The Best Restaurants in Costa del Sol

Bar La Chimenea is known for its traditional canapés, Jamon iberico and Payoyo cheese, with locals often seen queuing up for a spot at the bar. Their menu, primarily meat-based, includes larger dishes like Chuleton (beef) and Pinchitos (skewers) cooked over an open fire. This small venue embodies the spirit of Spanish food and culture, with a lively atmosphere, flowing wine, and affordable yet delicious eats.

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Tara Montegriffo

Foodie – Gibraltar, Gibraltar

Tiny local dive serving traditional canapés, Jamon iberico & payoyo cheese. Quintessential Cadiz tapas La Chimenea is the best tapas dive in La Linea, hands down. Here, locals queue around the block in hope to get a space at the bar (very limited seating.) La Chimenea have great suppliers, their cheese and jamon iberico are undoubtedly some of the best you will get whilst in spain. Their canapes (small crunchy bread with toppings) range from goats cheese to anchovies to salmorejo- all spanish delicacies. No fish in sight, a mest based menu, their larger dishes include chuleton (beef) pinchitos (skewers) all cooked over an open fire. What we love about this tiny place is the epitome of spanish food & culture. It is loud, wine flowing & some of the best cheap eats youll ever have.

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This hidden gem offers a unique dining experience right by the sea, where you can enjoy the soothing sound of the waves. The menu features a variety of delectable dishes such as artichoke hearts with jamon, spaghetti el pil pil, octopus al espeto, fritura malagueña, and rosada a la plancha. The hospitable staff, led by a warm-hearted owner, ensures a pleasant experience, and they even serve a surprisingly fabulous tiramisu for dessert.

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Ivan Crispo

Chef&Restaurant PR/Agent – London, United Kingdom

As you can imagine, Marbella can be extremely touristy, especially if you go to the Casco Antiguo. However, there is a hidden gem where you can eat literally by the sea, with the waves sound. It’s a small chirinquito/restaurant where the food is delicious, and the owner (a lovely lady) and the team are incredibly hospitable, always with a smile. It was so good that we went for four consecutive nights. Must try the artichoke hearts with jamon, spaghetti el pil pil, octopus al espeto, fritura malagueña, and rosada a la plancha…basically everything was spot on! …, and they do a fab tiramisu (I was really surprised about this). You can book via Google chat and on their website www.laolamarbella.es

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This grill paradise offers a wide selection of quality meats, including Kobe and Wagyu, prepared according to your taste with delightful sides. The charming décor features a large kitchen and grill that opens to the dining room, creating a unique atmosphere. Advance booking is recommended due to the restaurant's popularity.

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Mika Ihamuotila

Foodie – Helsinki, Finland

Marbella’s quality meat and grill paradise A wonderful meat and grill restaurant with an excellent wine cellar. A truly wide selection of quality meat that will be prepared according to your taste with great sides. From Kobe to Waguy and Spanish stuff. A very charming décor with a huge kitchen and grill opening to the dining room. Book well in advance.

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This spot is known for its simple yet cozy ambiance, where the focus is on delivering top-notch Spanish seafood. The menu changes daily, offering a variety of fresh seafood caught directly from their own boat, including delicacies like enormous carabineros, giant lobsters, and delicate buttery quisquillas. The restaurant's unique charm allows for a diverse crowd, from couples dressed for a power lunch to folks coming straight from the beach, all coming together to enjoy some of the best seafood in the region.

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Per Åkerlund

Chef – Umeå , Sweden

Another " product temple " restaurant is Marisqueria Marinos by Jose in Fuengirola on the coast near Malaga. They have the day's collection on display when entering and it's hard to pick because a lot looked amazing, that's the only downside just being two... It has to be said that they have a great winelist at really good prices (but you need to ask for the big one). We started off with a bottle from the smaller daily one... Everything was of the freshest quality, handled as it should be and comparing to some places we saw in Marbella it's the same cost so it's a no brainer going... Love places like this.

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This cozy, family-run dining spot, Restaurante Dynamit, offers a unique experience with its limited seating of 18, ensuring an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients, serving non-pretentious food, and offering a small, carefully curated wine list. Notable dishes include the duck and lamb when available, and the GT is a standout recommendation.

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Zvonko Sokcic

Chef – Stockholm, Sweden

Dynamit is a small family-run restaurant with only 18 seats. The focus is on locally produced ingredients and a small but carefully selected wine list. Some of my favorites are the duck or the lamb once it is on the menu. Can also highly recommend their GT which is super delicious.

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Blossom Restaurant is a fusion of modern cuisine, where Chef Emi Schobert reinterprets different gastronomic influences, cultures, and culinary techniques. The menu is known for its great personality, creativity, and design, featuring dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Seating is limited with tables out on the street, so it's recommended to book well in advance.

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Zvonko Sokcic

Chef – Stockholm, Sweden

Chef Emi Schobert represented Argentina in Bocuse D´Or 2019 and today runs one of Malaga´s best restaurants. There are very few tables only out on the street so it is important to book a table well in advance. Small dishes to choose from and perfect to share. It is both beautiful and extremely good food and always fun to visit.

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