10 Great Restaurants in Costa del Sol

Venta Restaurante La Butibamba is an easygoing diner in La Cala de Mijas in the middle of Costa del Sol. It features a patio and serves a range of bocadillo sandwiches alongside local dishes. It’s a great spot to stop for lunch on your road trips between Málaga and Marbella.

Take a seat on the terrace and choose from an extensive list of sandwiches stuffed with chorizo, salami, ham and pork or chicken cutlets. Vegetarian options are also available. For a heartier meal, try their local fried fish and octopus platter. After your meal, take a seaside siesta at Butibamba’s beach just a few blocks away.

El Gato Lounge is a seaside terrace and restaurant serving tapas and wine on the seaside promenade of Torremolinos. It’s an escape from the bustling streets of Málaga and the touristic neighborhoods in larger towns along the coast. Come here for true relaxation the Spanish way – with a glass of local sherry and a board of ham, cheese and olives.

The cold tapas menu is extensive, but you’ll also find hot seafood specials and fusion tapas. Explore local specialties like the boquerones cured fish, prawns and anchovies. Or, go for something familiar like salmon tartar, chicken curry, or even a burger. No matter what you choose, it’s hard not to enjoy a drink and a snack so close to the water. 

Restaurante Bodega Charolais is a relaxed fine-dining restaurant featuring elevated regional dishes in Fuengirola. White tablecloths and beautiful presentation make each dish Instagram-worthy. This is a popular spot for date nights and birthday dinners. 

Don’t dig into the mains right away. Start with some local cheese and house paté. They’re the perfect accompaniment to a glass of wine (the wine list here is extensive). Next, choose from seafood or meat under mains – the steaks and lamb shoulder melt in your mouth. The chef offers a unique take on the local catch with seafood dishes like prawns in coconut sauce and Cuban-style cod.

Los Marinos José Restaurante has been famous for broiled seafood for decades, and it’s one of the top-rated seafood restaurants on the Costa del Sol. It enjoys a relaxed location on the beach along a seaside promenade in Fuengirola. Locals and tourists dig into large portions of prawns, squid, cod and sardines fished from the sea just steps away.

Los Marinos José’s secret to its fresh seafood is that they have their own fishing vessel. This is also how the restaurant can keep its reasonable ratio between quality and price. You’ll want to share a bottle (or 2) of wine while you’re from its long list of Spanish varieties and vintages.

El Cordobes is a classic Spanish cantina for broiled and fried fish in Marbella. You can eat your fish like a local here – broiled whole on a stake and served with a wedge of lime or lemon. The menu also includes fried seafood platters, croquettes, salads, and desserts. When enjoying fresh fried fish, an ice-cold beer or a glass of sangria is a great match.

Taking a jaunt to El Cordobes gives you an excuse to stray from the beach for a moment to explore an Andalusian village. The restaurant is located near the beautiful Represa Park in Marbella and the ancient city walls.

Restaurante Casa Paco is a bustling patio eatery and beachside restaurant in Torremolinos serving Spanish and international dishes. Ideal for families and groups, Casa Paco has fast and reliable service as well as delicious cuisine for those who want to taste local food or something more familiar. Plus, you can hop from your table to the beach in an instant.

Casa Paco’s large seafood broil is hot all day, so grab a plate of broiled anchovies or sardines and a beer for a great price. Paella is also popular here. Those who aren’t into seafood can choose from dishes like chicken and chips, steaks and fried snacks.

Restaurante La Bocana is home to classic Andalusian cuisine and among the best sea views in Marbella. Located at the end of a pier, you’ll enjoy white-tablecloth dining and excellent service directly on the water. Start with tapas – the restaurant specializes in fish and cured meat plates. Mains include paella, octopus, squid and an extensive list of fish dishes. There are also some meat options, but seafood reigns supreme at La Bocana.

Ask your server for a recommended wine pairing with your meal. The curated wine list was made to complement the menu.

La Bodega del Mar is a Marbella seaside restaurant with the feel of a laidback cafe. It’s easy to sit on the patio all day sipping white wine and sampling tapas – a great way to spend an afternoon in this part of Costa del Sol. Get a table outside for optimal people-watching and tranquil sea views.

The tapas are recommended here. You’ll find classic Spanish plates like patatas bravas and shrimp cocktail as well as local twists like fried anchovies and crispy oxtail rolls. For a bigger appetite, La Bodega del Mar offers a few seafood and meat dishes such as broiled king prawns and beef and Guinness stew.

Soleo Marbella Beach Club Restaurant is as close as you can get to the beach while dining. If you want to snack on tapas and sip wine between dips in the sea, this is the place to do it. This slightly upscale club offers comfort and security as well as elegant dishes from around the Mediterranean.

Try the salmorejo, a traditional soup from the region and a must-try here. Soleo also specializes in locally fished bluefin tuna. Choose from bluefin steaks, rice, tartar and more. If you’re not hungry, come for a cocktail or an Andalusian sherry and spend the day relaxing by the sea.

Paella’s y Más is the place to go for a fun atmosphere and plenty of paellas. The restaurant is hip and modern, featuring lively decor and even livelier beverages. From wine to sangria to cocktails, it’s a great spot for an afternoon chill. And don’t start your meal without an Iberian pork and cheese platter.

The paella is a must-try – you can choose from 12 different varieties. The menu is full of Spanish dishes cooked by a chef who previously earned a mention in the Michelin Guide. The seafood menu is highly recommended after the paella, but there are also meat, salad and pasta dishes to choose from.