Top Ten Restaurants in Benalmadena (Spanish Cuisine Edition)
Introduction
Benalmádena is one of the most diverse and multinational areas on the Costa del Sol and is very well known for a wealth of amazing restaurants, and eateries.
Due to the metropolitan nature of the town, there is a wide variety of options available when it comes to deciding where to eat. Whether you are in the mood for traditional Spanish Tapas, Fine Dining, or are just looking for a quick bite during your day at the beach.
The restaurant scene in Benalmadena is one of the best on the Costa del Sol, and with so many options to choose from, it can be hard to pick.
So, we’ve done some of the hard work for you!
Here are ten of Simply Benalmadena’s favourite restaurants that feature Spanish, and/or Spanish influenced, cuisine in Benalmadena, based on a compilation of the top-rated restaurants from the most popular customer-rating websites.
Fredericks Tapas Bar & Restaurant
Located in the heart of Benalmadena Pueblo, Fredericks Tapas Bar & Restaurant is a great place to eat. It offers both a tapas menu and main dishes. The prices are affordable, but still quality and delicious. The service is friendly and professional. As for the atmosphere, it can be loud at times so if you’re looking for somewhere quiet this may not be the best option for you. However, if you’re looking for somewhere where there’s always something going on then this would be perfect!
One of the TripAdvisor reviews for this venue says “It says the best Tapas in the Universe on the sign, and I think they’re not lying! Absolutely stunning food” … now that is a glowing endorsement!
South Beach Restaurante is located on the main passeo of Benalmadena which leads from the Marina to Castillo Bil Bil.
The menu is simple and traditional Spanish food, with a few specials of the day in addition to a good selection of tapas and fish meals. Prices range from €9 for tapas up to €25 for a full meal including wine or beer. The service was very friendly and helpful, with the waiters speaking both Spanish and English.
The atmosphere at South Beach Restaurante is relaxed but not too quiet – it was busy during our visit but it wasn’t too loud or busy to ruin conversation between friends or family members dining together there. There’s seating outside if you prefer fresh air while enjoying your meal which affords guests an exceptional view out to the sea while enjoying their meal.
One reviewer wrote, “My husband and I often go here when visiting Benalmadena or Estepona as this restaurant serves great value for money! They have an extensive menu that has lots of vegetarian options!”
The location of Pampa Tablas y Tapas is slightly outside of Benalmadena in Mijas Pueblo but it is worth a mention, and a visit. For your efforts to get there, you will be rewarded with amazing food and a relaxed atmosphere in the glorious Mijas Pueblo.
The menu features traditional Spanish dishes that have been elevated to an art form. You just have to take one look at their TripAdvisor or social media pages to see that this is not what you normally expect from Spanish Tapas.
Prices range from €12 for tapas to €20 for main courses, which means you’ll get excellent value for money no matter what you order here.
Service is friendly and attentive, ensuring that your meal is served quickly and correctly every time. And because Pampa Tablas y Tapas is part café bar it’s also open late into the night if you want something sweet after dinner!
It is summed up nicely by a TripAdvisor reviewer who states, “As the reviews tell, it’s a special place.”
KARMA Mediterranean Restaurant
KARMA is located on Palm Tree Avenue in Benalmadena. Surrounded by a range of other restaurants and options it has niched out an excellent reputation for itself, and rightly so.
The prices here are moderate and you have not only a choice of great Spanish and seafood food but also a range of European dishes as well.
KARMA is a small restaurant with 6 tables inside and 3 outside on the terrace. However, don’t let its size put you off. The food at KARMA has excellent feedback and is enjoyed by many.
One reviewer even dubbed it, “The best meal of our holiday!”
Panorama Bistro Bar is the perfect place to go if you want something good and classy. The food is authentic and delicious, and not too expensive. If you’re looking for a place to impress your date or a group of friends, this would be an excellent choice.
The menu is varied enough that every taste will be satisfied and there is a range of options for vegetarians and vegans. The menu is pretty extensive so there is something for everyone.
The staff is pleasant and attentive; they will make sure that everything goes smoothly during your visit so that you can have a great time!
Located on the edge of the Gamonal area, Vinoteca Moncloa is a great place for a romantic date night or an informal lunch. The menu showcases traditional Spanish dishes but also has some interesting fusion options available. Prices are reasonable considering their location and the quality of food offered here (you’re unlikely to find better at this price anywhere else in Benalmadena). Service is friendly and efficient, and most meals come out quickly enough that you don’t have time to get bored with your drink if you want another before your meal arrives!
The venue is perfect for groups looking for somewhere fun and casual where everyone can have a good time together rather than trying too hard to impress anyone else with too much sophistication!
Customers say they like how relaxed this restaurant feels while still being classy enough that they feel comfortable eating there without always feeling out of place.
It is often labelled a “Hidden gem”, with one reviewer commenting, “Looks quite unassuming at first glance but then so sweet inside. The staff are super friendly and welcoming. The food is delicious and a wonderful selection of wines.”
Lime & Lemon is probably the best-known restaurant on our list, having made quite the name for itself among diners of all backgrounds. Located on Palm Tree Avenue, the menu is an array of Spanish fare and fusion dishes with some amazing surprises thrown in for good measure. Not only that but it is very reasonably priced for the quality and experience.
Overall, this is an excellent choice if you want to try something different without breaking the bank.
If you’re looking for a good place to eat in Benalmadena, look no further than Bocados Grill (Arepas Gourmet)! They have an extensive menu in a quiet location just off Palm Tree Avenue with plenty of food options available.
However, there’s more to Bocados Grill than just great food—they also provide excellent service! They’ve been voted “Travellers Choice” by TripAdvisor because of how attentive and friendly all their employees are when serving customers. They’ll take care of any special requests without hesitation so don’t hesitate too long before stopping by this restaurant!
In a place with so many Spanish restaurants, it can be hard to choose. This is another Mijas Pueblo venue but it simply has to be on your list when in Benalmadena or the surrounding area.
Tomillo Limon is one of the best and most popular around Benalmadena. The food is delicious, and the atmosphere is relaxed. The restaurant offerings are all stunningly presented yet unpretentious.
The service is friendly with a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere.
Last but by no means least, this venue is a personal favourite of the Simply Benalmadena team.
La Alternativa is located on the main street in Arroyo de la Miel, just along from the train station. The menu has a large selection of dishes, including traditional Spanish food. Prices are reasonable and include drinks and dessert. Service is friendly and quick-paced, though it can get busy during mealtimes at La Alternativa, so be prepared to wait for a table if you’re going during peak hours! Also, note that this is not a place to go if you want privacy – La Alternativa is open to the walkway and sees a constant flow of traffic, particularly at busy times.
This is a vibrant venue with excellent food … try the beef cheeks, you won’t regret it!
Conclusion
We hope you’ve enjoyed this list of the Top Ten Spanish Restaurants in Benalmadena. We know there are many more restaurants to try, and we look forward to hearing about them. If you have any suggestions or comments, please send them our way by emailing us at fromthepublic@simplybenalmadena.com.
Look out for future food-based articles where we will be discussing other types of cuisine that can be found in and around Benalmadena.
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