When you think of Mijas Costa, what comes to mind? Beach, sun, sea, Andalusia… And yes, this town offers all this and much more, although we haven’t mentioned a fundamental ingredient for a perfect vacation: gastronomy. And when we’re on vacation, we take the opportunity to try new dishes, discover exotic ingredients, and step a little outside our gastronomic comfort zone.
In this article, we want to talk to you about the Andalusian cuisine that you can enjoy in Mijas Costa, and for that, we will take a short trip through the local ingredients and give you some recommendations for restaurants in Mijas Costa, where you can try the typical dishes of Mijas Costa and the Costa del Sol in general. We are not responsible if you start to get hungry while reading this…
Local cuisine: typical dishes you should try
The typical dishes of the region are based on the sea and the mountains, the landscapes that define the surroundings of Mijas Costa. Thus, the presence of fish, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and other fresh and local products is not surprising, which we can taste in dishes as famous as pescaíto frito (fried fish), Malaga salad, sardine skewers, or gazpachuelo. To finish, sweets are also part of a good Andalusian meal: olive oil cakes and borrachuelos are, perhaps, the locals’ favorites to accompany coffee after the meal.
Best beachfront restaurants in Mijas Costa
If we are on the coast, we must take advantage! A restaurant with sea views is a dream, and if the food is of quality, even better. Some of the best restaurants in Mijas Costa where you can see the sea while tasting typical dishes of the region are:
Las Tablas del Rey Restaurant
This restaurant is located in Fuengirola, specifically on the Rey de España promenade, about 10 minutes by car from Mijas Costa. Here you can taste typically Mediterranean food, with a lot of elegance and in a quiet environment. For grill lovers, it is a perfect option, since here both meats and fish are prepared on the grill. It is also an ideal restaurant to share dishes, as it offers different high-quality boards. Its terrace, right in front of the Mediterranean, is the icing on the cake.
Botavara Restaurant
In the modern Cabopino Marina, about 20 minutes by car from Mijas Costa, you will find the Botavara Restaurant, a perfect place to feel like you are by the sea. Its menu highlights fresh fish and seafood, which are the protagonists of incredible rice dishes, paellas, and various baked preparations. With a pleasant atmosphere, professional and friendly service, and a high-quality product, it is one of the best options if you are looking for a restaurant in Mijas Costa or its surroundings with a terrace and sea views.
Restaurants in Mijas Costa ideal for families
For travelers with young children or large families, there are several restaurants in Mijas Costa with the necessary conditions to accommodate such groups. They stand out for their family atmosphere, varied menus with food for all tastes, easy access, and space. These are our recommendations:
La Familia Beach Club
The name says it all: La Familia Beach Club is a place to be comfortable with your loved ones, where each person can order their dish or order several things to share. As always, you can eat fresh fish and other Mediterranean dishes, but pizzas and salads also stand out, with very good ratings. It is right on the Mijas promenade, a few meters from the water, so the atmosphere couldn’t be more beachy.
Casa El Abuelo Restaurant Bar
In the heart of Mijas Costa, the Casa El Abuelo Restaurant Bar is an informal and family-friendly option that takes care of local cuisine. Almost the entire menu is made up of traditional Andalusian dishes, where meats and fish predominate, often in stews. It is a very good option, with a spectacular value for money and ideal if you are traveling as a family and want a restaurant where the locals go.
Restaurants in Mijas Costa for couples
If your visit to Mijas Costa is a romantic plan, it is normal to look for beautiful restaurants with views and a more refined atmosphere. In that case, we recommend some options:
El Oceano Beach
This restaurant meets the requirements for a fantastic romantic dinner: elegance, excellent food, a terrace with sea views, and a select atmosphere. Just what you need to impress your partner.
Beach House Marbella
This is a good option for those looking for a restaurant in Mijas Costa for a romantic moment. Although it is about 20 minutes by car, it is worth it. Here you will find a modern menu based on traditional Mediterranean dishes, a good musical selection, and a perfect atmosphere to seduce.
Max Beach
Half restaurant, half beach club, Max Beach is modern, daring, and sexy, making it a perfect option for a romantic dinner followed by drinks with music by the sea.
Where to eat well and cheaply: restaurants in Mijas Costa to not exceed your budget
There are many restaurants in Mijas Costa where you can eat well and for little money, and we know that the occasion does not always require a haute cuisine restaurant. For those moments, these are our suggestions:
La Gamba Restaurant
A good place to eat seafood, meats, and tapas of Spanish and international food economically, perfect for an informal and unpretentious lunch or dinner, in the Torrenueva Urbanization, a short distance from the beach.
Utopia
This restaurant takes great care in everything it does and is a fantastic option for an aperitif, lunch, or dinner, both in its interior room and on its beautiful terrace-garden.
The Big Fish
Finally, a slightly different suggestion: fish and chips, the quintessential British dish, prepared fantastically. If you want to eat something light and drink something fresh on a terrace, this is a good option.
We invite you to savor Mijas Costa
Now that you have a selection of restaurants in Mijas Costa and its surroundings for any occasion, it is time to start preparing your visit to this incredible place on the Costa del Sol. A place with a relaxed atmosphere, fantastic beaches, many leisure options and, of course, delicious gastronomy.
For your accommodation on the Costa del Sol, Alfresco Stays is the answer. Impressive accommodations in the best locations in the region: Mijas Costa, Benalmádena, Fuengirola, and much more. From luxurious residences with a pool and pet-friendly options to accommodations on the beachfront and near the best golf courses, you will find the perfect solution for you and yours.


