The gastronomic restaurants in Estepona offer you a varied range of offerings with, places focused on the ingredients used, good service and the highest quality. This town in Malaga, perched on the Alboran Sea, right where the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic Ocean, and just kilometres from the Strait of Gibraltar, makes it an unbeatable place to enjoy traditional, Mediterranean and international cuisine.

Where can you eat well in Estepona? The culinary options in the centre of Estepona allow you to choose between traditional Andalusian tapas, accompanied by fine wine (Bodega Don Rudolfo); the flavours of Mediterranean cuisine, with its delicious fish and seafood (Casafina Restaurant); or the aromas of Southeast Asia (Makako). We tell you here about the best restaurants to eat in downtown Estepona.

A Gastronomic Enclave on the Costa del Sol

Estepona is a coastal town boasting more than 20 km of incredible beaches of fine sand.  It is a traditional town with just over 75,000 inhabitants, steeped in centuries of history, offering a wide variety of experiences, and featuring an incomparable setting to enjoy leisure time. Its proximity to cities such as Marbella, Seville and Cadiz on the Costa del Sol make its location ideal, in terms of its climate, transport links, services and gastronomy.

The Best Culinary Offerings: restaurants in Estepona

Estepona’s location gives the town’s restaurants access to ingredients of the highest quality. The Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge in the Alboran Sea, creating a unique space. Its access to producers from different areas along the Andalusian coast, but also from inland areas, allows them to offer the highest quality in their dishes. The orchards of Axarquia, the wines of the Serrania de Ronda mountain range, and its proximity to different fishing ports, make Estepona a gastronomic paradise.

Quality Products and Local Cuisine

Iberian products, the best fare from the sea, and its tropical orchards make Estepona an ideal setting where cuisines from all over the world come together. The quality of  its fish, meats and vegetables from the Andalusian coast shape a traditional cuisine with deep roots, while experimenting with new flavours and aromas brought from all over the world. Meat from native breeds of livestock, such as Retinta cattle, from the province of Cadiz; along with payoyo cheese, and white shrimp from Huelva, are combined with condiments and ingredients from around the world.

Quality and a History of Service

If there is one quality that we can highlight on the Costa del Sol it is its appreciation for quality and service. Over years of professionalization, Estepona has managed to maintain a perfect balance between its local population (which includes more than 120 nationalities) and the visitors who join us year round. This coexistence over the decades has shaped an eclectic community served by hospitality professionals who pursue excellence in their work.

Cuisine Based on the Best Ingredients in the Centre of Estepona: Restaurants to Eat in Estepona

Its seafaring tradition is one of the town’s hallmarks, and it is reflected in Estepona’s eateries. The town offers a wide variety of restaurants. We recommend three options in the centre, which will surprise you with their variety, quality and atmosphere.

 

Bodega Don Rudolfo, Traditional Cuisine in the Centre of Town

Ronda is one of the key areas in the province of Malaga’s wine culture, and Bodega Don Rudolfo is one of the ideal places to enjoy wine. This traditional tavern, located on the Calle Carlos Herrera, 1, offers a variety of tapas, cheeses from all over Spain, Iberian products, and a fine selection of wines, all in a relaxed atmosphere, prepared for you to enjoy your meal in the purest Andalusian style. On its menu we can find classic oxtail croquettes, the best Iberian ham, and roasted peppers, Cadiz style.

In addition to Andalusian cuisine, Don Rudolfo includes wines and traditional recipes from other areas of Spain, with tasty dishes like its scallop gratin, which you can enjoy with an Albariño wine from Galicia’s Rias Baixas region; or slow-cooked artichoke hearts with a “veil” of Iberian pancetta and paprika sauce, accompanied by a Grenache wine from the Sierra de Málaga mountains. A delight for the palate that includes vegan options such as tempered cauliflower with a fig and caper dressing. Their careful selection of desserts includes traditional rice pudding and “grandmother’s torrijas” (French toast) with salted caramel ice cream.

An Exclusive and Cozy Atmosphere

Don Rudolfo is one of those establishments where you can enjoy an exclusive and cozy atmosphere. Inspired by traditional Andalusian taverns, it is perfect to enjoy various recipes and share a good lunch or dinner.

Casafina Restaurant: Places to Eat Andalusian Cuisine in Estepona

One of the restaurants in Estepona that we recommend is the Restaurant Casafina. Located in the centre of town (Plaza de las Flores, 12), this establishment focuses on the balanced flavours of Andalusian cuisine. Along with Cordovan salmorejo (a thick, cold tomato soup), ensaladilla rusa (potato salad) and the almadraba tuna tartar, diners will find Retinto steak tartar, and chickpea and vegetable fritters with aioli. The EVOO, pink tomatoes, and roasted beets are highlights on its varied salad menu.

 

All this, without forgetting dishes such as seafood paella and black rice with cuttlefish. The most succulent traditional stews, such as beef, and Iberian carrillada (pork cheeks) also have a place at Casafina. The wine list centres on Muscat, Chardonnay, Syrah and Grenache grapes to offer a careful selection of white, red, rosé and sparkling wines from the Serrania de Ronda and Axarquia, in Malaga.

A Restaurant with a Children’s Menu

Casafina’s restaurant does not forget about kids, offering a special menu for them that includes spaghetti and chicken Milanese. Its selection of desserts, sticking to tradition, but without neglecting the avant-garde too, offers options such as torrijas (French toast) and “Grandma’s” chocolate cake.

Makako Restaurant, Asian Flavours

A taste for the exotic also has a place at the restaurants in the centre of Estepona, as is the case at Makako Estepona. At this establishment, located on a high floor overlooking the Plaza de las Flores (Square of Flowers), you’ll find the most international dishes. In addition to its unbeatable views, diners enjoy a journey through the flavours of Southeast Asia, with combinations such as green sea bass curry with jasmine rice and lime, its sushi menu, and its variety of rice and noodles. Korea, Thailand, Japan and China, without forgetting Nikkei cuisine, inspire the offerings of this restaurant, which travels through Guangzhou to bring you its famous fried rice, and includes pad Thai chicken, beef, and prawns, along with Panang chicken curry, among its wide range of dishes.

A Wide Range of Wines and Exotic Desserts

Its wine list stands out for its champagne, cava and proseccos, including white and red wines from countries like France and Germany. All this, without forgetting their Spanish wine tradition, with the best reserve wines from Malaga and Galicia. The experimentation of this restaurant can also be seen in its desserts, featuring handmade mochis with three chocolates, and a creme broulée of black sesame and miso. A genuine experience for the palate.

Have a Drink Before or After Eating

Without leaving the centre of Estepona, you can stop before or after lunch for a drink at two of the most elegant establishments in town. Bermeja Views offers a varied selection of cocktails and gins, as well as one of the best views of the area from the Plaza de las Flores (Square of the Flowers).

If you prefer to be at street level, we recommend Cooper’s Barrel, an authentic English pub with a varied menu of craft and international beers, located on the Calle Raphael, 5.