Visitors looking to enjoy the best tapas bars in Estepona will encounter the traditional cuisine of fishing villages on the Andalucian coast. This is without a doubt one more attraction to add to the offering of the Malagan coast and enjoying the Mediterranean diet in a privileged setting it indeed is a true pleasure. Tapas hopping in Estepona is a clear example of this, since it makes the most of its gastronomic corners to delight locals and visitors.
We recommend the best tapas route in Estepona. Be sure to take note and enjoy the menu offered by each of these restaurants.
La Casa del Rey
La Casa del Rey is where you will find from the most creative nibbles to more traditional dishes. They also have a large selection of wines and foods to try which are organised and personalised along with many surprises.
Restaurante & Bar La Esquina del Arte
One of the most notable features of this place is all of the tapas are homemade and made with the freshest produce from the local market, giving customers a new selection every day.
Taberna Mar de Alborán
Eating at Taberna Mar De Alborán is always enjoyable, since who does not love enjoying delicious tapas or some tasty prawns. And if we add exquisite service to its delicious food, what more do we need? Mar de Alborán also has sophisticated decor and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for chatting while you enjoy its delicious cheesecake, excellent wine or exquisite coffee.
Also in the historic city centre, next to Plaza de las Flores, you’ll find La Casa del Rey, one of the most charming bars in Estepona. They have taken great care to make the visit a unique experience. This gastropub has tables when you can try food and an inner courtyard where you can enjoy spectacular cuisine.
In the Restaurante & Bar La Esquina del Arte Estepona you’ll find traditional Basque tapas together with international dishes to satisfy even the most demanding palates. In this cosy, bar you can choose from a wide variety of tapas, nibbles and other dishes, all paired with a wide selection of wines.
Sabor Andaluz
Sabor Andaluz are specialists in Iberian products and all kinds of seafood so if you decide to visit, you can be sure that you will enjoy a tapas bar in the purest Andalucian style.
This bar has a fabulous Andalucian-style patio where you can enjoy the local tastes flavors in a relaxed atmosphere.
La Bulla Gastrobar
This gastrobar is located right in the centre of Estepona. Its culinary proposal is very bold, but based on the quality of its produce. La Bulla is the perfect place to enjoy a wide range of tapas that you can pair with a large selection of wines. We recommend you try its grilled bluefin tuna or the tempura king prawn salad with wakame seaweed, tobiko caviar and igo togarashi. A real delight.
La Galería
Located in the heart of Estepona, this restaurant is one of the city’s most popular, both for its design and for the quality of its dishes, tapas and wines. The bull’s tail in wine, spinach crepes and fried haddock with tartare sauce receive special mention on its menu.
La Escollera
La Escollera stands out for its varied menu of fish and seafood—top quality and always fresh produce, since it is brought directly from the fish market. The specialities of this family establishment include clams, venus clams, white prawns, bream and crayfish. Splayed fish such as seabream, blackspot seabream and turbot are expertly cooked here, though its most popular proposal is octopus salad.
Oliva Iberoteca
Located in Estepona old town, Oliva Iberoteca is a tastefully decorated restaurant with much charm. This gastrobar also offers its patrons top quality Iberian products (such as Jabugo ham and spicy chorizo), the best meats, the freshest seafood and a wide selection of tapas and raciones. You can also choose from its extensive menu of exquisite wines from its own cellar.
More places for tapas
Darcy’s delicatessen
C. San Antonio, 15, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
tel: +34 653 132 995
Google Maps
Bar restaurante Halomon
Calle Poniente 25, Puerto Deportivo, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
tel: +34 690 831 068
Google Maps
Taberna Juan Luna
Plaza Juanito Valderrama, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
tel: +34 603 048 324
Google Maps
Chanchalay Bar
Pl. Ortiz, 4, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
tel: +34 952 659 771
Google Maps
Restaurante ALMA de Miguel
C. Caridad, 30, 29680 Estepona, Málaga
tel: +34 952 792 538
Google Maps
Practical tips for going out for tapas in Estepona
Where to go for tapas in Estepona
- Old Town (Calle Real, Plaza de las Flores, Calle Caridad):
Perfect for enjoying tapas among whitewashed streets filled with colourful flower pots. Here you’ll find family-run bars serving traditional favourites. - Marina (Puerto Deportivo):
A lively spot in the late afternoon and evening, with fresh seafood and venues where music adds to the atmosphere. - Avenida España (seafront promenade):
Restaurants and gastro bars facing the sea, offering a mix of classic tapas and more modern creations.
Typical and original tapas
- Seafood classics:
- Fried or marinated anchovies
- Galician-style octopus or grilled octopus
- Stuffed squid (if you see it on the menu, don’t miss it!)
- Andalusian traditions:
- Cádiz-style pork scratchings (chicharrones gaditanos)
- Córdoba-style breaded pork roll (flamenquín cordobés)
- Homemade croquettes with ham or fish
- Modern / fusion tapas:
- Almadraba red tuna tartare
- Gourmet mini burgers
- Avocado-based tapas, increasingly common in nearby Axarquía cuisine
What to drink with your tapas
- Fino sherry or manzanilla, the perfect match for fish and seafood.
- Red wines from Ronda or the Serranía de Málaga, both with strong local character.
- An ice-cold beer, whether a small caña or a larger bottle (tercio), the all-time classic with almost any tapa.
- Tinto de verano (red wine with soda or lemonade), refreshing and light for hot summer days.
Timetable and atmosphere
- Lunchtime tapas usually start around 1:30–2:00 pm, while in the evening the action begins from 8:30 pm onwards.
- At weekends, it’s best to head out early if you want to find a table, as terraces fill up quickly.
Prices and customs
- Tapas generally cost between €2 and €4, and in some bars they are even included with your drink.
- If you’re in a group, it’s common to order larger sharing plates (raciones), which are more generous than individual tapas.
Extra tips
- Share: the best way to try a bit of everything is to order different tapas and share them around the table.
- Carry some cash: while most places accept cards, smaller bars may still prefer cash payments.
- Ask the waiter: many bars have a house speciality that doesn’t appear on the menu.
- Free tapas: some places will serve a complimentary tapa with your drink, although it’s not as common here as in Granada. If you come across it, take advantage!
- Evening vibes: in summer, many bars set tables out in the street. Sitting in a lively square with a tapa and a drink is part of the Estepona experience.
Discover the history of tapas in Spain and their best varieties
ACCOMMODATION
El Fuerte Marbella
Without a doubt, the best place to stay in Marbella and Estepona is Fuerte Group Hotels. This chain has over 60 years of experience as a leading chain. Holidays in couple, family or friends, either way you choose to travel seamlessly adapts these hotels where you can practice many outdoor activities in these destinations and you will find facilities for you to enjoy your favourite sports. Do not hesitate to stay at Fuerte Marbella (Marbella) if you travel to these two cities on the Costa del Sol.