Málaga
Cervantes started as a humble tapas bar run by expat Argentine Gabriel Spatz, but has now expanded into four bar-restaurants (each with a slightly…
Must-see restaurants in Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol
Don't expect the default sardines at this trendsetting fusion favourite across from Playamar beach's western end. Asian flavours abound in offerings like…
Nerja
The menu is listed in nine languages, but the only word you need to understand at beachside Ayo is ‘paella’. They cook the rice dish every day in a huge…
Málaga
Located at the city's Centro de Arte Contemporáneo with white-on-white minimalist decor, Óleo provides diners with the unusual choice of Mediterranean or…
Málaga
Casa Aranda is in a narrow alleyway next to the market and, since 1932, has been the place in town to enjoy chocolate and churros (tubular-shaped…
Marbella
It’s not a farm, but instead an exceptionally pretty restaurant in Marbella’s old town, consisting of a patio, a terrace and a dining room furnished with…
Estepona
Locals in the know – from dock workers swigging beers to families celebrating a first communion – flock to this port-side eatery to dine on arguably the…
Málaga
Fronted by traditional blue-and-white tiles, this ever-bustling spot serves a luscious range of pinchos (Basque-style tapas), accompanied by vermouth on…
Fuengirola
The Italian-inflected food at this spot on Fuengirola's restaurant row is fresh as the decor. Expect artfully presented starters – from handmade ricotta…
Málaga
You’ll have to elbow your way through the melee to get served in La Tranca, a slim, old-fashioned bar with a rock-band-like following where discarded…
Málaga
A seafood lover's dream, this white-tiled shoebox of a tapas bar is fantastic place to indulge your 'try-everything-on-the-menu' fantasies, with tapas…
Marbella
Chiringuito restaurants are usually on the beach, but if you're a well-known chef called Dani Garcia with several Michelin stars to your name you can…
Málaga
Set on Málaga’s scruffy but increasingly trendy Calle Carretería, Brunchit, despite the name, is open all day ready to serve freshly made sandwiches, melt…
Nerja
Impeccable service, single orchids, a drum-and-bass soundtrack and a charcoal-grey-and-green colour scheme: in short, this place has class. The menu is…
Málaga
A newish tapas bar that draws on old traditions, this boisterous, crowded place evokes the tiled taverns of yore – though you’ll likelier see modern art…
Estepona
Venta Garcia specialises in superbly conceived dishes using local produce, complemented by sublime countryside views. There's an emphasis on meat like…
Nerja
There's a truly gorgeous setting here, both indoors and outside in the garden, which is gently stepped to its furthest section overlooking the sea…
Málaga
The original Cervantes bar-restaurant (there are now four) is a little more boisterous and crowded than the Mesón around the corner, although the menu is…
Marbella
Finnish owned and set in a dreamy location right on the 'Golden Mile' across from the beach, Garum has a menu that will please those seeking a little…
Marbella
Marbella is replete with restaurants of all shapes and sizes, but if you just want a quick fix of something sweet, head to this newcomer bakery just off…
Málaga
It’s hard to imagine there’s a better bakery in Málaga than Julia’s. Fresh bread, flaky scones and strong coffee form a holy breakfast trinity. You can…
Málaga
Trendy cafe with affiliated bike shop where you can enjoy a 'Wiggins' salad or exceedingly cheap cakes, coffee and breakfasts. Old bikes adorn the walls…
Málaga
La Cosmopolita dependably draws a crowd with its sophisticated mix of time-tested classics (cured cheeses and Iberian meats, Gillardeau oysters, squid…
Málaga
If this jam-packed bar with floor-to-ceiling shelves conjures up visions of a vintage grocery store, well...that's exactly what it once was. Nowadays the…
El Balneario de los Baños del Carmen
Málaga
Enjoying front-row views of the beach at La Malagueta, El Balneario is a wonderful place to sit outside on a balmy evening and share a plate of prawns or…
Málaga
Moroccan restaurants are less common in Málaga than in Granada, but Al Yamal, family-run for four decades in the heart of the Soho district, serves the…
Málaga
With Málaga's Alcazaba posing like the Alhambra in the background, this classy but not-too-posh restaurant (you can opt for stools rather than chairs) is…
Málaga
A tejeringo is a malagueño take on Andalucía's popular churros: it's a deep-fried doughnut, curled into a wheel and usually dipped in coffee (or chocolate…
Málaga
This Dutch-owned restaurant has a diverse menu that includes dishes such as kangaroo steaks, vegetable stir-fries and crocodile with chutney; they hit the…
Nerja
On a sunny day – ie almost any day in Nerja – head straight for this sprawling terrace overlooking pristine Playa Carabello. The menu abounds in…
Costa del Sol
A short walk from the Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel train stop, this large multiroomed place in an old-fashioned mall exudes a year-round feria atmosphere…
Fuengirola
This place covers three venues: a modern tapas bar, a terrace and a rustic-styled restaurant. In the restaurant the emphasis is on expertly prepared meat…
Marbella
Situated on one of the prettiest streets in town, Casanis will transport you to a Tintin fantasy world: its dining-room walls are covered in cartoon-style…
Nerja
There are two good reasons why this is the most popular tapas bar in town: first, the house wine is excellent; second, you get a free tapa with every…
Costa del Sol
Founded in 1964 by Wimbledon champion Lew Hoad, this elegant restaurant is surrounded by mature gardens, plus tennis and padel courts (available for…
Málaga
A more modern open tapas bar with pavement perches and an interior full of wine-barrel tables and stools, Gorki serves tangy cheeses and an extensive list…
Estepona
Somehow you expect to pay more at a place in this front-line position overlooking the harbour, but the dishes here are reasonably priced and authentic:…
Costa del Sol
One of the better beachside chiringuitos (snack bars), this place attracts a loyal Spanish clientele. Specialities include a delicious salmorejo (thick,…
Costa del Sol
Families, take note: this seaside restaurant has a playground across the promenade. The emphasis here is on seafood such as gambas pil-pil (prawns in a…
Málaga
A loud echo in the local grapevine, Citron on ebullient Plaza de la Merced in what they're now calling Málaga's barrio Picasso is a sophisticated spot…
