Estepona is a delightful town on the Costa del Sol. It is known for its coastal scenery, maritime tradition and, of course, its exquisite culinary specialities. With a perfect combination of traditional dishes and innovative cuisine, it has become an essential destination for lovers of good food.
If you are looking for somewhere to eat in Estepona, Hotel Elba has selected some of the best restaurants and bars so that you can enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in this wonderful area.
Discover the cuisine of Estepona
Estepona is a fantastic destination for sampling the best of Mediterranean cuisine. It boasts a wide range of options where traditional fresh fish restaurants coexist with other haute cuisine establishments that embrace international flavours which will allow you to enjoy a unique fusion in the heart of the Costa del Sol.
Some of the most characteristic dishes include espeto de sardinas where the sardines are skewered on sticks and grilled over olive or almond wood, thus giving them an unmistakable flavour. Another classic is pescaíto frito, where anchovies, squid and cuttlefish are lightly fried in a crispy batter to enhance the flavour of the fish.
Various stews and meat dishes such as seafood zarzuela, Andalusian gazpacho, ajoblanco (sometimes called the white gazpacho) and braised oxtail casserole also play a leading role.
The best restaurants in Estepona for every occasion
Estepona has a wide variety of restaurants to suit all tastes, from traditional taverns that still preserve the authentic flavour of Andalusian gastronomy to more modern and innovative options.
Traditional restaurants: savour the essence of Andalusia
Traditional restaurants are the heart and soul of the city's culinary scene. Some of them have remained loyal to their origins for decades, offering their customers an authentic sensory journey to the essence of the sea.
- La Escollera, an emblematic restaurant located in the harbour. It opened its doors more than 80 years ago and is one of the best places to eat in Estepona. Menu highlights include: langoustines, white prawns and fresh turbot.
It has a very cosy atmosphere and spectacular views of the sea.
Another traditional port of call is Los Rosales restaurant which has been serving the public since 1976. Its specialities include boquerones al tintero (anchovies in ink) and sardines in vinegar.
Fresh fish restaurants: from the sea to your table
Along the coast, you can also find numerous restaurants specialising in seafood, with products delivered directly from the local fish market.
- La Rada is a must for seafood lovers. This establishment is located right on the promenade, so their dishes could not be any fresher. Make sure you sample their grilled langoustines or the arroz a la banda with carabineros (king prawns with rice).
- El Campanario is another great place to eat in Estepona, and is the perfect choice if you are looking for a more elegant atmosphere. It is located on the prestigious golf course of the same name and its quality cuisine makes it one of the most recommended restaurants by food critics.
International options: global cuisine in Estepona
The culinary selection in the area has been enriched in recent years with international restaurants that fuse flavours from all over the world.
- Kalma&Kaos is a restaurant that fuses Japanese and Mediterranean cuisine. Standout dishes include: the red tuna tartar brioche, the lemon fish with Ponzu sauce and the Wagyu brisket with rice. It also has a terrace which is very pleasant on warm summer evenings.
- Takeko Japanese Bar is the perfect place for lovers of classic Japanese cuisine. It has a 14-course menu with sushi pieces and dishes made with fresh fish of the day. It is a true gourmet delight and the pairing with Japanese sakes is the icing on the cake.
Bars and tapas: an unmissable experience in Estepona
The bars of Estepona are an essential part of the social and culinary life of the place, with a deep-rooted tradition in the field of tapas. In fact, one of the best ways to discover the area's gastronomy is to visit its bars.
- La Taberna de Lucía, specialising in fish, seafood and rice dishes, is one of the most iconic places to eat in Estepona. Some of its star tapas are the steamed coquinas (clams), meatballs with almond sauce and pescaíto frito (fried fish). The staff will make you feel right at home and the proximity to the harbour gives an extra special touch to the ambience.
- La Bulla Gastrobar offers an innovative menu and a wide range of cocktails for those looking for a different experience. Highlights include cannelloni stuffed with avocado with herb oil and green apple slices, or the boneless baby goat with reduced juice and apple foam.
Recommendations for families and groups in Estepona
Estepona is also an ideal destination for families and groups of friends. Many of its restaurants and bars offer special menus and a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy a leisurely dining experience.
- Las Brasas de Alberto offers a menu where meat is the focus. From fillet and ribeye steaks to dishes such as roast cod or Galician hake. What's more, its cosy atmosphere and excellent service make it an ideal place to share a good meal with the family.
- El Tejar is perfect if you are looking for a more casual atmosphere. It is noted for its original Basque cuisine.
As you can see, over the last few years, Estepona has become one of the most renowned culinary hotspots on the Costa del Sol, with its increasingly varied and sophisticated choices. It is a destination capable of attracting both lovers of traditional cuisine as well as those who are after something more luxurious. Enjoy your meal!
