Alhaurin Area Accommodation

La Higuera is located just on the perimeter of Alhaurin el Grande town so parking is no problem here. The owner's son runs the restaurant and speaks good English with a dry sense of humour. Food is excellent. Their speciality is meat from Avilla which is half way between beef and veal. Large portions too. Often frequented by local parties so weekends are always very busy. Prices are average. It's a good restaurant for a meal but not for a special occasion meal.

On the outskirts of Alhaurin el Grande heading towards Coin. Los Candilles is a traditional Spanish restaurant with generally good food. Favorites are steaks, whole grilled squid, and roast lamb. Often quite noisey but then traditional restaurants are as they attract families - which is not a bad thing unless you are wanting a quiet romantic meal. In which case, avoid the weekends. On the whole prices and service are good. Outdoor seating in the summer amongst the palm trees.

Feeling an urge for Chinese food? Well it can happen, even in Spain. This little restaurant is probably one of the most acceptable Chinese cuisine in the area. However, it is located in Coin along the Rodeo road towards the 'poligono industrial'. Food is inexpensive, setting very pleasant and service is acceptable. You could do worse.

Just on the road between Alhaurin town and Alhaurin Golf Resort. Gorgeous setting, lovely gardens and attentive staff. This is not typical Spanish, though they make an excellent whole roast leg of lamb. Other specialities can be Calves Liver, Fillet Steak. Great care in the cooking though there have been one or two disapointments. However, on the whole the food is well prepared and the atmosphere is a little special. Cristina the owners daughter is extremely helpful and attentive. Pricey but sometimes you do these things! Tel. +34 952595807/952594487

Alhaurin el Grande Setting is quite Moorish, with beautiful Moroccan colours and furnishings. During warm summer evenings there is a lovely walled courtyard amongst orange trees. Quite a romantic setting. Food is contemporary - some Spanish and some international dishes all well presented. There is often a special price daily lunch menu which is good value - not available on weekends. Prices are slightly higher than the traditional local restaurants. Wines are also higher priced but good quality. This restaurant is tucked away and a little difficult to find so it is worth calling ahead, booking a table (necessary on weekends) and getting directions at the same time. Tel. +34. 952 499 057

Cheap and cheerful. This is simple Spanish food, often good but sometimes they just miss the mark. You can never tell. However, it is cheap enough not to worry, e.g. Pork chop and chips are about 5 euros, a small salad 2.50 euros. House wine is about 7 euros bottle and quite acceptable. On weekends (Fri-Sunday) they have the barbecue on so you can have barbecue meats with jacket potato and sour cream. If you are staying at Alhaurin Golf Resort, it is convenient as you can just walk down. Lunch times are always busy on warm days as there is plenty of outside seating. In winter - and this is a plus, the log fire is lit inside and everyone tries to get the closest table. Service is good, prices cheap, food is a lottery with reasonably good odds. No need to telephone.

Find yourself in Torremolinos and you would be a fool not to eat at Casa Juan's. This restaurant in the Carihuela area (west side of Torremolinos) has been there for over 30years and has a good following of Spanish who know what good food is. Casa Juan serves only the freshest of fish - and an enormous selection there is too. Whatever you chose will be delicious, from fresh clams to whole fish baked in sea salt crust. Pricey but not Marbella prices. Excellent selection of wines too. During busy times - and that is most times, the staff can be seen rushing around hysterically - adding to the charm of the place. If you have the pleasure of eating there, this is not a place to hurry your meal...enjoy enjoy, then go and walk it off along the beach promenade. Tel. +34 952373512. No reservations possible.

If you ever get to Ronda - and we are talking Spain here, you simply must eat at Dona Pepa. It is located in the church square just off the main street - the gorge behind you, going up into the town and it's on the right. Speciality is typical local food i.e. Rabo de Toro a delicious oxtail stew, meat simply falling off the bone and rich in sauce served with creamed potatoes. Divine! Other equally good meals too. Remember to eat inside to enjoy the wonderful Spanish courtyard with its decorative tiling and greenery. Eating outside in the square is just not the same! They are always busy between June and August so you must call for a reservation and specify 'inside'. Tel. +34 952 875380

On the outskirts of Alhaurin el Grande, Los Candiles serves both Spanish and English style meals. A selection of steaks, chops and Spanish fish dishes are available. It has an extensive inside dining room as well as outdoor eating. Meals are well cooked and medium priced. One speciality is whole grilled squid which is delicious. Weekend bookings essential. Tel. +34 952 594679.

Set in the centre of the small old square of Mijas village, this petite jewel of a restaurant is very much in the style of the old traditional quality. Run by a stern-faced grandmother (with a heart of gold), and her daughter, the food here is primarily Basque which is considered the best of Spanish food. Nothing escapes this grandmother's attention - much to your benefit! Food is delicious, atmosphere warm and tranquil. Beautifull table settings. Puddings scrummy. All is expensive but worth it. Reservations a must. Tel.+34.952 485700.

Seafood primarily. Excellent selection of fresh fish and shellfish. Tucked away on the high street of El Rodeo on the outside of Coin village in the industrial section. Unpretentious,simple restaurant frequented mainly by locals and serving good quality food. Fish is not the cheapest food in Spain, but the prices here are good for the quality you get. Tel. +34. 952 452016.

Not quite the perfect setting, as it is on a main road, but if you want to see how the Spanish eat on weekends, this is the place to be. Noisy, hectic, and full of locals - its a great experience. Food is usually very very good - especially the roast leg or shoulder of lamb! Typical Spanish cuisine, average prices and a good wine list at reasonable prices. Bookings adviseable on weekends. Tel. +34 952452929 - located on left hand side or road, between Alhaurin and Coin road.

A favourite with both Spanish and visitors to the Alhaurin/Coin area. Traditional setting. Serving typical Spanish food, it has a a great Tapas Bar area as well as indoor and outside seating. Food is simple, well priced and good, with friendly service. The wine selection is reasonably priced and the housewine certainly worth the 8euros a bottle. Popular dishes are - Brochettas (Kebabs) which are huge and juicey, Chopitas (baby squid), Berenjenas (aubergines) crispy and thin with a drizzle of cane sugar, and Bocquarones Victoriana (fried whitebait). No need to call for reservations. Tel. +34.952 490 014 Alhaurin el Grande