Where to Eat in Estepona
Estepona is a Costa del Sol town with a proper food scene. Andalusian cooking here is simple, fresh and full of flavour. Fishermen land their catch at the port, so the seafood is excellent. Locals love pescaÃto frito, which is lightly fried fish. On the beach, cooks grill sardines on skewers over open fires. These are called espetos. Meanwhile, tapas bars serve Iberian ham, chilled salmorejo soup and rich oxtail stews. Sherry and local wines wash it all down, so read our guide to Andalusian sherry to learn more. The old town is the best place to start your food trip. Planning a bigger trip? See our guides to where to eat in Marbella and where to eat in Málaga. You can also explore our Estepona travel guide and our list of things to do in Estepona.
Traditional restaurants
These spots serve classic Andalusian dishes. Many sit on or near Calle Caridad in the old town, so they are easy to combine on a tapas crawl.
ALMA de Miguel is an old town favourite on Calle Caridad. It is known for premium tapas, Iberian pork and fresh fish. Its Google score is 4.5 from over 3,700 reviews. Reviewers often rave about the lovely outdoor terrace. Get directions.
Las Gitanillas specialises in fresh fish and seafood. Try the black rice or the rice with red prawns. It scores 4.4 on Google from around 1,500 reviews. Guests regularly praise the knowledgeable staff and the friendly service. Get directions.
El TÃpico Andaluz is a lively tavern with a big terrace. It is known for acorn-fed ham, Iberian pork and an owner who carves Serrano ham in front of you. Google gives it 4.5 from over 800 reviews. Reviewers mention the warm welcome, generous portions and fair prices. Get directions.
Sabor Andaluz has been a local favourite on Calle Caridad for about 20 years. It is known for Iberian products and fresh seafood. The Google score is 4.1 from more than 240 reviews. Reviewers praise the friendly staff, the excellent ham and the low prices. Some even get a free shot at the end. Get directions.
La Casa del Rey is a wine bar in a 200-year-old building near the Plaza de las Flores. It is known for hot and cold pinchos, oxtail in pastry and cod gratin. Its Google score is 4.2 from over 2,300 reviews. It is a handy stop after exploring the square. Get directions.
La Bodeguita del Chato feels like a true Andalusian tavern. Pedro and his family run it, and they serve Iberian meats, cheeses and tapas with a creative twist. The Google score is 4.4 from over 500 reviews. Reviewers love the family welcome and the wide choice. Get directions.
Bar Simón is the place for seafood lovers. It is known for fresh fish, whole grilled fish and big paellas. Order your paella ahead of time. Google gives it 4.5 from over 1,600 reviews, which shows how popular it is with locals and visitors alike. Get directions.
Chiringuito El Madero is a beach restaurant with a relaxed feel. It is known for fried fish, paella and sardines grilled over an open fire. It scores 4.3 on Google from over 3,100 reviews. Reviewers love the BBQ sardines and the sea views. However, some find it pricey. Get directions.
Bar Restaurante Halomon sits by the marina and has a shaded patio. It is known for garlic squid and crispy pork ribs. Its Google score is 4.6 from over 2,500 reviews. Guests enjoy the casual vibe and the lively tapas menu. Get directions.
Fine dining restaurants
Estepona now has some serious special-occasion restaurants. Book ahead, especially at weekends and in peak season.
Restaurante Kuvo is the town’s top foodie spot. Chef Óscar Manso blends Spanish and Japanese ideas in a 13-course tasting menu. Google gives it an impressive 4.9 from around 600 reviews. Reviewers praise the attentive service, the beautiful plating and the chef explaining each dish. Wine pairings are a popular extra. Get directions.
Restaurante La Escollera sits on the working fishing port, not the leisure marina. It is known for daily fish from its own boat and a superb arroz caldoso, a brothy rice dish. Google scores it 4.6 from over 6,500 reviews. Guests mention the fresh seafood and quick service. It takes no bookings, so arrive early. Get directions.
El Palangre overlooks the marina. Local fishermen own it, and they focus on sustainable fishing. It is known for seafood rice, especially the black rice with prawns. The Google score is 4.5 from over 1,900 reviews. Reviewers love the terrace views. Ask for the rooftop when you book. Get directions.
Trocadero Estepona is the glamorous beachfront choice. It is known for sea bass grilled on a skewer over an open fire. The Google score is 4.4 from about 1,500 reviews. Reviewers like the polished service and the sunset terrace. Order the sea bass early, as it takes time to cook. Get directions.
Budget friendly restaurants
Eating well in Estepona does not need to cost a fortune. For more lunchtime bargains, read our guide to the menú del dÃa.
ArrocerÃa El Hatillo is a women-owned local favourite. It is known for its daily menu with a first course, a main and dessert at a fair price. Rice dishes are the star, and many people rate the paella among the best in town. Google gives it 4.6 from nearly 800 reviews. Get directions.
Bar La Goleta sits in the east of town, away from the crowds. It is known for huge tapas and half portions of clams and fried squid. Its Google score is 4.5 from over 200 reviews. Reviewers mention the generous portions, the good prices and the friendly waiters. It also has a pool table and darts. Get directions.
Restaurante Sol y Mar is on Calle Real. A talented Romanian chef cooks traditional Spanish dishes here. It is known for fresh food, big portions and low prices. The Google score is 4.6 from over 560 reviews. Families and groups of friends love it. Get directions.
So, where will you eat first? Start with tapas on Calle Caridad, then save a long lunch for the port. Finally, book a table at Kuvo for a night to remember. Whatever you choose, come hungry and enjoy every bite.