Restaurant Guide
There are thousands of cafes, bars and restaurants on the Costa del Sol of varying appeals and price levels. Many of them also have live music and dinner-dance options.
Here is a guide to some of the best we have visited over the years.
If you would like any advice as to suitability for special occasions or any help in making reservations, please let us know and we would be happy to help.
If you find one we have not included that you can recommend please let us know.
Price index
£ Under 25 Euros
££ 25 -40 Euros
£££ 40 -60 Euros
££££ 60 Euros +
Calahonda East
Miel Y Nata Mountain / Italian £
There are two Miel y Nata restaurants in Calahonda and the one at the top is well worth the drive. The large outside terrace has breath taking uninterrupted views over the Mediterranean where you will often be able to see Africa and Gibraltar. The restaurant is very good value for money and the quality of food and the portion sizes are brilliant. The staff are extremely friendly and efficient and waiters remain the same season in and season out. It is this atmosphere that brings back locals as well as tourists year after year.
Tel: 952 93 04 43
Mona Lisa / Italian £
The Mona Lisa are open every day from 8 am, where you can enjoy a real Italian cappuccino or superb English breakfast. Their lunch time menu has been carefully chosen and all dishes are freshly prepared by their chef with flavour in mind.
Why not try their fantastic “Afternoon High Tea” which includes cucumber and salmon sandwiches, homemade scones with traditional clotted cream and jam, homemade carrot cake, biscuits and tea or coffee, which can be enjoyed with or without a bottle of Prosecco. Prices start at 15€ for 2 people. A delightful experience that you will not find anywhere else on the coast!
Tel: 951 272 668
Royal Beach / Spanish £
Royal Beach is Calahonda’s second beach near the “Macdonald’s Roundabout” and the beach has a great traditional Spanish beach bar/restaurant (chiringuito) with the same name. Fantastic location, friendly and welcoming staff and fantastic food keeps people coming back year after year.
Tel: 952 93 04 35
The Almond Tree / British £
The Almond Tree is a family run business serving great quality traditional food at great prices. Situated in the El Zoco Commercial centre, the Almond Tree has a lovely terrace where you can enjoy all day breakfasts, delicious pies, burgers, baguettes, curries, lasagnas and quiches. There is something for everyone in this family friendly café.
Tel: 600 040 162 / 637 286 929
Le Bristo Suisse / Swiss ££
Le Bristo Suisse is a traditional Swiss restaurant with a great menu serving chocolate, cheese and meat fondues. The small cosy restaurant is situated on the Calahonda strip and has helpful friendly staff. The steaks and rosties are recommended, as well as the deep fried brie in breadcrumbs.Tel: 952 93 29 49/ 952 93 15 75Visit Web Site Villa Paradiso / Italian ££
Villa Paradiso Italian Ristorante was opened in 1989 and has been popular ever since. There is an elegant lobby and sumptuous terraces, decorated and adorned with special care, transporting customers to a paradise. Villa Paradiso Italian Ristorante offers a menu of typical Italian dishes, with a great variety of pastas and Pizzas as well as many other dishes of Mediterranean and international cuisine.
Tel: 952 93 23 79
Riviera del Sol
La Plaza Restaurant / Italian ££
La Plaza offers typical Italian dishes without leaving out some typical Spanish ones. The restaurant has a large informal panoramic terrace, perfect for summer al fresco dining with relaxing background music.Tel: 952 93 50 73Visit Web Site Max Beach / Belgium ££
Situated right on the beach in Riviera del Sol, simply enjoy a cocktail from their extensive cocktail menu or try some of their Belgium inspired cuisine with a glass of wine as the sun goes down.
Tel: 952 93 27 80
El Oceano / Mediterranean £££
The El Oceano is located on the beach at Miraflores, dinner is served each evening in the Oceano Veranda, a glass enclosed dining room seemingly “suspended” over the Ocean. The Water Front Terrace serves lunch and cocktails can be had on the Ocean Veranda; all with fabulous views over the Mediterranean. Live music is provided every evening.Tel: 952 58 75 50Visit Web Site Torrenueva
Snack Attack / British £
Snack Attack is a traditional British Café style restaurant also located in Jardin Botanico serving wraps, hot and cold sandwiches, jacket potatoes English breakfast etc. They also serve a variety of tapas and have an outdoor seating area.
Tel: 952 49 31 84
Ginza / Japanese ££
Ginza is a tradition Japanese restaurant with great service located in Jardin Botanico. The Teppanyaki show, where food is cooked right in front of you is very entertaining and the chefs are superb. The set menus are especially good value.
Tel: 952 49 41 53
Las Llaves / Spanish (North) ££
At Las Llaves you can enjoy their international cuisine as well as some of the excellent and traditional dishes from the area of Leon in northern Spain. Enjoy an excellent meal in a warm and friendly atmosphere, with attentive service and a well-stocked wine cellar.Tel: 952 49 20 25Visit Web Site La Cala
El Gusto / British ££
El Gusto Restaurant on the Bulevar de la Cala de Mijas, serves consistently high quality English-style food, with the owners being the most welcoming of hosts. Especially good value is the two course menu Del Dia.
Tel: 952 58 75 38
El Jinete / International ££
Venta El Jinete restaurant is located in the hills of La Cala Golf resort overlooking the mountains, with a large terrace and great views. The quality cuisine allows the client to appreciate and taste a fusion between traditional and innovative cuisine. Their signature charcoal grill offers new flavors and unique aromas to be enjoyed in a very cozy environment.
Tel: 952 11 91 70
Thai Royal Orchid / Thai ££
Situated in the centre of La Cala De Mijas, upon entering the restaurant you will cross over the little bridge and be transported to the Far East where you will experience authentic Thai cuisine in a luxurious setting.
Tel: 952 49 37 99
Mijas Playa / Mediterranean £££
The Mijas Playa restaurant is located front line beach where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Mediterranean. Famous for years, the Mijas Playa is the perfect place for that special occasion. An extensive delicious menu is complemented by live music and a wonderful atmosphere.Tel: 952 49 37 49Visit Web Site Fuengirola
Tipi Tapa / Tapas £
What started as a brewery restaurant in Fuengirola, was quickly converted into a fashionable place were many people could enjoy the exquisite tapas and small snacks in a relaxed atmosphere. Nothing is better than a few tapas, washed down with an ice cold beer to enjoy the real taste of Spain.Tel: 951 31 16 30Visit Web Site El Toston / Tapas ££
What started out solely serving Iberian luxuries and traditional cheese, has itself developed to match the high quality of the wines served at the bodega (wine cellar). The elegance of the terraces, the bar area and good sized tables, all contribute to making a unique and special atmosphere, that invite you to enjoy it with every sense you possess.
Tel: 952 47 56 32/ 952 46 61 90
Ponchos Argentine Steakhouse / Argentinian ££
Situated in Fuengirola this Argentinian restaurant never disappoints. The staff are excellent and prices are reasonable. It is often said that it would be hard to find a better steak anywhere else.
Tel: 952 47 06 95
Porto Fino / International £££
Restaurante Porto Fino is a family owned rustic-style tavern restaurant with a high standard of service and most of the waiters having worked there for many years. They offer a wide selection of Italian and international cuisine with a great atmosphere in the heart of Fuengirola right on the Paseo promenade.
Tel: 952 47 06 43
The Old Swiss House / International £££
Open since 1981 on the Fuengirola seafront, The Old Swiss House offers international dishes as well as authentic Swiss dishes including Steak Tartar, Chateaubriand, Fondue, and Crêpes Suzette. Recommended by the Michelin guide, in autumn they have hunting dishes, wild mushrooms & season vegetables as well as special fish & meat grill dishes in the summer.Tel: 952 47 26 06Visit Web Site Mijas
Mirlo Blanco / Spanish (North) ££
This restaurant serving traditional Basque Cuisine comprises of two elegant dining rooms both with chimneys, perfect for the chillier days of winter. From the outside terrace you enjoy the panoramic views of the charming village of Mijas and the Mijas Mountains.Tel: 952 48 57 00Visit Web Site The ValParaiso / International ££££
Beautifully presented international dishes, served in a magical setting with sea and mountain views, on a flower covered terrace, where you can dine “Al Fresco” in the Summer, has been the key to building a faithful clientele. There is also a complete entertainment program, including Dinner Dance, Live music, Flamenco dancing and Opera. The Valparaiso is included in the Michelin Guide.Tel: 952 48 59 75/ 96Visit Web Site Calahonda West
La Dispensa / £
La Dispensa is located in Cabopino and is open all year, with an exceptional location overlooking the mountains. There is an extensive menu of international dishes, homemade pastas and various pizzas. There is a large outside terrace and the décor creates a relaxed and informal dining experience.
Tel: 952 83 74 90Da Bruno / Mediterranean ££
Located at the exit of the Puerto Cabopino , Da Bruno Cabopino offers a Mediterranean atmosphere surrounded by tall pines and sunny terraces. Besides the traditional menu they offer grill dishes of both meat and fish. Da Brunos also offers an outdoor play area for children
Visit Web Site Jaipur Palace / Indian ££
The fabulous Jaipur Palace in Cabopino specializes in North Indian dishes and delivers the exotic flavours and distinct taste of India’s finest cuisines.
Tel: 951 31 00 04La Hermosa / International £££
Hermosa is a modern Californian Bistro and grill that serves dishes which typically combine the flavours of the old and new world from Tuscany to the Pacific Rim and feature modern interpretations of traditional European, American and Asian cuisine. The menus also offer a unique dining experience, ‘The Grill’, which will enable you to comfortably stray from the confines of a traditional A la carte and actually design a main course to suit you.
Tel: 952 83 74 83Visit Web SiteElviria
Sloanes / International ££
This fantastic restaurant is a hidden jewel in the heart of Elviria. The restaurant itself is small and very elegant creating a secluded intimate atmosphere. Efficient and extremely friendly staff make you feel very welcome and special and their innovative international cuisine will stimulate your senses
Tel: 952 53 55 60Visit Web Site The Beach House / International £££
The Beach House Restaurant is a unique destination where you can enjoy exquisite food and wines in a perfect beach location. The combined facilities of a rustic chirinigito lounge, immaculate stretch of sand and beautiful waterfront restaurant give the overall feel of a chic beach club. At night the character of The Beach House is transformed to become the perfect venue for a romantic dinner under the stars – a stone’s throw from the edge of the Mediterranean.
Tel: 952 83 94 58El Lago / Spanish ££££
Situated in the beautiful backdrop of Greenlife Golf, Elviria Hills, the restaurant offers views of the golf course and picturesque lake. Years of dedication have made El Lago a reference point for Andalucian Cuisine being awarded a prestigious Michelin star in 2005.
Tel: 952 83 23 71Visit Web SiteRosmarinos / International ££££
Rosmarino della Piazza combines the gastronomic heritage of Italy with an emphasis on elegance and innovation. Both the inner dining room and the terrace play with space to simultaneously create an intimate feel while paying tribute to social gatherings. Each visit to Rosmarina Della Piazza is different; from every angle the atmosphere is new and unique.
Tel: 952 85 01 48Visit Web SiteMarbella
Da Bruno Sul Mare / International ££
The light of the Mediterranean invades this restaurant with airs of the Florentine palace. Overlooking the Mediterranean, Da Bruno Sul Mare offers an extensive menu selection of the best Italian cuisine.
Tel: 952 90 33 18Visit Web SiteEl Patio de Los Perfumes / International £££
Located in the heart of the old town of Marbella, not far from the Plaza de los Naranjos. The restaurants cosy and warm atmosphere, its rustic and bohemian decor, makes this place a must for an evening rich in flavour, aroma and magical moments. There is no other restaurant in Marbella where you can enjoy such a culinary and aesthetically unique universe.
Tel: 952 82 86 50Visit Web SiteRestaurante Skina / International £££
Skina Resturante serves Mediterranean cuisine based on products of the highest quality, capturing the flavors of traditional Andalusian cuisine sensations and pleasures.
Tel: 952 76 52 77Visit Web SiteVilla Tiberio / International ££££
The villa is set in sumptuous grounds in the glamourous Marbella and at this restaurant, client satisfaction is at the top of their list of priorities. Dine in luscious gardens choosing from an extensive menu of Italian and international dishes made from the finest fresh ingredients. In their extensive bodega comprising of Spanish, French and Italian wines, champagnes and spirits, there will be something to suit all tastes.
Tel: 952 77 17 99Visit Web SitePuerto Banus
Dallis Pasta Factory / Italian ££
Toni Dalli’s Italian Restaurant is located in the exquisite Oasis Club, on the Golden Mile, with breath taking views over the Mediterranean. The menu is well planned and appetising in the best Italian fashion and the wine list is equally as impressive.
Tel: 952 77 00 35Visit Web SiteThai Gallery / Thai ££
A serene courtyard approach encompassing the traditional Thai ambience, is offset by the lively cosmopolitan atmosphere of the inside of this restaurant, where a colourful collection of art elegantly mounts the walls. The colourful cuisine is a reflection of this setting. Their menu is an electric combination of perfectly presented creative dishes, inspired by traditional Thai cooking but finished with modern tones.
Tel: 952 81 83 92
Polynesian Restaurant and Cocktail Bar / Polynesian ££££
Come into Polynesian’s world and enjoy an exotic hiding place. Taste their traditional Polynesian cuisine, tropical cocktails and their unique sushi, sashmi and maki.
Tel: 952 81 61 00Visit Web Site
