The Costa del Sol is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for British holidaymakers and hordes of tourists from across the globe flock to the sunny coast every year.
Lengthy sunshine hours, a limited amount of rainfall and soaring high temperatures are almost a guarantee when coming to the Costa del Sol, as well as a vibrant buzzing nightlife atmosphere, a glorious choice of restaurants and plenty of attractions and activities to enjoy.
Many will choose the likes of Malaga, Marbella, Benalmadena and Fuengirola to spend their holiday, while Torremolinos, Estepona and Nerja are other popular locations dotted around the Costa del Sol in southern Spain.
The Costa del Sol welcomes holidaymakers from many different cultures and countries, however, there is a common ground that all holidaymakers will agree on the importance of good food. Whether it is trying a local dish like paella or tracking down a taste of home (pie and chips anyone?), the Costa del Sol's dizzying selection of restaurants ensure everyone is catered for.
Going local
You've hit the shores of the Costa del Sol for an unforgettable holiday and one things that is bound to stand out in your mind is the wonderful local Spanish cuisine.
Local culinary hotspots include La Alcazaba in Mijas. The menu is traditionally Spanish, featuring various fish dishes and one of Spain's firm favourites paella. Paella provides excellent value for money, as many restaurants, including this one, serve of hearty, well-priced portions. The setting this restaurant enjoys is impressive, too. On a clear day, the views are lovely and far-reaching.
Religion runs deep in the veins of many Spanish people, and there are many festivals throughout the year in celebration of their faith. Feasting is a popular part of each fiesta and there are numerous excellent eateries geared up to providing a suitable place to wine and dine. The extensive menu at El Balcon de la Virgen in Marbella offers plenty of choice. Named after one of Spain's famous virgins, there is a 200-year-old statue in close proximity to the restaurant, encapsulating some poignant Spanish history. Try the delicious roast pork.
The town of Marbella is famous for its wonderful tapas restaurants. Among the leading lights is the authentic Taberna del Pintxo. Spankingly fresh, brilliantly simple and outrageously tasty tapas is this friendly restaurant's forte. Try tasty smoked Iberian hams and piquant anchovies covered in vinegar. Great service and attentive staff, too.
The service is top notch at the Restaurante Altamirano located in Marbella's The Orange Square. It is a family-run restaurant and the welcoming waiters very much dance to your dine and wine tune. The seafood tapas are arguably among Marbella's best. The original decor is a quirky mix of football memorabilia, brightly coloured azulejos (tiles) and seashells. Well priced and with a strong focus on high quality, this place is popular with the locals, too always a good sign.
A taste of Asia
Throughout the Costa del Sol, there are many eating establishments of the Asian persuasion.
The Golden Wok has a buffet style approach and offers many Asian favourites. The food is mostly Chinese, although there are some Thai and Japanese dishes also available if you want to mix things up a bit. The selection is fantastic, the service is attentive and the prices are as palatable as the delicious grub. For those with a sweet tooth, the good selection of ice cream on the dessert menu will be sure to please.
Restaurante Zenart in the capital Malaga, is not the easiest place to find but it's well worth hunting down. They specialise in providing the best Japan has to offer in terms of food. Decorated in traditional Japanese style, the chef prepares each dish meticulously and with a real attention to detail. From fresher than fresh sushi and steaming, flavoursome noodles, this place will satiate any craving for something a little different and or spicy.
Or, head to Benalmadena to try out the plethora of delicious Indian dishes served at Nirvana Restaurant. This is a great place to celebrate a special occasion as its atmosphere and capacity are suited to accommodating a big party, up for a bit of a party. At its busiest, 60 people can be seated indoors and outdoors, and the décor works hard to transport you to India. Although the restaurant is located on an elevated walkway, there is easy wheelchair access. Excellent service and reasonable prices round things up nicely.
Mediterranean flavours
In Marbella, La Meridiana del Alabardero Restaurant provides a superb mix of Mediterranean food together with a great dining experience and quality service. Decorated with some fine artistic works, and surrounded by a gorgeous garden, the chances are holidaymakers will keep visiting La Meridiana during their holiday. The food is outstanding and well priced. Favourites include lamb chops, and glazed cod and tripe with garlic.
While a two-course meal will cost a minimum of 40 Euros at Citron in Malaga, the guarantee of enjoying a memorably delicious meal as well as a wonderful time makes having a bit of a splurge well worth it. The fact that the menu offers a relatively modest list of tasty pickings is outweighed by the top quality of said pickings we're talking some seriously good food here. While specialising in Mediterranean food, dishes from the Asian and Scandinavian regions are also prepared at Citron. Top tip: don't leave without trying the aptly titled brownie Death by Chocolate!
For excellent food that won't strain the purse strings, head to Restaurante La Fuente in Benalmadena. There is an excellent wine list to choose from, and the staff are extremely welcoming, well presented and helpful. Situated in Plaza de Espana opposite the sister restaurant La Nina, the setting of this restaurant is lovely and only adds to this popular restaurant's charm. Book to avoid disappointment. Great for a tapas lunch as well as a relaxed, leisurely dinner.
Best of British
The Carvery in Torremolinos does one thing very well: meat! Holidaymakers can choose from four different kinds of meat, all served with stuffing, gravy and homemade Yorkshire pudding. The only difference is all meals will come with the option of either mashed or the more traditional roast potato option. All year round, The Carvery is open from Thursday to Sunday, but it can get very busy, especially on a weekend. So, the advice is to book a table ahead if your craving for a Sunday roast is too hard to ignore.
The Vine in Benalmadena provides stiff competition when it comes to a tasty roast with all the trimmings. This popular restaurant is ran by a friendly English couple who are more than happy to help you end your search for a spot of home from home comfort food. As well as offering tasty grub at low prices, The Vine has a big playground next to it the slides and swings will keep little ones busy, while good food and accommodating hosts keep adults content.
The spicy Americas
Costa del Sol provides a decent choice of restaurants specialising in distinctive American, Mexican and Argentine cuisine.
In Fuengirola, El Paso is the premier Mexican restaurant in town. El Paso has two dining rooms, so great for a big party of diners. Of course, the fajita is one of the most popular dishes, but there is a wide selection of other tasty Mexican delights to sample, plus Mexican beers and the famously poky tequilas commonly associated with the region. Choose the purest tequila and you'll be pardoned that killer hangover allegedly!
Over in Benalmadena, Jacks American Restaurant is perfect for the whole family. The children will be specially looked after here, with a separate kids' menu and crayons and colouring books to keep them occupied, especially if they are waiting for the adults to finish their delicious meals and wind up a lively dinner debate. All meals are made fresh and with care homemade burgers are a top pick for many. Other meals include seriously tasty ribs, steaks and salads. Great food at great prices.
Fancy a steak? Beeline for Benalmadena and then track down Restaurante Angus. This Argentine restaurant serves up some of the finest steaks in the whole of the Costa del Sol. Situated in the Puerto Marina, you can enjoy watching the sun go down while enjoying the delicious beef and steak cuts that have become a speciality of Argentinean cuisine. If you love steak, you love this place.
Exploring Europe
Da Fano restaurant in Benalmadena will transport you to Italy via its menu of seriously delectable Italian dishes. Grab a table on the outside terrace overlooking the beautiful harbour and take your dining experience at Da Fano up a notch. The staff, led by a charming Italian owner, are very friendly and will always serve customers with a smile. As expected with an Italian restaurant, pizzas and pastas lead the way; there are some great oven-baked dishes to choose from, too. Quality, well priced food and just the ticket if you're after a little dolche vita.
The small town of Nerja has a couple of great European restaurants. Stephans restaurant is one of them. A German inspired eatery serving fresh, wholesome and hearty portions, Stephans has a laidback cheerful atmosphere, attentive service, reasonable prices and a very good German house wine. Unfussy, consistently great and run by super friendly hosts.
Tucked away, Au Petit Paris is a great little find. With two extensive menus and a focus on high quality French food and affordable prices, Au Petit Paris has a loyal following comprising locals and tourists who keep going back time and again. The atmosphere is warm, jovial and relaxed. Superb wine sets of some seriously good French fare served with care.
Fish n' veggies
Seafood is hugely popular across the whole of the Costa del Sol. The Santiago restaurant in Marbella is located right on the seafront and benefits from freshly caught fish every single day. As a result all of the fish and seafood served in the charming restaurant is seriously fresh. A top pick when it comes to fish and seafood, head here if you want a delicious fish supper (or lunch). Grab a table outside and enjoy al fresco dining on a pretty quiet part of the promenade.
Vegetarians won't be disappointed by the Vegetalia in Fuengirola. Most restaurants offer a vegetarian option, but they pale in comparison when pit up against a specialised vegetarian restaurant. This place offers plenty of filling and innovative salads and the lentil burger is perhaps for some; especially die-hard meat lovers surprisingly tasty. Light, delicious and fresh food is the order of the day here, as is excellent service and a warm and welcoming atmosphere. With affordable prices topping things off nicely, even non-vegetarians love this place.