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The 10 best restaurants on the Costa del Sol

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The coastal region in the south of Spain is steeped in traditional Andalusian cuisine, which brings a breath of fresh air to its upscale gastronomy with its cosmopolitan flavours. Influences from North Africa and the rest of the Mediterranean, as well as souvenirs from Spanish overseas trade, make the cuisine of southern Spain so unique. See for yourself and discover the best restaurants on the Costa del Sol.

In his creative, modern cuisine, the so-called "caviar chef" Diego Gallegos focuses on his favourite products, caviar and river fish, which he transforms into such delicate creations as tilapia fillet on a warm ceviche or sturgeon with foie gras on a root vegetable cream. His dishes are created almost exclusively with ingredients that come from his own freshwater fish farm and vegetable garden.

Avenida del Higuerón 48, 29640 Fuengirola, Spain

Just a few steps away from the Picasso Museum in Málaga, chef Dani Carnero revives traditional Andalusian cuisine in a new interpretation. He uses the embers of his charcoal grill to breathe new life into the flavours and aromas of his childhood with long cooking times. The two tasting menus "Memoria" and "Gran Menú Memoria" are vivid memories full of strong flavours with an interesting story.

Calle Marquesa de Moya 9, 29015 Málaga, Spain

In his restaurant, chef José Carlos García focuses on two extensive tasting menus that he is constantly developing. The sublime creations, a fusion of local products and the most modern techniques, surprise with their creativity and combination of flavours. On the terrace overlooking the luxury yachts in the port of Málaga, you can enjoy a selection of his gastronomic delights with a glass of Champagne.

Plaza De La Capilla 1, 29001 Málaga, Spain

The temple of seafood cuisine on the Costa del Sol. The Sánchez family offers an exceptional selection of exquisite maritime delicacies and freshly caught fish, fished on their own boat or from the local fish market. Compared to the wine list, the menu is clearly laid out and leaves nothing to be desired.

Paseo Marítimo Rey de España 161, 29640 Fuengirola, Spain

Described by chef Dani García as a "beach bar without the beach", the restaurant offers the essence of Andalusian tapas and a wide selection of fresh fish and seafood. In addition to sardines in ajoblanco, Galician-style grilled octopus and lobster, there is also a special section on the menu for dishes with bluefin tuna. You should also try the paella with seafood.

Avenida Bulevar Príncipe Alfonso De Hohenlohe 178, 29602 Marbella, Spain

The art of grilling, celebrated with dishes prepared on three different wooden grills. Holm oak is used for meat, orange wood for vegetables and olive wood for fish. Vegan options are also available, prepared with organic vegetables from the Hotel Don Pepe Gran Melía's own garden.

Calle de José Meliá, 29602 Marbella, Spain

At Sarmiento, you will find cuisine inspired by classic Andalusian gastronomy. The ingredients from local producers and farmers lend authenticity to the dishes. The dishes, which are mainly prepared on the grill, bring the flavours of traditional Andalusian cuisine to life. The terrace offers a magnificent panoramic view of the old town of Casares.

Carretera Casares Km 1, 29690 Casares, Spain

El Lago is an oasis of peace. The terrace offers a magnificent view of the lake. Seasonal produce from the Marbella area forms the basis for modern Andalusian cuisine. The extensive menu includes dishes such as truffled pecorino cheese with smoked paprika cream, goat shoulder from Málaga with payoyo cheese sauce or panko red mullet with Japanese cucumber salad, complemented by an impressive wine list.

Avenida de Marco Polo, 29604 Marbella, Spain

The trendy beach restaurant offers a wonderful view of the Mediterranean and is characterised by a good selection of fresh fish and seafood. The menu is rounded off with classics such as paella ibérico and paella with red king prawns as well as grilled steak or beef burgers.

Urbanización de Los Verdiales, 29604 Marbella, Spain

Top-class Andalusian cuisine. Sommelier Marcos Granda and head chef Mario Cachinero have been an unstoppable duo for years, offering hospitality of the highest standard. A return to classic Andalusian recipes and the flavours of this region come together in a creative cuisine full of nuances, with dishes reinvented with the utmost respect and always displaying their unmistakable personality. Their strength lies in an extremely product-focused cuisine, balance, constant experimentation and a great love of detail, with a view to creating a perfect experience for all the senses. The red tuna tartare and caviar is now a classic and undoubtedly one of the most iconic dishes Skina has had to offer in recent years. The tender, perfectly cooked red prawn in saffron broth, accompanied by seasonal peas to enhance the sweetness, is almost ethereal. Guests can order à la carte (three courses at a fixed price) or choose between the Temporalidad or Grand Cru menus, the latter of which includes exceptional wines and champagnes. The restaurant has a dining room with elegant, contemporary interior design, a private room with a terrace and an open-air champagne bar. The wine cellar plays a prominent role at Skina. It is where Marcos Granda brings together a collection of 3,000 references from around the world, reflecting his preference for champagne and French wines.

Avenida de Cánovas del Castillo 9, 29601 Marbella, Spain