Benalmadena, a charming coastal town in the province of Málaga, Spain, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene. With its warm Mediterranean climate, picturesque old town, and bustling port, Benalmadena is an ideal place to relax, unwind, and indulge in the local cuisine. When it comes to dining out, Benalmadena offers a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and bars serving everything from traditional Spanish tapas to international cuisine. In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through Benalmadena, exploring the best places to eat, drink, and enjoy the local flavors.
Traditional Spanish Cuisine
Benalmadena is renowned for its traditional Spanish cuisine, which is heavily influenced by the region’s rich agricultural heritage. From savory paellas to delicious seafood dishes, there’s something for every palate and preference. Here are some must-try traditional Spanish dishes and restaurants in Benalmadena:
The Best Paella in Benalmadena
Paella is a quintessential Spanish dish, and Benalmadena is home to some of the best paella restaurants in the region. Here are a few recommendations:
- El Pescador: This family-run restaurant has been serving traditional paella for over 30 years. Their paella is cooked to perfection, with tender rice and flavorful seafood.
- La Tasca de la Abuela: This cozy restaurant is known for its homemade paella, made with love and care by the owner, Abuela (Grandma). Try their seafood paella, which is cooked in a traditional wood-fired oven.
- El Olivo: This modern restaurant offers a unique twist on traditional paella, using locally sourced ingredients and innovative cooking techniques.
Seafood Delights
Benalmadena’s coastal location makes it a seafood lover’s paradise. Here are some top recommendations for seafood restaurants:
- El Puerto: This bustling seafood restaurant is located in the heart of Benalmadena’s port. Try their fresh seafood platter, which features a selection of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans.
- La Marisquería: This family-run restaurant has been serving seafood dishes for over 20 years. Their menu features a range of fresh seafood options, including fish, squid, and lobster.
- El Rincón de la Mar: This cozy restaurant is known for its delicious seafood risottos and paellas. Try their seafood paella, which is cooked with a variety of fish and shellfish.
International Cuisine
Benalmadena is not just about traditional Spanish cuisine; it also offers a range of international options to suit every taste and preference. Here are some top recommendations:
Italian Cuisine
Italian food is extremely popular in Benalmadena, and there are many excellent Italian restaurants to choose from. Here are a few recommendations: (See Also: Where to Eat Pie in London? A Delicious Guide)
- La Bella Vita: This family-run Italian restaurant is known for its delicious pasta dishes, pizzas, and risottos. Try their famous lasagna, which is made with layers of fresh pasta and rich meat sauce.
- Il Girasole: This cozy Italian restaurant is located in the heart of Benalmadena’s old town. Their menu features a range of traditional Italian dishes, including pasta, pizza, and risotto.
- La Tavernetta: This modern Italian restaurant offers a unique twist on traditional Italian cuisine. Try their innovative pasta dishes, which feature fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Asian Cuisine
Benalmadena is also home to a range of excellent Asian restaurants, serving everything from Chinese and Japanese cuisine to Indian and Thai dishes. Here are a few recommendations:
- China Town: This popular Chinese restaurant is located in the heart of Benalmadena’s port. Their menu features a range of traditional Chinese dishes, including stir-fries, noodles, and dumplings.
- Sushi Bar: This modern sushi restaurant is known for its fresh, locally sourced ingredients and innovative sushi rolls. Try their signature dish, the “Benalmadena Roll,” which features fresh seafood and spicy sauce.
- India Palace: This family-run Indian restaurant is located in the heart of Benalmadena’s old town. Their menu features a range of traditional Indian dishes, including curries, tandoori specialties, and biryanis.
Cafes and Bars
Benalmadena is also home to a range of excellent cafes and bars, serving everything from coffee and pastries to cocktails and tapas. Here are a few recommendations:
Cafes
Benalmadena’s old town is home to a range of charming cafes, serving everything from coffee and pastries to delicious breakfast dishes. Here are a few recommendations:
- La Tasca de la Abuela: This cozy cafe is located in the heart of Benalmadena’s old town. Try their delicious breakfast dishes, including croissants, toast, and fresh fruit.
- El Café de la Plaza: This charming cafe is located in the heart of Benalmadena’s main square. Their menu features a range of coffee and pastries, as well as delicious sandwiches and salads.
- La Casona: This modern cafe is located in the heart of Benalmadena’s old town. Their menu features a range of delicious breakfast dishes, including omelets, pancakes, and waffles.
Bars
Benalmadena’s port and old town are home to a range of excellent bars, serving everything from cocktails and beer to wine and tapas. Here are a few recommendations: (See Also: Where to Eat in Palm Springs? Foodie Guide)
- El Puerto: This bustling bar is located in the heart of Benalmadena’s port. Try their famous sangria, which is made with fresh fruit and locally sourced wine.
- La Tasca de la Abuela: This cozy bar is located in the heart of Benalmadena’s old town. Their menu features a range of delicious tapas, including patatas bravas, tortilla española, and croquetas.
- El Rincón de la Vida: This modern bar is located in the heart of Benalmadena’s old town. Their menu features a range of delicious cocktails, including mojitos, caipirinhas, and margaritas.
Recap
Benalmadena is a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of traditional Spanish cuisine, international options, and delicious cafes and bars. From savory paellas to delicious seafood dishes, there’s something for every palate and preference. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a family meal, or a quick snack, Benalmadena has something to offer. In this article, we’ve explored the best places to eat, drink, and enjoy the local flavors in Benalmadena. We hope you’ve enjoyed this culinary journey and will return to Benalmadena soon to sample more of its delicious cuisine.
FAQs
What is the best way to get around Benalmadena?
Benalmadena is a relatively small town, and the best way to get around is on foot. However, there are also buses and taxis available for those who prefer not to walk. Additionally, many restaurants and bars offer free parking for customers.
What is the best time to visit Benalmadena?
Benalmadena is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and sunny. Summer is also a popular time to visit, but it can get busy and hot. Winter is the quietest season, but there are still plenty of things to do and see.
What is the best way to book a table at a restaurant?
It’s always a good idea to book a table in advance, especially during peak season. You can do this by calling the restaurant directly or using online booking platforms like Booking.com or TripAdvisor. Some restaurants may also have a minimum spend or dress code, so it’s a good idea to check ahead of time.
What is the best way to get to Benalmadena?
Benalmadena is located about 30 minutes from Málaga airport, and there are several ways to get here. You can take a taxi, bus, or rental car, or book a shuttle service in advance. There are also regular buses and trains connecting Benalmadena to other towns and cities in the region. (See Also: Where to Eat in Bruges Belgium? Top Local Favorites)
What is the best way to pay for food and drink?
Most restaurants and bars in Benalmadena accept credit and debit cards, as well as cash. It’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases or at traditional markets. Some restaurants may also offer a 10% discount for cash payments, so it’s worth asking ahead of time.
