Estepona Restaurant Guide

A guide to eating out in Estepona on the Costa del Sol

One of the joys of eating out in this region is the sheer sociability of the Andalucians. Family and friends, often with children in tow, start early with tapas and continue eating until well after midnight. Some of the best restaurants have grown from ventas and tapas bars serving food based on fresh produce and home cooking; all give excellent value for money.

In the Estepona area there are many, many restaurants to choose from and there's something to suit all pockets. These are just a few of our favourites.

Recommending a personal favourite is always difficult as anywhere can have an 'off' night but even so here goes - I'll tell you about my favourite watering holes and eateries.

Dine at home without any hassle, from start to finish. Our team will take care of everything including purchasing, cooking, serving and clearing up.

Be it a cocktail party, light lunch, gourmet dinner or an extravagant wedding, we aim to provide the most professional service and to help make your event a most memorable one.

With over 20 years of professional experience from around the world, Michael will be happy to discuss any cuisine requirements you may desire.

Whenever Jill and I stay overnight in Estepona we make a beeline for Robbie's in Calle Jubrique! Not the cheapest place in town but still very reasonable by UK standards, and the food is wonderful.

The owner has a "Thing" about Marilyn Monroe, you will know what I mean as soon as you walk in ... it's different, believe me!

Sofas on the Beach - you can really chill out at this stunning, modern beach restaurant which has funky single & double loungers, and should you want it plenty of shade too. The restaurant is top class with an interesting & varied menu - from Lebanese mezzes to pasta & of course a good choice of fish. You can either dine inside or out on the attractive wooden decking that overlooks the beach.

Highly recommended for all the family. 2009: sun beds / chill beds from 7 to 30 euros per day.

Set in a beautiful, peaceful location in the hills behind Manilva ... translate the Latin saying of the day for free drinks! The exotic parrots add an extra dash of colour to the Roman Oasis ... a 'must' place to visit.

To find Roman Oasis turn inland on the N340 between Km145 - 146 at the 'Gran Bar' and follow the signs for 2 or 3 kilometres. Open June to end of September only.

Note: Roman Oasis is now only open in the evenings.

Not a restaurant but a fishing village located about 1km to the west of Puerto Duquesa with many many seafood restaurants, some look basic but the food is wonderful! There are so many small restaurants here it is impossible to choose just one ...... wander around the village, have a drink and take your pick!

Located 2km to the west of Puerto Duquesa at Km141.5 on the N340 ...... the San Rafael may not look that interesting from the outside but those in the know (Spanish locals) know that this is the place to eat!

Jill and I found this small restaurant several years ago when we were based in Puerto Duquesa and it quickly became a favourite of ours. The menu is varied with an emphasis on regional cooking.

This small Venta is located just a 100 metres from the San Rafael by the entrance to Jardines del Mar. Walk through the bar to the outside terrace at the rear of the building. At lunch time it is packed with local workmen all tucking into the menu del dia (menu of the day) ..... this is a place to practise your spanish! Fish features heavily on the menu but there are also several meat dishes to choose from.

My all-time favourite Chinese restaurant ..... anywhere! Located in the marina at Puerto Duquesa overlooking the yachts. Not only is the position by the waterfront superb, the food is fantastic too ... just try the peking duck .... and the prices are so reasonable!

La Paloma is everything to everybody ... quick drink, slow drink ... light lunch, long lunch ... an ideal place to spend a lazy afternoon chatting with friends on one of the comfortable sofas. The quality of the food is just fabulous ... whether a tapa or the "All Day Sunday Lunch" you will be delighted. With it's friendly service and relaxed ambience La Paloma has quickly become my favourite place in Estepona!

Located approx. 4 mins inland from Estepona poligino on the Casares road. Open all day from 11am. Closed Mondays.

Located in the marina at Puerto Duquesa. I've included this cafe/bar because if like me you yearn now and again for a good english breakfast then this is the place to go.

When Jill and I used to have our yacht 'Flying Colours' moored in Puerto Duquesa I used to sneak off here for breakfast ... it's bacon and eggs with a french touch ...... a coffee and brandy helps too! Jill says you must try the excellent omelettes too!

You can't miss it .... it's the most colourful building at Km146 on the N340 between Estepona and Puerto Duquesa. The interior matches too ... each room is tastefully decorated and colour-washed in bright vibrant colours.

The menu is extensive and just that bit different, like the decor, from the norm.

If you find yourself in Marbella and want somewhere good to eat, either for lunch or dinner, you must try this restaurant. It is located right in the Marina, the main Club Nautico. The view from the balcony across the boats is fantastic ..... and there's a menu to match!

When you walk in the entrance it all looks a bit 'stuffy' and expensive .... it isn't. Take a table on the terrace, order a beer and select some tapas from the list. PS: the gazpacho and calamares are the 'best'!

Lolailo is located on El Cristo Beach close to Puerto Paraiso and the Belgravia Club. This lovely chiringito (beach bar) is open early for breakfast and closes at aprox. 9pm. International and Mediterranean food with a selection of fresh fish, pastas and salads, the calamari are excellent, lightly battered and cooked to perfection. This is the perfect place to enjoy an early evening drink while overlooking the inviting waters of the Mediterranean. Shade and sunbeds are provided for customers and there is ample parking close by.

A very welcolme find on the pretty beach front of Sabanilas. Perfect for a spot of lunch. Sisters has a very tempting menu, I particularly enjoyed the choice of International Tapas and the seasonal fruit smoothies are great......but be warned when picking your tapas, the cakes are also very tempting!

C/Fernando Pasoa No.3, Sabinillas

The Forge is a wonderful country restaurant that has been beautifully converted from a 200 year old house, set in the foothills of Casares with stunning sea views and just a short drive from the coast and the town of Estepona.

Endorsed by Sam Fox as "Charming setting, great food, great atmosphere and wonderful hosts, this is the one restaurant you can't afford to miss"... & by me!

Visit their web site

This superb French restaurant is located very close to the Belgravia Club & Estepona Marina at Avda. Del Carmen 45 .. it is a 'must' for at least one of your nights out! My choice from the ever changing menu would be a Brochette de Langoustines followed by Margret de Canard ... the deserts though are to die for! If you can't decide which is best they serve a small selection of each to try.

Your hosts are Hubert & Laura Busson