By Sally Underwood • Updated: 13 Mar 2023 • 14:22
Image - PLAY Mijas
As well as its sun, sea and sand, the glamorous Mijas has attracted some of the biggest and best names to its restaurants, offering up everything from classic European food, to haute cuisine and Indian fare.
But whether you are new in town or a long-term Mijas resident, picking your next spot to celebrate a special event or just enjoy a romantic evening for two can be tough with so much on offer.
That´s why the Euro Weekly News has put together a handy guide to the 23 best restaurants in Mijas, with something to suit every taste.
Our top pick Play Mijas A haven on the A-7, situated in Playa Marina, PLAY Mijas Restaurant is one of the area´s newest and most exciting spots, boasting a spacious terrace with spectacular sea views, ample parking and different versatile spaces inside and out. Play is unique in having a sophisticated setting and food, combined with a child friendly, warm, and homely relaxed atmosphere. It also has a playful approach in organising events, making each one special, because PLAY´s owners believe should never stop playing throughout our lives, as the name suggests. The international menu is classic but creative, with plenty of options for the more adventurous. PLAY sources all the best local ingredients, with an emphasis on Km 0 products and favourite dishes range from the vegetarian purple carrot pizza from Cuevas Bajas to slow cooked billy goat from Malaga with wine sauce and baby potatoes. Its octopus and the Iberian ham hock are also dishes which get people coming back for more. The food, ambience and special setting makes PLAY Restaurant Mijas ideal for meals out for families, friends, couples and for celebrating special occasions. Website: Click here Telephone: +34 951 66 81 25 Email: ventas@playmijas.com Sponsored
Our top pick
A haven on the A-7, situated in Playa Marina, PLAY Mijas Restaurant is one of the area´s newest and most exciting spots, boasting a spacious terrace with spectacular sea views, ample parking and different versatile spaces inside and out.
Play is unique in having a sophisticated setting and food, combined with a child friendly, warm, and homely relaxed atmosphere.
It also has a playful approach in organising events, making each one special, because PLAY´s owners believe should never stop playing throughout our lives, as the name suggests.
The international menu is classic but creative, with plenty of options for the more adventurous.
PLAY sources all the best local ingredients, with an emphasis on Km 0 products and favourite dishes range from the vegetarian purple carrot pizza from Cuevas Bajas to slow cooked billy goat from Malaga with wine sauce and baby potatoes.
Its octopus and the Iberian ham hock are also dishes which get people coming back for more.
The food, ambience and special setting makes PLAY Restaurant Mijas ideal for meals out for families, friends, couples and for celebrating special occasions.
Website: Click here
Telephone: +34 951 66 81 25
Email: ventas@playmijas.com
Our top pick Olivia’s La Cala One of the most famous restaurants in Mijas, Olivia´s is the product of celebrity Elliott Wright and his wife and is named after their daughter: Olivia. The restaurant in La Cala de Mijas is one of the most glamorous on the Costa del Sol, where it´s not unusual to see celebrities mixing alongside local residents, and where chef Ryan Murphy´s dishes are some of the finest around. Opened in 2015, Olivia´s quickly became a favourite among Mijas´s glamorous crowd. Its live music nights also draw in large numbers, with performances by well-known artists throughout the week. Their international menu covers everything from kataifi-wrapped prawns and Thai crispy fillet of beef salad to lobster linguine and pizzas. And to make your Olivia´s visit a day out, the restaurant also offers boat packages aboard their very own motorboat as well as cocktail masterclasses. So sit down, relax, enjoy the food, enjoy the ambiance, enjoy your company, have a glass of champagne and at the end if you want to get up and dance… then do it! This is, after all, what Elliot always dreamed of for ‘The Olivia’s Experience’. Website: Click here Telephone: +34 952 494 935 / +34 952 494 935 Email: reservations@oliviaslacala.com Sponsored
One of the most famous restaurants in Mijas, Olivia´s is the product of celebrity Elliott Wright and his wife and is named after their daughter: Olivia. The restaurant in La Cala de Mijas is one of the most glamorous on the Costa del Sol, where it´s not unusual to see celebrities mixing alongside local residents, and where chef Ryan Murphy´s dishes are some of the finest around.
Opened in 2015, Olivia´s quickly became a favourite among Mijas´s glamorous crowd. Its live music nights also draw in large numbers, with performances by well-known artists throughout the week.
Their international menu covers everything from kataifi-wrapped prawns and Thai crispy fillet of beef salad to lobster linguine and pizzas.
And to make your Olivia´s visit a day out, the restaurant also offers boat packages aboard their very own motorboat as well as cocktail masterclasses. So sit down, relax, enjoy the food, enjoy the ambiance, enjoy your company, have a glass of champagne and at the end if you want to get up and dance… then do it! This is, after all, what Elliot always dreamed of for ‘The Olivia’s Experience’.
Telephone: +34 952 494 935 / +34 952 494 935
Email: reservations@oliviaslacala.com
Owned by John and Lorraine Palmer, hotel El Oceano is one of the hottest destinations in Mijas when it comes to somewhere to eat, stay or just admire the sea views. Situated on Miraflores Playa in La Cala de Mijas, this hotel offers one of the best restaurants in Mijas with views directly onto the Mediterranean.
With chefs who are continually sourcing the finest local and national ingredients, El Oceano restaurant´s international menu has everything from calamari to steak, making it ideal for families, couples and even special occasions.
Located in Las Lagunas, La Mejicana was established in 1989 and has since earnt its name as the best Mexican restaurant in Mijas. All of their dishes are made with fresh products and are prepared daily with totally original old recipes from South America, making them truly authentic and full of flavour.
The chefs here are specialists in gluten-free cooking and have a totally independent kitchen to be able to offer a wide menu for celiacs.
If traditional Chinese dishes plus amazing views are your thing, then Mao Max Beach could be your new favourite restaurant. Offering up stunning interiors, beach views and live music, Mao Max Beach is one of the most elegant destinations in Mijas.
Located on the shores of the Mediterranean in Mijas Costa, Mao Max Beach is part of the seriously chic Max Beach complex.
Now, it serves up some of the best Chinese food in Mijas, including stir-fries and wontons.
If you like to try a bit of everything when you go to a restaurant, then El Gusto in La Cala de Mijas is the place for you. Offering up everything from tzatziki to mussels and fish dishes, El Gusto has a huge range of European classics.
Opened in 2003, El Gusto is one of Mijas´s most famous restaurants, known for its open-plan kitchen which allows guests to be part of the dining experience.
Available to hire out for larger parties, El Gusto is perfect for romantic meals a deux as well as larger events.
A quality Indian restaurant is a must in every town, and Punjab Palace in Mijas Costa is one of the best around. Offering up all the classics, Punjab Palace has everything from pakoras and samosas to korma, dopiaza and Bhuna.
A favourite among locals, Punjab Palace is a must-visit when in Mijas.
Sometimes you just can´t beat classic Italian food and La Pergola in La Cala de Mijas is one Italian restaurant not to miss. La Pergola is known for its authentic Italian dishes from carpaccio and risottos to the best pizzas and plates of pasta.
Specialising in the highest quality Italian food, this romantic and traditional-looking restaurant is the ideal spot for couples dining as well as special occasions.
KOKORO Restaurante looks like a typical noodle bar – but don’t be fooled. This oriental restaurant offers up some of the best and most authentic dishes from sushi to dumplings, curries to crunchy tempura prawns, all in a calm and minimalistic ambience.
And if you don’t feel like going out, KOKORO Restaurante will bring their delicious dishes straight to your door.
Dak Burger has become well-known as one of the best burger joints on the coast and one you can’t afford to miss! Their huge menu includes classic burgers with a choice of beef, chicken, vegan and veggie patties, in addition to hot dogs loaded with cheese and toppings, salads and decadent desserts.
If juicy patties stacked between oozing cheese and other toppings like onion rings, fried eggs, bacon, pickles and sauces are what you’re craving, head to Dak to create your own burger masterpiece.
You can’t visit Spain without trying all kinds of traditional and authentic tapas, and Pampa Tablas y Tapas in Mijas Pueblo is known as one of the best! From Russian salad to prawn pil-pil, croquettes to Iberico ham, at Pampa Tablas y Tapas you can try out all of the most popular tapas dishes.
They also serve larger plates and vegan, veggie and gluten-free options – so there is sure to be something for everyone.
Located on the coast, Mijas has some of the best fresh fish and seafood to offer, from gambas to pan-fried salmon, calamari to whitebait. So, if you’re a lover of seafood, Freiduria Y Marisquería El Rebalaje is somewhere you definitely need to visit.
This restaurant is renowned for serving the freshest fish that flakes off the fork, wonderful mussels tossed in garlic and herbs, sizzling gambas pil pil, and fried shrimp flamenquin. The ambience here is laid back and the restaurant is little known to tourists – making it the perfect place to immerse yourself in some Spanish culture.
Although not exclusively vegetarian, Koko Bistro has some of the most creative and delicious vegetable-based dishes in the area and is highly recommended by both carnivores and herbivores alike.
Due to its popularity and renowned reputation, Koko Bistro is often bustling with customers enjoying their delicious dishes including a variety of typical Spanish tapas, oozing camembert with cranberry, goats cheese salad, grilled aubergine and pesto ravioli. With a large drinks menu and outside seating to enjoy the Mediterranean climate, in addition to their cosy indoor dining area, it’s no surprise Koko Bistro is one of the best restaurants in Mijas.
Mango Cafe & Tearoom serves high-quality breakfasts, snacks, lunches, afternoon teas, cream teas and meals, all prepared with fresh ingredients. Although not dedicated to offering just vegan food, this restaurant is well-regarded for having some of the best vegan options in Mijas.
Design your own breakfast exactly to your tastes, try one of their freshly baked pastries, tuck into a falafel wrap with vegan mayo, or simply enjoy their beautiful terrace while sipping on a cuppa (or maybe something a little harder, wine, anyone?) Located in the pretty pueblo, this hidden gem also offers lactose free and gluten free options.
At Aroma Cafe & Secret Garden you will find Mijas as it was a century ago, an enchanted forest of olive, orange, fig and loquat trees, as well as a secret garden, all in an old house dating to 1872 with many nooks and crannies to discover. At this barbecue restaurant, you will be served tender meats cooked to perfection such as Tomahawk steaks, chicken skewers and juicy burgers.
Within its walls a whole world opens, starting with arguably Mijas’ most beautiful Andaluz Patio.
Chiringuito Arroyo is the most popular beach bar in La Cala de Mijas, offering a relaxed atmosphere for you to enjoy fantastic paellas, fresh fish and the traditional food of Malaga.
Sit on their terrace on the shores of the Mediterranean and enjoy a cold beer, a sangria or a glass of wine while the sun goes down.
Restaurante La Alcazaba De Mijas offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and an international menu using fresh Mediterranean ingredients. With a menu that provides something for everyone, this restaurant is particularly well-known for its gamba pil-pil, fresh paella, juicy mussels and perfectly cooked steak.
For a culinary experience with breathtaking panoramic views and unrivalled service, Restaurante La Alcazaba is the best restaurant in Mijas.
Restaurante Matiz, located in Mijas Pueblo, is a kitchen with a reinvented Mediterranean character and a fresh and modern style. It is the perfect location for some mid-morning tapas, dinner and drinks, or a cocktail with friends in a wonderful ambience.
Their tapas dishes are made with local seasonal ingredients and are renewed every two years to keep things fresh. Combining new ways to create food with authentic Andalucian cooking, Restaurante Matiz is renowned as one of the best restaurants in Mijas Pueblo.
This is the best restaurant in Mijas for a cosy and casual dining experience with family and friends. The modern ambience and artwork featured around the room make for a laid-back and interesting dining experience.
Savour the tastes of the Mediterranean with Tomillo Limon’s fresh fish, crispy chicken, colourful salads and slow-roasted meats.
El Mirlo Blanco is renowned in Mijas as the best restaurant for succulent meat. From traditional dishes like beef stew with potatoes and wine and pork tenderloin to more innovative dishes like tenderloin in puff pastry with bacon and cheese, El Mirlo Blanco is heaven for meat lovers.
This restaurant is the ideal place to taste the perfect combination of traditional stews and grilled meats paired with a wide variety of wines. Specialising in Basque cuisine and grilled cuts, you will feel as though you have been transported to a cosy farmhouse in the Basque Country while dining here!
Everything is cooked slowly and traditionally and, for those who don’t eat meat, Asador Otola has a range of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
This artisanal cafe and ice cream parlour has over 30 varieties of smooth ice cream flavours to choose from, as well as cakes, milkshakes, crepes, pancakes and much more. What’s even better is that everything is gluten free! You can also find lactose free and vegan options available here, making it a very unique and inclusive ice cream parlour.
If you’re looking for some live music and entertainment, Restaurant El Golf hosts some of the most well-known acts in Mijas and the Costa del Sol. From St Patrick’s Day celebrations to soul music, cover artists to tribute acts, you’re sure to have a great evening of entertainment here.
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