One of the real beauties of a villa holiday is the freedom it gives you, particularly the freedom to do what you want and eat what you want when you want. Anyone taking a villa holiday in Estepona, Costa del Sol, will not be disappointed on either count. Estepona has something for everyone, and some of the region’s best restaurants, serving regional speciality dishes made from fresh local produce. There’s such a wide variety of restaurants to choose from that we can confidently say that there’s something to suit all tastes and budgets. Here is Panoramic Villas guide to restaurants in the region. Obviously such a guide is subjective, and by definition cannot deal with every restaurant, but hopefully it will give you a ‘flavour’ of the area.
Robbie’s – Calle Jubrique (952 80 21 21)
If you love Marilyn Monroe, then this is the place for you. The owners obviously do, as you’ll see from the extensive collection of photographs on the wall. The menu isn’t the cheapest in the area, but it’s still reasonably priced by UK standards. There’s a wide menu to choose from, with an extensive array of meat, fish and vegetable dishes on offer. The service is always good and the atmosphere intimate: after all, it is a restaurant in what was once a house.
Casa de mi Abuela (952 791167)
Literally translated this means the ‘house of my grandmother’. This is unquestionably the best Argentinian steak house in Estepona. Try the empanadas for starters, then move on to one of the best steaks you’re ever likely to taste. The menu is extensive and the service is top class. If there is a problem it’s that the restaurant is so popular that it fills up quickly, so it pays to reserve a table.
Bikini Beach Lounge Bar (951 775 453)
This is the ideal family restaurant for families who like to relax and chill out. The stylish modern restaurant has a varied menu with something for everyone, from Lebanese mezze to pasta and fish dishes. The service is excellent and the prices reasonable, given the location. If you fancy eating on the beach, this is the place for you.
El Candil
This small but quality Venta is located close to the San Raphael by the entrance to the Jardines del Mar. This is a traditional Andalusian restaurant specialising mainly in fish dishes, and it is naturally very popular with the locals. The restaurant is located at the rear of the Venta, so you’ll have to walk through the bar to reach the terrace at the back. The menu is good and the prices are very reasonable – hence its popularity.
Cheng Du
The Cheng Du is probably the best Chinese restaurant in Estepona. Located in the Puerto Duquesa overlooking the yacht-filled harbour, this restaurant sells stunning Chinese food at very reasonable prices.
Castillo de la Duquesa
This isn’t a restaurant per se, it’s actually a tiny fishing village located roughly 1 km from the centre of Estepona, that’s full of restaurants. It might not be the best looking place, but the variety of restaurants and menus on offer are second to none. If you’re looking for quality food at very reasonable prices, then you’ll find it here.
