ring road). Tel: 952 86 66 80
MARBELLA TO PUERTO BANÚS
Thai Gallery
Fine, Thai cuisine. Open every evening except Mondays.
Address: In the commercial centre just behind BMW showrooms. Tel: 952 81 83 92
Ogilvy and Mailer
Creative menu, excellent food, their desserts are famous! Highly recommended!
Address: Just down the road from Los Naranjos Country Club, Nueva Andalucía. Tel: 952 81 53 98
Yanx
The American Dream...bagels, Californian salads, tex-mex etc. Friendly service.
Address: Centro Plaza (near Puerto Banús, by the bull ring). Tel: 952 81 88 61
Tai Pan
Authentic & delicious Chinese food.
Address: Ctra de Cadiz km 177, Puente Romano Hotel (on the Golden Mile). Tel: 952 77 78 93
Sukhothai
Delicious mouthwatering Thai dishes. Sister restaurant of Tai Pan.
Address: Centro Comercial Marbella Mar (Near Aresbank) Tel: 952 77 05 50
PUERTO BANÚS
Mumtaz Indian Restaurant
Special Tandoori dishes. Fish. Prawns. Chicken and lamb. Luxurious surroundings. Good service. Reasonable prices. Mouthwatering curries and special menus.
Address: No 7 Puerto Banús (near the Tower and the big boats). Tel: 95 281 20 90
Pasta Factory
These two very successful Italian fresh pasta & pizza restaurants are run by the Dalli brothers - always full and buzzing with a great atmosphere. Good value for money.
Address: Second line, Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 81 24 90 or 952 81 86 23
Los Bandidos
Swedish & French style cuisine.
Address: Front line Banús (eastern end).
Tel: 952 81 59 15
Pizzeria Picasso
Very good food at very good prices, get there early!
Address: Front line Puerto Banús (about half way along). Tel: 952 81 36 69
El Gaucho
Argentinean style, some of the best mixed grills and barbecued meat around.
Address: Second line Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 81 36 71
Red Pepper
Well known for its fresh fish as well as its fine Greek cuisine.
Address: Front line Puerto Banús. Tel: 952 81 21 48
ESTEPONA
On the main N-340/A7 coastal highway linking Marbella to Estepona and Gibraltar, there’s a wide choice of restaurants for every taste and budget. In Estepona itself, the majority can be found in the Old Town and in the yachting marina, as well as the adjoining and thriving harbour of Duquesa to the west.
Swing Restaurant
Located just at the end of the Estepona by-pass with ample parking. Tony, Inma and their son Jose Miguel have themed their restaurant towards golfing and welcome groups and parties.
Address: Urb. Arena Beach, Ctra Cadiz KM 151. Tel: 952 79 63 20
OJEN TO MONDA
Marbella Gun & Country Club
Only 15 minutes from Marbella, set in 140 acres of stunning countryside, this fabulous gun and country club offers fantastic dining in a beautiful restaurant overlooking the Sierra de las Nieves mountain range. An extensive á la Carte menu is available, as well as snacks, simple refreshments and regular entertainment.
Address: Cuesta de la Herrera s/n, Monda.
Tel: 95 211 2161
Restaurante La Cascada
Situated on the river that falls from the Junar Mountain above, Restaurante La Cascada has its own trout tanks. Live music and a display of art.
Address: La Montua 39 (just off the Ojen road). Tel: 95 285 71 22
Contact us with your bar or restaurant recommendations and we’ll be more than happy to include them on our Costa del Sol – Dining & Drinking pages. |