Nerja is one of more sought destinations in the Costa del Sol since the 1960s. Despite this fame, Nerja has managed to keep that traditional side and with the charm that we love. A picturesque fishing village that still retains that architecture in its old town typical of those times of quiet and solitude without the tourism boom that we know now, but that in some ways was also like an engine for the development of many complementary services it has today.
In the last count there were more than 300 restaurants in the area so we have selected some of the best Nerja restaurants for this list.
Restaurante Oliva
The restaurant Oliva always receives good critics and for a good reason, the Malaga Tourist Board granted it the award for being one of the best restaurants of the Costa del Sol. Inaugurated in 2011, by Carlos Pardo and Kim Ranzaijin, Oliva is located very near to the Balcón de Europa.
Its cuisine is traditionally Mediterranean but has that modern touch and a minimalist decoration. It has a large terrace for dining outdoors that will delight diners. Faithful to its aesthetic has as background that chill out music to accompany the evening.
The menu is short and seasonal, with a variety of local products. We recommend the smoked bonbon of salmon, its fillet of veal with boletus and black truffle sauce and its star dish and the house special the Red Tuna of Almadraba – Cadiz.
Tapas Plaza
The marriage formed by Johan and Jeannette manages this tapas restaurant located just in front of the Burriana beach. They offer a fusion cuisine halfway between the Thai, Indonesian and Western specialties.
Their menu is rich and varied full of unique and very special dishes. If you like Asian food, here you will find a bit of it, in the Costa del Sol.
Calle Pintada, 7 Local 5, 29780 Nerja, Málaga
www.restauranteoliva.com
952 52 29 88
Camino de Burriana, 5, 29780 Nerja, Málaga
665 45 44 31
Vitaliano Da Cristina
Also known as Restaurante Vitaliano de Cristina is a typical traditional Italian restaurant. After years of work in catering, the Italian chef Cristina, turned her dream into a reality and opened her restaurant. The team is completed by two Italian cooks, Massimo and Giggi.
The use of local ingredients and others brought directly from Italy, combined with some very special sauces and fresh pasta give rise to one of the best Italian restaurants in the area.
Plaza de los Cangreros, s/n, 29780 Nerja, Málaga
www.ristorantevitaliano.com
952 52 83 41
Cafeteria Joanny
We are before a family restaurant with more than 25 years of history. This snack-bar known as Joanny is the meeting place both for the locals as for the tourists that spend their holidays in the area.
Its success is translated in healthy food at good prices. The value for money is exceptional. Over the years this Café has managed to retain a multitude of faithful followers.
Calle Frigiliana, 7, 29780 Nerja, Málaga
Restaurante 34
Restaurante 34 and Tapas Bar 34 are part of Hotel Carabeo. A hotel that is located in an unbeatable location, right in the heart of the old fishing district of Nerja and with dizzying views of the Carabeo Beach.
A place like this, deserves a luxury restaurant such as 34 specialized in Mediterranean dishes. Most of the fruits and vegetables consumed in it are obtained from their own organic farm. The prices tend to be higher that other restaurants of this list, but the quality is exceptional.
C/ Hernando de Carabeo, 34, 29780 Nerja, Málaga
952 52 54 44
Sekai Japanese Restaurant
Sekai is at the forefront of a new style of Japanese cuisine that is merging with the traditional Mediterranean cuisine, within an intimate and romantic environment a tandem that works surprisingly well.
Sekai has become one of the most fashionable restaurants of Nerja.
Castilla Pérez 24, 29780 Nerja
Stephan’s Wirtshaus
Typical restaurant with German roots that is translated in large dishes filled with products prepared for our enjoyment, this is what you’ll find in Wirtshaus of Stephan. Located on the corner of calle Málaga and calle Doctor Fleming.
If you fancy trying and tasting its dishes and rich beer the value for money is fantastic, one of the reasons why the restaurant is always full. It is recommended to book during the Summer months.
Plaza Doctor Fleming, Calle Málaga, Nerja
Lan Sang Restaurant
Lan Sang is specialized in the Lao and Thai traditional cuisine. The food is fantastic and offers some unusual dishes for the more traditional palates.
In general, the Laotian cuisine is spicier, with a combination of chili paste and fermented shrimp paste; seasoned with galanga (similar to ginger) and Lao fish sauce; sweet and spicy sausages and all this combined with local ingredients. An explosion of flavors.
Located in the center of Nerja, has been one of the most popular restaurants for years.
Edifico Cuatro Caminos, Calle Málaga, 12, 29780 Nerja
www.lansang.com
952 52 80 53
Where to stay
Olée Holiday Rentals
To enjoy the Axarquía of Malaga nothing better than to rely on Fuerte Hoteles. The Olée Holiday Rentals Apartments are in a perfect location on the Costa del Sol Oriental, between Torrox and Nerja, typical Andalusian villages with the best climate in Europe. This accommodation offers you peace of mind since it is close to a great number of activities and places to visit. The complex has air conditioning, a spacious seating area with satellite TV and a modern kitchen equipped with microwave, dishwasher, washing machine and dryer. Some have a terrace and wonderful views of the Mediterranean Sea.