There’s an endless choice of bars and restaurants in Nerja and it can be difficult to decide where to eat and drink. Here’s my top ten in no particular order:
1. Ayo’s
An absolute must while you are on holiday in Nerja. Ayo’s overlooks Burriana beach and is renowned for it’s paella, which is cooked in huge iron pans over an open fire. Open all year round, this place is packed at lunch times from May to September and is popular with the locals, Spanish holidaymakers and tourist from all over.
The atmosphere is bustling but relaxed, with the tables set on the sand under a huge thatched roof that provides dappled shade. Although Ayo’s offers an extensive menu, it’s the paella that draws in the crowds, which is the best I have ever tasted and fantastic value since you can go up for seconds!
Ayo closes in the evening, except for Wednesdays in July and August when they put on a traditional Spanish flamenco show. Make sure you book in advance as the flamenco show is popular.
2. The Cottage
Situated in Nerja town on Calle Cristo, The Cottage is run by a friendly English couple Becky and Steve who serve excellent home cooked food at outstanding value. The restaurant has an attractive garden terrace at the back for candle lit al fresco dining and the menu offers a great choice of English and Spanish dishes. I recommend the pork sirloin – it literally melts in your mouth!
3. Le Teja
If you want a Spanish fine dining experience then Le Teja comes highly recommended. Great wine, great food and attentive service.
4. Dolores
A no frills fish restaurant popular with the locals and rarely discovered by tourists. This place is nothing special to look at but offers delicious fresh fish dishes at fantastic value. Dolores is always full of locals – the true sign of a great restaurant.
5. Bruxelles
Located across the road from Burriana beach, Bruxelles is a Belgian restaurant with a mouth watering menu and the place to go if you’re in the mood for steak. Attentive staff and a lovely ambiance.
6. Rocky’s Restaurant
A few doors down from Bruxelles, you will be welcomed into Rocky’s like an old friend. The brothers who run this restaurant will look after you well. The menu offers hearty home made Italian and Spanish dishes at good value prices. They also do pizza to take away if you fancy a night in.
7. El Molino
On the outskirts of the town centre, this Spanish owned and run bar is tucked away on Calle San Jose. An old olive press, El Molino offers a real taste of Spanish entertainment with live Spanish guitarists that never fail to get the locals up dancing! It doesn’t really get going until very late.
8. La Barca
A beach front restaurant overlooking Burriana beach. Fresh fish and meats are cooked over a BBQ and you can relax and listen to the waves as you eat and drink. Open for lunch and dinner, this place serves tasty food all day. It has a relaxed atmosphere with the tables set on the sand so you’ll fit in here even if you have come straight off the beach.
9. Cochran’s Bar
Located in the heart of Nerja town, Cochran’s boasts a big outdoor terrace with fantastic views over the sea. It’s a great spot to grab a drink in the afternoon and enjoy the view and in the evening it gets lively.
10. Budah Bar
This cocktail bar on Calle Gloria in Nerja town is a great place to enjoy those warm Spanish evenings. Sipping cocktails on the trendy roof terrace… Bliss!
By Louise Blackham
Life in Nerja Blog (useful info, insights and a villa to rent)