Where can I go for lunch or dinner in Benahavis?

8th December 2023 · 3 min. read

Benahavis is a star gastronomic enclave on the Costa del Sol. It is officially recognised as a village of special interest for its restaurant offer. On the one hand it combines the culinary qualities of a mountain village, but, due to its proximity to the coast, it can also offer very fresh seafood dishes.

The menu of its Spanish restaurants includes a wide variety of meats such as veal, suckling pig and lamb. But, above all, the game meats are very special, such as venison, partridge, or rabbit. Of course, you must try the Iberian products such as Serrano ham, marinated pork loin and chorizo.

In the seafood dishes, apart from the traditional “pescaito frito” (fried fish) with a great variety of species from the nearby ports of Marbella and Estepona, another delicious proposal is the thick soup “zarzuela de pescado y marisco” (fish and seafood casserole).

The basic element of the cuisine is almost always healthy olive oil. Fortunately, the Costa del Sol and the surrounding counties nourish the people with colorful garden produce such as vegetables, pulses and nuts which are included in the recipes. Particularly tasty are the dishes made with tagarninas, asparagus and mushrooms, when they are in season.

Most of the restaurants in Benahavis are concentrated in the centre of the village. The atmosphere, especially at night, is very lively. Many of the streets are lined with terraces with al fresco tables and the smell of freshly made homemade food is very inviting throughout the area. Among the best known restaurants are El Guardia 1926, Los Abanicos, Tasquita Paca, Restaurante Amigos or La Terraza de Benahavis.

International restaurants include, for example, Da Pino with Italian specialities, or Legens Bar for those looking for a pub with a billiards area. For Asian lovers there is Kai Zen and for an Indian menu there is Indian Spice.

In the top of the range we highlight, first of all, the restaurant in La Zagaleta: El Arbonauta. It is a gourmet restaurant with a philosophy of “travelling cuisine” and a very carefully selected wine list. They pay the utmost attention to every aspect of the service they offer.

Secondly, we recommend La Taberna Fantástica. Located in a beautiful manor house over a hundred years old, it has a surprising menu of grilled meats, but its star dish, La Cataplana, is of Portuguese tradition and based on ingredients from the sea. Other sophisticated culinary options include La Reja or La Escalera de Balthazar.

Benahavis perfectly combines the traditional and the modern. On the one hand, its urban centre is a white Andalusian village, influenced by past eras as we can see in the Arabic layout of its streets. But, on the other hand, its urban evolution has meant that it has facilities of the highest level. Five-star hotels and first-class golf courses bear witness to this, as does the fact that it is home to the most luxurious urbanisation in all of Europe: La Zagaleta.

Fortunately, the building profile of Benahavis has been very sensitive to its beautiful landscape. Developers have preserved the charm of its magnificent natural surroundings, prioritising its views of the Mediterranean.

At the same time, it remains a place with the charm of a small village in its day-to-day life. Benahavis is quiet, safe, and friendly. In fact, the wealthy individuals who choose to reside on the Costa del Sol have chosen it for its relaxing atmosphere and magnificent villas. This has made it one of the richest municipalities in Spain according to the country’s per capita income data.

Do not hesitate to contact us to buy your beautiful luxury home in Benahavis.