Flavours by the sea: 35 years of homemade cooking at The Sands Bistro, Torrevieja

Finding a restaurant that combines homemade food, generous portions and a genuine understanding of different dietary needs can be a challenge. Still, The Sands Bistro in Torrevieja has been doing exactly that for more than three decades. Overlooking Playa del Cura, this long-established family-run restaurant has built a loyal following thanks to its traditional English-style cooking, friendly atmosphere and commitment to catering for a wide range of diners.

A family-run favourite by the sea

For more than 35 years, The Sands Bistro has been serving homemade English-style food in Torrevieja. Located on Avenida de la Purísima, overlooking Playa del Cura, this family-run restaurant, owned by Karen and Dave, offers a menu packed with traditional favourites.

One thing that immediately stands out is the range of options available for different dietary requirements. Gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan dishes are clearly catered for, something that can still be difficult to find in many restaurants.

Homemade cooking at the heart of the menu

The food is tasty, generously portioned and obviously homemade. Everything is cooked from scratch, and there is a real emphasis on traditional home cooking rather than convenience food. If I lived closer, it would certainly be somewhere I would visit regularly.

Karen, who is coeliac herself, understands the importance of providing gluten-free choices. Alongside the regular menu, diners can choose from homemade pies, pastries and daily specials. The Sunday roast is particularly popular with regular customers.

This personal understanding of dietary requirements helps create confidence for customers who often struggle to find suitable options when dining out, while still ensuring there is plenty of choice for everyone else.

More than just a restaurant

The Sands Bistro also produces celebration cakes, Christmas cakes and a selection of homemade baked goods, available for collection or local delivery.

The combination of restaurant dining, home baking and special occasion cakes has helped make the business a well-known part of the local community over the years.

Kitchen service runs from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while Sunday service is available from 1:00 PM until 9:00 PM. The restaurant is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The Sands Bistro is located at Avenida de la Purísima 1, Torrevieja. For reservations or further information call (+34) 965 712 899 or (+34) 646 372 189.