It is thought that the name Tapa is derived from placing a saucer on top of a drink to keep insects out (the translation of tapa suggests a lid) then placing food or nibbles on the saucer to eat with your drink.
Well as bizarre as that may sound, today tapas seem to be an integral part of the Andalusian way of life. Some bars in Nerja even offer you this little dish of food for free with each drink you purchase.
Here’s a list of Nerja’s best tapas restaurants as recommended by residents and locals. Do you have a favourite tapas restaurant in Nerja? Tell us which one is yours in the comments below.
El Sevillano
La Tasquita del Sevillano in the centre of Nerja town has a friendly and lively atmosphere. Whether you choose the roof terrace views, the ambience of spirited chattering inside the bar area, or outside on the rustic wooden beer kegs, you’ll enjoy the choice of free tapas with each drink.
A few favourites on the tapas menu are chicken curry and rice, Russian salad, Serrano ham, meat with tomato sauce, Manchego cheese, Spanish omelette, Anchovies in vinegar and deliciously cooked shrimp.
Address: Calle de la Gloria, 14 29780 Nerja Málaga.
Open from: 11:30 until 16:00 and 18:30 until 23:30 hours.
El Pulguilla
Located just a stone throw from the famous Balcón de Europa is the El Pulguilla Bar-Restaurant. The El Pulguilla can be accessed on foot through Calle Cristo, or by vehicle through the Huertos de Carabeo.
The venue boasts the best fried fish and seafood in Nerja town but it also has some great tapas on offer.
Whether you decide to eat and drink on the spacious bar area on the inside or on their splendid terrace, you will be won over by the value for money and convivial atmosphere.
On the tapas menu is Berenjenas or lightly battered fried and honey sweetened aubergine, pinchito (mini meat kebab), mini burgers and back to what they are famous for…..seafood, including Navajas ( razor clams) or Bacalao (cod in a garlic sauce). You can also order their generous half portions should you have more of an appetite.
Address: Calle Almirante Ferrandiz 26 29780 Nerja
Opening Times: Open Tuesday – Sunday (closed Mondays) Hours 12:30-3.45pm and 7:00-11:30pm.
Mo Gastrotapas
Now while most of Andalusia love to provide a great list of common tapas dishes that make the region famous, some establishments have taken tapas to a whole new level. As we have already mentioned, tapas come as a wide variety of appetizers and maybe warm or cold dishes. However, one such restaurant and bar that wanted to evolve the meaning of tapas into a much more sophisticated experience is Mo GastroTapas in Nerja.
Tapas include; magnificent golden goat cheese with foie gras, or rich toast with salmon, Albondiga de Atún, “Mar Exotico”. Why even the omelettes are a delight!
Regardless to whether you choose the tapas menu or something more elaborate, it appears that the effort balance of flavours, texture, taste is equalled with the amount of effort that goes into each design and dishes presentation.
Here you will enjoy some of the finest culinary presentations Nerja has to offer. ( in our opinion).
The restaurant is also proud to offer great Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free Options all presented as a wonderful gastronomic experience.
Address: Calle Andalucía, 27, 29780 Nerja
Opening Times: Open everyday except Tuesday. Hours 1-4pm and 7-11pm
Meson del Asador Nerja
If you fancy a venue with a little different atmosphere then why not try Asador Mesón de Castilla (near the Plaza de España in Nerja.The ambience feels like you are stepping back in time as you delight in the old-world atmosphere with very welcoming staff.
A small beer will cost around 2 euros but this does include a choice of some tasty tapas. From callos con garbanzos ( homemade edition of Galician styled chickpea and various meat stew) to huevos revueltos con bacalao ( scrambled eggs with succulent codpieces) and Spanish pancakes with shrimps.
There is also an impressive a la carte menu boasting local favourites such as lamb shoulder which is so tender that it falls off the bone and the bull’s tail both receiving extraordinary reviews.
Address: Calle la Cruz, 13, 29780 Nerja
Opening Times: Tuesday to Sunday. Hours 1–3:30pm and 7–11pm
Jacqueline Millage says:
Don’t forget Turry Bar and La Rienda. Their tapas are delicious and reasonable.