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And now a few words on restaurant life at and around Costalita. Most of it based on my own experience, which of course leaves quite a number of restaurants without mention. If you feel therefore you would like to add and share your own experiences and points of view please send me an e-mail (address below). The Restaurant offering differs considerably between high and low season, most obviously during July-August when restaurants spring up like mushrooms. Everything is then open, while during the low season restaurants either are fully closed or just open over the weekends. It is relatively common that restaurants, especially smaller ones, are closed one day a week, usually Mondays. Below you will find indications on which day a restaurant is closed if I possess this knowledge. Spanish restaurants are mostly open for lunch only from 11 am to 3 pm and/or 7 pm onwards for dinner. Thus is is not advisable to get hungry between eg. 3 pm and 7 pm. A Tip or service charge is normally not included in the bill so usually 5-10% should be added depending on your degree of satisfaction. A few restaurants have adopted the bad habit of adding a 10% VAT to their official prices (most restaurants don't do that though). For the restaurants where I am aware of this, I have indicated it in my comments below. September 1st 2012 the restaurant VAT was raised from 8% to 10%. However most restaurants have retained their prices as they were before the raise. Since January 1st 2011 Spain has a new law forbidding smoking in all public premises, among them also restaurants. The only possibility that remains for smokers to practise their vice is to find a restaurant with outdoor premises where smoking might still be allowed. Today more and more restaurants offer their patrons free wireless access to the Internet, so called WiFi. For restaurants offering this possibility this is indicated by the text WiFi. As an indication of the price level at each restaurant I have introduced a price index based upon the price of Gambas Pil Pil referred to as PPI (Pil Pil Index). A higher PPI indicates a higher and a lower PPI a lower price level. |
Close to Costalita |
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La Antigua (tel 952 88 39 64), our closest restaurant, is located down by the sea east of Costalita occupying a building with a conical straw roof. There are tables for in and outdoor seating and an area in front of the restaurant for sun bathing with sunbeds for rent (4€). Another area down on the beach itself has been annexed where sunbeds are also available for rent. Price level is high for this category and quality of food. One thing that I personally don´t like is that, when you order fish for €16.50 which (normally) comes with rice, if you want chips instead, you have to pay €3.50 extra for these. The other day I ordered their 200g Hamburger for 13,50€ and was asked whether I wanted it with bread. Of course, a hamburger without bread is, according to my definition, no hamburger. Why wasn't I surprised to find that they had added 50c to my bill for "bread". The waiters are, in my view, a bit too unpersonal and definitely not attentive. On Saturday afternoons during summer there is live music when the weather so permits. Official information from the restaurant is that, during high season they are open daily 10.30 am - 2 am and during low season 10.30 am - 3 pm. These times however in no way correspond to reality, it is more that they are open when they feel like it. The restaurant also offers various kinds of Take Away food such as eg. Pizza, Roast Chicken and Fish & Chips. This restaurant offers free WiFi to its guests. PPI = 9 (April -14). Pepe's Beach (tel 952 883 761), next to La Antigua, is a Beach shack type restaurant (chiringuito) with simpler type of food. They are open all year around, although during the low season only at daytime (=for lunch). They offer typical "Beach food" such as hamburgers and the like, but the menu also includes other things such as eg. a decent Paella. Prices have been increased lately while at the same time the food quality has decreased. During the low season closed on Thursdays. Smoking is allowed outdoors. PPI = 10 (April -14). |
 Club de Mar - Villa Padierna |
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Club de Mar - Villa Padierna (tel 647 791 515), is the name of the beach restaurant situated where old Sharky's used to be, right west of the Hotel Playa Bella. After several years of problems with their building licence the restaurant finally opened, right on time for the 2011 Summer Season. Their (standard) menu goes more in the direction of International than Spanish or Mediterranean cuisine and they also offer a special Peruvian-Asian menu with, among other dishes, Sushi. The food is tasty and well presented, the price level is relatively high, maybe as it should in a restaurant belonging to one of the most Luxuary hotels on the coast (Michelle Obama was staying one week at this hotel in the summer 2010 and also took the opportunity to sunbathe on'' the beach in front of this restaurant). This restaurant adds 10% VAT to the prices on their menu. Unfortunately it is not only the price level that is high but also the sound level. There is nothing to reduce the sound level in the room, such as eg. curtains or carpets, that is why all sounds are amplified and echoed back. During our visit there was also ONE Spanish family present which was more than enough to make any conversation impossible in the rest of the room (Spaniards are not known for speaking in a low voice and using the minimum number of words). The restaurant is at the moment open for lunch as well as dinner but will most certainly reduce their hours as we enter the winter season, probably closing completely during the darkest months (December-February). VP Membership Raquet Club (tel 651 596 253), situated right behind the abovementioned restaurant serving hot food daily from 10 am until 6 pm. During the season opening hours are from 8 am until midnight (Depending on demand). In or outdoor seating. Smoking is allowed outdoors. PPI = 12 (February -11). Ninety Miles, in the Villacana area some hundred metres to the west of Costalita a little up from the beach, is more of a pub than a restaurant. They offer sea views as the restaurant is located on the first floor and also live music, mostly from the 60's, several days a week. Guests sit at their tables enjoying the music, some even dance. During high season open every day of the week, during low season just open over the weekends. Enrique´s (tel 636 142 122) is closest neighbour to Ninety Miles where previously Upper Deck was located. Enrique, far from a beginner in this business after more than 20 years of experience running the El Paraiso Golf restaurant, is now concentrating on this restaurant which is situated close to the sea. A very positive experience for us, both when it comes to quality and selection of food. A good pick is the three course menu for 15 Euros (raised with 25% 2014 from previously 12 Euro) where among the first courses you can choose eg. Shrimps Pil Pil or gratinated asparagus and as main course go for eg. fillet of pork with pepper sauce or a tenderly fried fillet of sword fish. Open the whole day serving breakfast from 9 am, lunch 12 am - 4 pm and dinner 7 pm - 10 pm. Tapas are served all during the day. Thursdays closed. In and outdoor seating. The outside terrace has wonderful views of the sea and the beach. Take away food is available. Smoking allowed outdoors. The restaurant offers free WiFi. PPI = 7,5 (October -13). |
 Heaven seen from the Beach |
 Flamenco Dancers at Heaven |
 Chiringuito Heaven |
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Heaven Beach, also referred to as Chiringuito Heaven, (tel 659 220 570) is located just a little bit further away than Sharky´s right down by the beach. The restaurant is popular with the English. They have a small playground for children and also a Mini Zoo with domestic animals such as Pigs and Goats, one good reason why the place can be warmly recommended for families with children. From time to time, mostly during the weekends, they have live music. As a warning, especially for persons wasp sensitive, at the appropriate season this restaurant often abounds with wasps, fighting hard for their share of food and drink. One way of minimising this nuisance, at least to some extent, is to choose an outdoor table as far away from the restaurant itself as possible. Smoking is allowed outdoors. Closed during the low season (=winter, exact dates depending on the weather). PPI = 12 (September -10). |
 The Wind Mill |
 Playa Bella Hotel |
 Hoyo 1 |
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Hotel Playabella (tel 952 801 645) is a four star hotel with 265 rooms situated in the western outskirts of Costalita, near the sea. it offers restaurants, bars, shows etc. When the hotel first opened (year 2000) it was a bit lavish and not that cheap but due to the present crisis they have had to adapt themselves to reality. Today they have a commercial agreement with one of France's main travel organizers, Framissima, who in a continuous stream are sending down their customers. Economically this has made the hotel survive, but not without cuttings when it comes to quality. Today a large portion of the hotel guests are "all Inclusive" customers, which has affected the quality of food and other services for the worst. However, it is still possible to get a decent meal in their Italian restaurant La Grappa (tel 952 880 868) on the first floor. During high season it is highly recommended to pre-book your table for this restaurant. La Grappa also provides meals to take away. Down by the beach there is a fish restaurant El Ancla. Since a couple of years back the hotel is open during the high season only, which, to suit their purposes, is from Easter until Halloween. Hoyo 1, "Hole 1" (tel 952 896 924) is the name of the restaurant housed in an old windmill up by the main road, direction east, just next to the gas station. It's name comes from the fact that there is a nine hole minigolf course on the restaurant yard which the guests are welcome to use. The restaurant which has been open for a couple of years closed its doors all of a sudden in September 2009, probably because of he economical crisis, but opened again just in time for the summer season 2013. They also offer food to take away and are open Tuesday - Saturday 7.30 pm - 11.00 pm and Sundays 1 - 4.30 pm. Mondays closed. PPI = 8,95 (September -13). |
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Pancho Villa (tel 952 883 612) is, as maybe is obvious from its name, a Mexican restaurant situated near the main road, right after the Petrol station. The food is of TexMex type rather than Mexican, ie. Nachos, Tacos and Burritos. One dish that I found tasteful is the so-called Pistolero, a hotter version of Burrito (soft Taco). After some research I also found the traditional "Pil Pil" dish on their menu, although disguised as Langostinos Acapulco (number 44), a bit more spicy than traditional Pil Pil, which I appreciated. Saturday nights there is Live music. The restaurant, also offering take-away food, is closed on Wednesdays. Open 5.30 pm - 12.00 pm, on Sundays also for lunch. Smoking is allowed outdoors. PPI = 9 (September -13). Da Mario (tel 952 885 488), according to their own definition a Pizzeria and Italian restaurant, located right below the main road, around 200 metres eastwards (after the petrol station and a little bit further) where previously restaurant Chambao was located. They are open 12.30 am - 3.30 pm and 7.30 pm - 10.30 pm every day except for Wednesday. PPI = 10,5 (September -13). The Steak'n Rib Shak Casa Juan (tel 952 886 828) is located a little bit further east, just after the AGH hotel (now permanently closed). From the name one is lead to believe it is a place specialising in Spare Ribs with an English touch, but this is misleading. The restaurant, of Spanish management, surprisingly has only one Spare Ribs dish on the menu, it offers a conventional mix of fish- and meat dishes. As the food, in our opinion, is rather mediocre we find the price level too high. Sometimes the guests can enjoy live music, at present a mix of Latin American songs presented by a father and son group from Nicaragua. This entertainment, however, is not something offered by the restaurant. Once the music fades, the patrons are invited to leave a contribution in the manner common to street musicians. Weather permitting one is able to sit outside, where smoking is also permitted, but a minor word of warning for persons sensative or allergic to plant scents. The restaurant is completely surrounded by the attractive small shrub, familiar to many as Dama de la noche. Evening flowering, August to November, it emits an all evading perfume, a true delight to most diners but possibly an abhorrence to those unfortunate enough to be sensative. Open 7 pm - midnight. Sundays closed. PPI = 9,5, lowered from 11,5 (September -11). Mandarin Palace (tel 952 883 823), as you can easily guess from the name, is a Chinese restaurant (A good but not necessarily a cheap one). You may choose to either eat in, out, or select to take away or even arrange for home delivery, providing one is sufficient in fully explaining the delivery address and location. Mandarin is located near the main road, roughly 200 metres east of the Da Mario restaurant. It is open each and every day of the year. |
 Part of Golden Wok's buffet selection |
 SUSHI!! |
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Golden Wok (tel 952 883 788), situated right east of Mandarin Palace, opened their doors in 2012 and was really a positive surprise. The interior as well as the food is very fresh and the staff are friendly and attentive. The restaurant concept is to offer buffet food at a fixed price, Monday-Thursday 9,95 Euros at lunch and 11,95 Euros at night and all other days 12,95 Euros. The buffet tables are divided into different sections with, among other things, salads, starter courses and deserts. For the main courses there are two sections where the patrons can pick and combine ingrediences to their taste and selection and then hand them in to the chef for preparation. One section offers ingredients for the wok and the other for the barbecue. What impressed us the most was the large selection of sushi. Open 1-4.30 pm and 7-12 pm all days of the week. There is an outdoor seating and the restaurant keeps open all around the year. The restaurant offers free WiFi. This restaurant adds 10% VAT to their prices. |
 Osaka Restaurant |
Teppanyaki show |
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Osaka (tel 952 885 751), a Japanese restaurant situated in the Bel-Air area, just beyond Supersol and the Repsol gas station. For those that want to try something special we can recommend their Teppanyaki. One is seated around a cooking table from where one can closely view all the chef's tricks. A small show!! Not so cheap but unbelievably delicious. The cheapest Teppanyaki alternative is a three course menu för 24,95€. When paying their bill, pleasantly mannered customers are often offered a complimentary glass of sake, Japanese rice brandy. Take away food is also available. Open daily from noon - 4 pm and 7 pm - midnight. No closing day. Rooftops lies on the other side of the main road to the east of Supersol, the adjacent pedestrian bridge enables safe and easy crossing of the main road. Situated on the first floor of a large white building, Rooftops is an English restaurant, or perhaps more properly a bar, showing large screen tv. very popular with football fans and especially so for the Premier League football matches. De'Medici (tel 952 884 687) you will find on the other side of the coast road, some hundred metres in the Marbella direction (opposite the Grand Plaza hotel). This restaurant is possibly the closest one can get to a luxuary restaurant in our area, it offers a menu with Italian touch. Unfortunately we haven't had the time (or the money) to patronize them yet and so regretfully at this time, can add no further comment. Open 7.30-11.30 pm. Sundays closed. PPI = 14,5 (March -11). |
 La Posada |
 El Carnicero |
 La Sal |
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La Posada (tel 952 888 452) is perhaps the best restaurant in terms of quality, service and reasonable prices. One arrives by using the pedestrian bridge to the left of the Costalita exit (seen from the sea), the restaurant is found directly on the other side of the road (in Cancelada village). They have an excellent range of fish, mainly Spanish varieties. The personnel are very friendly and you are well looked after. Before you are even seated you will be served with a glass of sherry plus appetisers when, following the meal, you will also be invited to taste a Spanish liqueur, all "on the house"! Additional to the menu the chef often prepares a couple of seasonably available "special dishes". These I strongly recommend, usually they are delicious. These dishes are then described to the patrons when once are seated. This restaurant is very well patronized so, in order to avoid disappointment, reservations are strongly advisable. They open at 7.30 pm and are closed Sundays. PPI = 7,9 (September -12). El Carnicero (tel 952 886 307), located next to La Posada, is a Steak House, sister to El Carnicero 2 in Marbella. We recommend their three course menu for 16,00€ being the most economical choice, other dishes are priced at "North European" price level. As VAT and "table fee" are added to their "displayed" prices, the real price of the menu attends 20,10€. But, if you are willing to forget the price, the menu dishes are still very tasty. You can pick eg. Gambas Pil Pil (extra charge: 1.10€) or a Shrimp Cocktail as a starter and the large tasty Entrecôte (extra charge: 1.65€) for main course. Don't let yourself be fooled by the Crêpes Gran Marnière as desert, the sauce contains more orange juice than Gran Marnière. Add another 16,50€ for a bottle of their excellent House Wine. Something to think of for Non-Spanish is that the degrees for how you want your meat done differ a bit from what you are used to from home. Normally there is a one step difference so that if you want your meat medium rare (termino medio) you should ask for it well done (bien hecho) and corresponding for the other varieties. To have your meat really well done according to our norms is considered as destroying the meat and it is not always easy to get the chef to agree to. The restaurant opens daily in the high season, it closes on Mondays in the low season. This restaurant adds 10% VAT and also a compulsory "table fee" of 2,50€ to their prices (considering that you for that money get a few things to chew while waiting for the food it is not that bad after all). PPI = 10,95 (September -13). LaSal (tel 952 888 369), is found on the road parallell to the coast road (westwards), next door to Hotel Doña Matilde. It's a small, simple restaurant, but with gorgeous food. I would recommend particularly the Sole Rulads, sole fillets rolled around king prawns, all served with a tasty risotto which main ingredients are (except for the arbori rice) white wine, vegetable broth and parmesan cheese. One may choose to 'eat in' or outside as one prefers. Smoking is allowed outdoors. Sundays only open for lunch and Mondays closed. January closed. PPI = 11 (September -12). |
 V Centenarios speciality - baby pig |
 ..accompanied by a good wine |
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V Centenario (Fifth Century) (tel 952 885 200) is a small cosy restaurant consisting of just six tables, these situated in the ground floor of a house, located just a little further up the same street but on the opposite side to the above mentioned restaurants. Family managed, the restaurant provides a delightful cosy family atmosphere; the manager himself attending personally to the patrons requirements while his lady happily engages herself in the preparation of the various dishes. The food is authentic Spanish, though with a light, high quality touch. Among the interesting dishes on the menu is wild boar in port sauce (only available unfortunately during the winter hunting season). Open daily for dinner, Sunday for lunch only. Closed on Mondays. PPI = 8,70 (September -11). In the Centre of Cancelada, alongside the main street, there are half a dozen 'hole in the wall' type retaurants and bars, well worth a visit for those who wish to avoid the worst tourist traps. Here you can feel a little more like a real Spaniard, entering one of these places for a glass of wine and something to taste at a very reasonable cost, among them there is also a pizza restaurant. This is the area we tend to visit when the weather is fine and we just wish to partake and enjoy a cup of café con leche. Aidans Bar & Grill (tel 952 887 828), opened in the autumn 2012, is managed by it's Irish owners Karen och Aidan and sports an international menu. The restaurant having become very popular table reservations are recommended. They open at 6 pm, the bar at 4 pm and stay open until 10.30 pm. Closed on Wednesdays. Customers are offered the choice of in or outdoor seating as preferred. PPI = 8,95 (January -13). La Parcela (tel 952 904 214), one of the restaurants in the centre of Cancelada is a Steak House, of simple decors and prices (of the meat dishes) well matching those of El Carnicero. Their offering however, is considerably more limited. La Parcela has, as a result of the crisis, merged with pizza/sandwich restaurant El Tropezón de Pepe, which appears to be something of a step forward. Now in the same restaurant one can choose to eat simpler/cheaper food or something more advanced/expensive. If you are looking for something really delicious I would recommend the Entrecôte at 34,50 € (it has to be ordered for two). The red house wine, a Tempranillo from Estremadura at 12 €, can also be highly recommended. There is possibility of in as well as outdoor seating, smoking is allowed in the outdoor section. PPI = 8,50 (September -12). Atalaya Park (tel 952 889 000) is a hotel situated two kilometres east of Costalita, on the very tip of the tongue of land which can be seen when looking left from our terrace. The hotel, open all the year round, is frequently used by travel organizers during the winter season. The most interesting thing about the hotel, apart from it housing a number of traditional hotel restaurants, is the flamenco show usually held in the hotel bar on Thursday nights at 9.30 pm. Take-away foodThe take away places mentioned below are within walking distance but in order to use them you may need strong feet and not too much of sun and heat. I have made special reference to the places that offer a home delivery service. El Ombu is located right across the main road behind Solbank and opposite Mercadona. The place, managed by an Argentinian couple, has got (large) barbecued chicken for 7,50€ to take out or eat on site. Closed Mondays. Peggotty´s (tel 952 883 666), a fish and chip shop located below the Urbanisación El Pilar on the main road towards San Pedro, Km 168. Drive eastwards to the Benahavís crossing, turn around, drive back in the Estepona direction, pass the Diana Center and you are there. The restaurant is found on a back street, behind the Golf shop. The fish is flown in from the UK, as the Spanish can't supply the quality of cod, haddock and plaice used. Their Whole Rack BBQ Baby Back Ribs for 9,80€ is recommended (Superb!). An (enormously) large portion of chips can be had for 2,50€. The menu includes dishes such as fish, burgers, pies, barbecued chicken and spare ribs in different forms. The restaurant also offers eating in facilities and, as this is enormously popular, reservations are very necessary. Opens daily at 6 pm, orders taken up to 11 pm (midnight at summertime). Closed Sundays. Taj Mahal (tel 952 896 512) is an Indian restaurant in the Jardín Atalaya area. You get there taking the exit before the Benahavís exit and there you will find the restaurant on the road parallell to the main road, next to a Farmacia. They offer food to take ut as well as for home delivery. EsteponaIn Estepona there is of course a number of restaurants up in the old town as well as along the Beach Walk. In my opinion there are no outstanding restaurants, restaurants deserving special mentioning. An area of specific interest when it comes to restaurants in Estepona is the Port, situated in the far side of the town, you have to pass through almost all of Estepona before arriving there. If you take the way along the seaside you should turn left just after passing a lighthouse on your lefthand side, down towards the sea. Within the port area you will also find Estepona's Sunday Street Market and my proposal would be to combine your market visit with a Sunday lunch. There are a number of restaurants in the port area offering anything from traditional Spanish to Chinese or Italian food at moderate prices.
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Playa Bella (tel 952 801 645), not to be confused with Hotel Playabella (see above) is found on the way towards Estepona (Km 162). Turn off at the Selwo exit, turn fully around on the main road now direction Costalita again and then go back to the next exit. The restaurant does not look much from outside, but is a very positive experience once you are inside. The dishes are culinary surprises at moderate prices. Try eg. their Pineapple Salad, one of the House Specialities. It consists of a shrimp cocktail mixed with pineapple cubes served in the cavity of a genuine pineapple fruit. As main course you should try their gratinated sole. Other options include eg. their barbecued Baby Pig, Lambs Steak, or why not their Fish of the Day Menue which has made the restaurant famous. Open from 7 pm and closed on Wednesdays. PPI = 8,88 (Feb -07). Kempinski’s, a hotel belonging to a large German chain with the same name is situated next to the beach on the left-hand side of the main road one kilometre before Estepona. The hotel, a large terracotta coloured complex visible from the road, is easy to find. On the other hand you will have to think twice to find out how to get in there by car. The hotel does not differ noticeably from other International chain hotels. There is a hotel restaurant which is as magnificent as it is expensive, air conditioning and the whole lot. That is not what I would recommend here though. Of more interest is the Pool Restaurant with a far more interesting position and also a far more reasonable price level. To access this restaurant you must first pass through the hotel and then continue down towards the sea. On the menu you will find several tasty fish dishes or divine Paella. On Sundays so-called Jazz Brunches are organized from time to time. The Jazz is usually of the happy (trad) Jazz type and its purpose is of course to attract more patrons to the main dining-room. The music can be enjoyed with much satisfaction also from the Pool restaurant (which is to be preferred). Club Náutico (tel 952 804 714) is a fish restaurant situated at the far west side of the port, on the ground floor with splendid views. This restaurant is some kind of Club Restaurant for boat owners, but don't let this fact scare you off, it's open to the public. Their speciality is fish in different forms, the price level is reasonable and portions are rich so a good advice is be really starving on arrival. Sharing a portion between two is OK. |
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Dune is found at the very beginning of the Estepona Beach Walk, next to the Post Office and just above the Parking Garage, with views over the Mediterranean. Dune is a sandwich place also offering light food. David and Irene, the owners of Dune's, are good friends of mine who moved down from the UK a couple of years ago with the idea to settle here and make a living from restaurant business. Dune's have in and outdoor seating and also a large screen TV for those of you enjoying to watch sports programs from the UK. Their sandwiches are delicious. This place is getting better and better every day. Say hello to David from me and he promised to offer you a free coffee. San Pedro de AlcántaraIn San Pedro, four kilometres east of Costalita, there are a number of (simpler) restaurants along the main street, the street going up to the left in the middle of San Pedro from the road that is built above the new tunnel. Furthermore there are a number of more expensive restaurants down by the sea which you reach by turning right instead of left at the very same place. Today San Pedro offers plenty of places to park in the new Parking garage situated under the main street. Free parking can easily be found along the road built above the tunnel. Da Bruno (tel 952 786 860), an Italian restaurant which is part of a chain with the same name (da Bruno restaurants can be found also in Marbella and Cabopino) is located on the lefthand side of the extension of the main street down towards the sea. Its price level is relatively high, but food is tasty and service is good. The restaurant is popular why reservation of table is recommended prior to a visit. Closed on Mondays. PPI = 11. Golden Sun (tel 952 783 769) is a Chinese restaurant situated below the Ronda crossing in the eastern part of San Pedro, on the second parallell road to the A7, Calle Las Petunias. They are nextdoor neighbours to old Gambasol, where you today can buy deepfrozen fish and shrimps. Golden Sun has low prices, portions are large and well tasting. If you are two you should try their "menu A" for 21,60 Euros and to this eg. the red house wine for another 7 Euros. They also have food for take away. Open daily 12.30 pm-4.30 pm and 6.30 pm-midnight. Mac Donalds. The closest Mac Donalds is found by turning left from the road built on top of the tunnel, right in the beginning before really entering San Pedro. (You can see it from the road). They also have a "Mac Drive” ie. a lane allowing you to buy your burgers directly from the car. Price level is about the same as in the UK. |
Benahavís |
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Benahavís is a charming mountain village (exit direction mountains around one kilometre before San Pedro Alcántara). The village is traditional Spanish in character with white houses, cosy restaurants (speciality: fillet of pork roasted whole, solomillo de cerdo) and fine views. In the town itself there are just narrow streets, often one-way and without the slightest possibility of parking. A good advice is therefore to park before entering the town and to take a walk from there, distances are short. A portfolio of the most interesting restaurants would be as follows: La Sartén (tel 952 855 575), the oldest, largest and most well-known is located on the right-hand side of the main street. At the entrance there is an article, bleached by the sun, cut from one of Sweden's largest daily newspapers, Svenska Dagbladet, many years old which introduced restaurant La Sartén to its readers. The speciality of the place is Fillet of Pork roasted whole with garlic (Solomillo de Cerdo al ajo). Please note that you get plenty of food as each person is served a whole fillet. They are used to patrons asking for doggy bags when leaving though and sliced fillet of pork on your sandwiches the following day is not that bad either. Closed on Mondays. |
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Rufinos (tel 952 855 262) is situated on the lefthand side of the main street right after you enter Benahavís. Their speciality is fillet of pork roasted whole with garlic as well. The restaurant keeps a price level a little bit under the competition without losing anything in quality on their dishes. Huge portions. Closed on Wednesdays. PPI = 8,8 (March -07). |
 Restaurante Rufino |
 La Escalera |
 El Castillo |
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La Escalera (tel 952 855 235) is found on the first street going down to the right after entering Benahavís. The speciality of this restaurant is fillet of pork roasted whole with garlic as well. The restaurant is run by a former waiter at La Sartén who has sworn to put even more garlic on his fillet of pork than he used to when working for his previous employer. Thrilling! Closed on Thursdays. El Castillo (tel 681 298 442) is located at the far end of Benahavís, follow the main street until it ends and turn right. Some steps further and the restaurant can be spotted on the lefthand side, opposite the Mayors residence. This restaurant, run by Swedish Pernilla with staff, differs from other Benahavís restaurants, by not offering fillet of pork as their master piece, but more a menu with a north European touch. A Swedish Herring Plate is of course a must, but also other influences from Sweden can be traced, such as eg. the Västerbotten Cheese (matured hard cheese from northern Sweden). Open for dinner from 6 pm. Wednesdays closed. PPI = 6 (October -11). |
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Cook School, Escuela de Hostelería de Benahavís, (tel 952 855 701) could be an interesting alternative for those looking for an experience out of the normal. It's located on the right hand side of the main street, Avenida de Andalucia (#31), just before entering Benahavís. The restaurant, open for lunch every weekday from 2 pm, offers a special Sample Menu but also dishes Á la Carte. Pre reservation is recommended. Puerto BanúsThe Eldorado on the coast for amusements, including restaurants. There must be more than 200 restaurants in Puerto Banús, a large port for leisure boats, large and luxurious, owned by rich Arabian sheiks and their likes. An excursion in the evening with a walk by the port is recommended. The walk can end at one of the restaurants and maybe after which a discoteque visit is possible. |
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Picasso on the seafront is my personal favourite. It seems also to be the favourite of many others as there are often no tables available and a long winding queue of hungry patrons waiting outside on the Beach Walk. Picasso is a Crêperia and Pizzeria which in itself explains the contents of their menu. Price level is comparatively low. Los Bandidos (tel 952 815 915) is a Swedish owned restaurant with many Swedish patrons. The food is International with some preference towards meat. It holds a good class and is not quite cheap. This restaurant adds 10% VAT to their prices. Nueva AndalucíaUp at the square in "old” Nueva Andalucia (The area is named La Campana) there are many restaurants. |
 Johnny Restaurant |
 Johnny and Per |
 Restaurant keepers Antonia and Johnny |
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Johnny Bar (tel 952 814 637) is my favourite. This is a smaller family restaurant run by Johnny (Juan) and his wife Antonia, with tables in as well as outdoors (with views over the square). Johnny offers tasty food, well worth the price. His Gambas Pil Pil are among the best on the coast. My favourite is Rosada a la salsa de Uva, a fish dish served with grape sauce. Johnny's is known to Swedes from being mentioned in several of Åke Edwardsons detective novels (among them Sun and Shadow). Smoking allowed on the terrace. Open 12.30 - 24.00. Closed Saturdays. PPI = 6 (April 2014). |
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Red Cloud (tel 952 81 49 55) is an American sports bar with some Swedish influences. It's located on the slope further up from the Casita to the left. Every day an 8.50 Euro typical Swedish Dish-of-the-Day is served. Eg. on Thursdays this dish consists of Yellow Peasoup with pancakes. Chef is Swede Kenneth who frequently also takes care of the Wednesday evening meals at the Casita. Smoking is allowed outdoors. Open 1 pm - 1 am. |
 Red Cloud Sports Bar |
 Restaurant Los Farolillos |
 Restaurant Los Farolillos |
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Los Farolillos (tel 952 818 041) is probably today's most popular La Campana restaurant. Promotes itself as being a Pizzeria and an Argentinian Grill Restaurant simultaneously, serving all types of food. People refer to this restaurant as the Sewing Machine as meals once upon a time were served on old sewing machine tables. Food is price worth, nice tasting and served in large portions, staff is friendly. A popular place why pre booking is to recommend. Take-away food is available, also complete meals. Smoking is allowed outdoors. Open 12.30 am - 4 pm and 7.30 pm - 12 pm. Mondays closed. |
Marbella |
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My favourite area for restaurant visits in Marbella is the area surrounding the Orange Tree Square (Plaza de Naranjos). It is an old area, something like an "old town" with narrow pedestrian streets and old buildings. There are several small restaurants on the square itself as well as on the surrounding streets, often with possibility of indoor as well as outdoor seating (which isn't that bad when the August Moon shines and the thermometre shows 27 degrees at 9 pm). If you go there by car it is best to park your car in the central Parking Garage ”Parking Avenida del Mar”. From there you walk right up in the direction from the sea, cross Marbella's main street (Ramón y Cajal), and walk on another 100 metres to access the Orange Tree Square. The parking you reach by following Marbella's main street until you see a large sign ”Parking Avenida del Mar” pointing down right. In Marbella there are also several good restaurants along the sea side, on the Beach Walk. There are also a number of luxuary restaurants along Marbella's entrance road from the west. Toni Dalli’s Ristorante Italiano is one of those luxuary restaurants along the way leading in into Marbella from the west. The food is Italian and price level is high. Toni Dalli himself is one of many local celebrities on the coast. He is a former Italian tenor who has performed for many years eg. at the London Palladium (which is more than evident from the photos that cover the walls of the restaurant) and he sometimes entertains his restaurant patrons by performing a few numbers during the evening, especially when there is something like a birthday being celebrated. LinksThose of you that are interested in further recommendations and advice on restaurants are advised to botanize between the links below. The whole Coast The whole Coast again Estepona San Pedro Marbella FoodWhen discussing restaurants we might as well say a few words about the food and especially some regional specialities. Gazpacho is an Andalusian speciality. It is a soup that is served cold. The base of the soup is vegetables, especially tomatoes, cucumber and garlic. The soup is often prepared in a mixer where the different ingredients are mixed together and as a finish some chopped cucumber is added. This soup can nowadays also be bought ready made in the supermarket, packaged just like milk. Gambas Pil Pil (or Gambas al ajillo) are shrimps in garlic oil. It is often served as a starter in a clay bowl where the shrimps are simmering around in hot oil. Furthermore some sliced hot chili is added (could be quite spicy) and sliced garlic. It is best enjoyed with some white bread. Paella is the official national dish of Spain and without doubt the most well-known Spanish dish. Paella is in reality Spain's version of chop suey, ie. a dish where the leftovers from earlier meals could be re-used. Its base is rice, prepared with saffron and other ingredients such as chicken, meat, fish and/or seafood (shrimps, mussels etc). There are also pure variants of Paella, such as Seafood Paella or Paella Valenciana mainly containing chicken and/or beef. Real Paella is prepared with the heart and is a delicacy not easily forgotten. Unfortunately there are many cheaters in the trade making variants of quick or tourist Paella where eg. the saffron is replaced by food dyes to colour the Paella yellow, but leaves it completely tasteless. Fish baked-in in salt is a regional speciality which is exactly what its name implies, a fish completely covered by a hard layer of sea salt which must be knocked off in order to get to the fish itself. Boquerones consists of small sardine-size fish that are grilled and then eaten without previous cleaning. They exist also as marinated and can be served as tapas. Excellent!! Tapas are a Spanish speciality as well and is not a single dish but a number of smaller dishes, something similar to our smorgasbord. But here you don't go picking from the dishes you want, instead you order a certain mix of dishes. You can either order it like: "Could I have five tapas that you select for me" or "Could I have that and that and that...tapas”. Tapas may be eaten either as a starter or a complete meal. You are free to select the tapas you are interested in yourself. The most common is to eat tapas when you are in a group so that you can share a (larger) number of dishes. Most Spanish restaurants offer Tapas (even if you don't always see this on the menu), but there are also specialized Tapas Bars as well as the possibility, in an ordinary bar, of ordering tapas as complement to your drink (instead of eg. peanuts). |
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And to end, a few words about Spanish wine. Today, there are a lot of thrilling, modern and high quality Spanish wines to be discovered - no matter if you are looking for Red, White, Rosé or sparkling varieties. Spanish Wine ClassificationDepending on the time a wine has been left to mature it will be given different official denominations. It is left without saying that wines that are given the longest time to mature also are the ones manufactured from the best grapes and the ones having enjoyed rich quantities of sunshine. A "good" wine year produces wines that are suitable for maturing while this is not even to think of in years with little sunshine. The following denominations are used: Vino Joven (young wine) is a wine that should be consumed when still young, also referred to as Vino del Año. These denominations are to replace the old term Sin Crianza, used for wines not left to mature in oak casks or wines left to mature a shorter period of time than the one requested for the Crianza type of wines. There are some Sin Crianza labelled wines that have been left to mature in a tank for a year and thereafter in bottle for perhaps a further six months. Crianza is the denomination for wines that have been left to mature for a minimum of 24 months, of which a minimum six months must be in oak casks. Reserva, refers to Red wines left to mature for a minimum of 36 months, of which at least twelve must be in oak casks, or White or Rosé wines matured for a minimum period of 24 months, of which six must be in oak casks. Gran Reserva, a denomination for Red wines left to mature in oak casks for a minimum period of 24 months followed by a further 36 months in bottle. For this denomination, White or Rosé wines must be allowed to mature for at least 48 months, of which six months must be in oak cask. |