There are a wide variety of restaurants in Nerja, tourism in recent years has made the town one of the culinary leaders of Malaga’s route of white villages.
The region of Axarquía has become an ideal destination for both national and international tourists, probably enhanced by attractions such as Nerja’s beaches or the Cave of Nerja (Cueva de Nerja), as well as its fantastic temperatures. Of course, added to everything related to tourism we must mention the food and, even better, if it is of a high quality.
Nerja is the most easterly town of Malaga so, if you decide to go there from the capital, it is a good idea to hire a car at Malaga airport with CarGest and be able to enjoy the wonders the area has to offer.
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Best restaurants in Nerja
Some of the best restaurants in Nerja for enjoying an authentic and high quality culinary experience are:
Botanic
Try perfectly presented original dishes, while seated on a modern white patio around a relaxing fountain and local vegetation. This is what the Botanic restaurant in Nerja has to offer.
Situated in the busy street of calle Almirante Ferrándiz, together with many other gastronomic establishments, it is located just a few metres from the Balcony of Europe, in the heart of the town. Its location makes parking difficult unless you decide to leave your car in one of Nerja’s car parks.
Restaurante Oliva
Restaurante Oliva (Nerja) is situated in the Plaza de España, and is one of the restaurants in Malaga with a Michelin Star. Of course, the price range will be higher than in other restaurants, but the culinary experience they offer will be worth the visit.
Restaurante El Puente
If you are looking for a traditional restaurant with a wide range of food and a good service, which is excellent value for money, Restaurante El Puente in Nerja is a great choice. It is situated next to the bridge that crosses the Chillar river and specifically where one of the best-known hiking routes of the provinces passes through.
The fried fish and traditional local stews stand out from its menu, which you can enjoy in one of Nerja’s restaurants with a terrace, in this case with views of the Tejeda-Almijara mountain range.
Pata Negra 57
With a superb winery and wooden floors, Pata Negra 57, in Nerja, will win over its visitors with a beautiful inner courtyard decorated in stone and with a stunning vertical garden. It is situated parallel to the central Carabeo car park in Nerja, and it features a menu that stands out for revamping some of the region’s traditional dishes, including ajoblanco (a cold soup) and salmorejo (a cold tomato soup containing bread, olive oil and garlic).
Restaurants in Nerja with sea views
Other highly distinctive establishments are the restaurants in Nerja with sea views, since, thanks to its cliff-lined coast and small coves, the views from any area near to the sea are outstanding.
Ayo
Ayo Nerja is the most famous paella restaurant in Nerja, known for its paellas cooked over a wood fire, of just one variety but that all of its customers rate as exceptional. If you add to this that the restaurant is situated on Burriana beach, it makes this a fantastic choice to recharge your batteries with its delicious paellas and continue enjoying a lovely day on Nerja’s beaches.
Restaurante 34
Situated between Carabeo and Calahonda beach, Restaurante 34 (Nerja) boasts a large terrace with sea views, in addition to a swimming pool surrounded by tables. In the evenings, it is candle-lit with low lighting, creating an idyllic ambience that makes the experience of trying its varied menu unique. You shouldn’t leave without taking in the view of one of the best restaurants in Nerja with a terrace which offers incredible views of the Mediterranean.
Restaurante Benítez
Restaurante Benítez (Nerja) offers a varied menu of fresh fish, both fried and roasted, on a terrace facing the sea where you can enjoy views of all of the cliffs and nearby coves. It is a great choice for eating in one of Nerja’s restaurants on Carabeo beach and also in the centre, while enjoying a sea breeze and the sun.
Puerta del Mar
The fantastic seafood restaurant, Puerta del Mar (Nerja), is one of the few restaurants near to Nerja’s Balcony of Europe, so it benefits from an incredible position, while also offering premium quality produce from the sea which is cooked to perfection. Moreover, from this restaurant you can enjoy sublime views of the sea and Calahonda beach.
Other restaurants in Nerja
There are also other restaurants in Nerja that you shouldn’t overlook, whether because of the location or the service, because they are a must if you are visiting Nerja or the surrounding areas.
El Pulguilla
El Pulguilla (Nerja) alehouse is one of the town’s most famous hospitality venues, among both locals and tourists. Located in the town’s most commercial street, and surrounded by other gastronomic options, this ancient establishment stands out for its fresh and affordable fish dishes. It offers excellent value for money, particularly when you consider that this is a restaurant near to Nerja’s popular Balcony of Europe.
El Sevillano
If you are looking for a tapas bar in Nerja, you shouldn’t overlook El Sevillano (Nerja), as we mention in this other post. It is a classic Andalusian tavern located near to the life-sized replica of a fishing boat, Barco de Chanquete, from a famous Spanish TV series from the 1980s. Here you can try the different tapas of typical Andalusian dishes in a markedly typical setting. Notable are its fantastic use of vegetables, diced vegetable salad (ensaladillas), fish and fried dishes, in general.
Bakus
Bakus is another fantastic restaurant in Nerja with views of the sea and Carabeillo beach, it is exceptionally well-known among the public and stands out for its creative Spanish cuisine, of typical dishes with a touch of originality. According to the customer reviews, you simply cannot leave without trying its desserts.
Map of restaurants in Nerja
Below, you will find a map made by CarGest to easily find the restaurants mentioned, where they offer different gastronomic options to enjoy a meal in Nerja.
