Top Restaurants in Benahavis
Benahavis Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Benahavis
Discover the best restaurant in Benahavis, Spain including La Escalera, Rufino, Amanhavis Hotel & Restaurant, Amigos, Los Abanicos, La torre, Las Canas Viejas, All in 1 Cafe, El Chico, Legends Bar & Grill
Things to do in Benahavis
1. La Escalera
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 428 reviews
Reviewed By Cyrus M
some friends suggested trying this place and several others in Benahavis (which we did). This was my favourite as far as food was concerned. we had not reserved so ended up sitting inside on a muggy summer evening but that was just fine as the windows slide such that the entire front of the restaurant is open to the alley. the food was delicious, fresh clean and cooked to order and delivered without delay (in fact rather quickly given how busy they were). My son had the lamb and has not stopped talking about it since. I had the ox tail and it was amazing - delicious and cooked to perfection. Tastiest ox tongue I have ever had and will be returning next year for more of the same as we stay at our Puerto Banus pad every year for while and our the coast. had some house red with dinner and even that was excellent given that it was their cheapest wine - Portugese wines are frankly all pretty decent and its hard to go wrong even with the house. the service here was very decent and with a smile and even the trainee waiter who clearly was more than a bit confused by his new job managed to be extremely pleasant and a pleasure to deal with. For that he got an extra special 20% tip just for himself. There is only one restaurant in Benahavis that beats this one and they beat it not on food but on ambience and scene. That's the Moroccan style hotel restaurant on the street that leads downhill out of the far end of town - I reviewed that separately so you can look it up on my profile if u like - but as far as quality of food versus value for money is concerned this place ranks number ! in the town
2. Rufino
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 487 reviews
Reviewed By MrMagoos - Greater London, United Kingdom
The menu has changed, no one was massively excited about their food and service definitely on slow side. Edge seems to have come of I feel. Sure we will go back but dropping down list now.
3. Amanhavis Hotel & Restaurant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 426 reviews
Tucked away in the Moorish mountain village of Benahavis is the Hotel Amanhavis. A small rustic, yet elegant world of great smiles, warm welcomes, refined service and a true andalucian feel awaits you at Amanhavis. The true feeling of being far away, yet you are at home away from home. With a climate of nearly 320 sunny days in a year, visitors can enjoy the beautiful countryside of small a Andalucean villages nestled on green mountain slopes. Only a few kilometers away, you reach the world class resorts of Marbella and Puerto Banus, which are only minutes away from Amanhavis' doorstep. Enjoy and relax at the mountain jewel of Amanhavis.
Reviewed By Cheryl G - London, United Kingdom
Without doubt this is a beautifully appointed restaurant and as romantic as you can get. It is much frequented and very much liked.
Our experience was poor in that every dish we had was so sweet that I couldn't eat it.
The kitchen is run by a reputable chef so I defer to his experience and knowledge. But I have also cooked in Michelin kitchens over the years so I must question the need for so much sweetness.
The starter salad - 'Incredible Amanhavis Salad with sauted apples, grapes, pine nuts and walnut sauce' had to be sent back. There was no balance. It was like eating sugar coated food. Unpalatable for me. I made mention of this to our waiter who said that it was a common statement ....?! I replaced it with the Home-made Ravioli Pasta with mushrooms in sauce. No comment.
For mains we were advised that the Moorish Tagine was delicious, but to have it with lamb only. I ordered it. I regret I left half of it. The lamb was tough and there was little taste of Morocco.
I want to be fair because of its popularity. It could be that Chef had a bad day at the office. That is not uncommon in any business. But we reported how we felt and were ignored.
The owner/manager should have listened and done something. That lack of attention prevents people returning and stops them recommending.
As we spend much of our time in this area we are considered locals. As such, we are there out of season. We provide support for many restaurants. This needs to be considered.
A waiter needs to be trained to know if a diner is experienced. Not just in eating out, but could they, themselves, be a cook? Or, at the least, have received training?
Instead of 'may I recommend blah blah blah' the question should be, what do you like to eat, sir/madam?
In the spirit of fairness we will try one more time and if all is good I will re-review and, if necessary, offer apologies.
4. Amigos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 348 reviews
Very welcoming restaurant with a nice atmosphere and an open flame grill where aged meat is cooked to perfection. You will also find great dishes from the sea side, a beautiful selection of wine and one of the best Terrace in the heart of Benahavis.
Reviewed By Henry K - Ossining, New York
Amigos is a small restaurant with very big flavor and value...Mostly frequented by locals you need to call in advance for Reservations..We had dinner there twice early around 6 PM and both dinners were excellent..Great selection of wines and a very helpful server Antonio who is from the area....There was a definite mix of Spanish and French cuisine with both executed with a careful hand..Beef and pork dishes were both excellent and on one night they had Onion Soup and Escargot. Also very nice Gambas Pil-Pil..
5. Los Abanicos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Located in the heart of Benahavis, this restaurant is part of the gastronomic history of this lovely town nestled in the rolling countryside Guadalmina Valley, also known as the dining room of the Costa del Sol. Since his wanderings began back in the early 80s as a small eatery, and blunted for their good work and gastronomic treatment and family-friendly service. Now, in the hands of the second generation of the family it has not only managed to maintain that spirit, but has even improved, growing and refining their dishes and service. We will provide an extensive and exquisite menu that combines both local cuisine and the best of typical Spanish recipe. All this washed down with one of the most extensive and selected wine menu from the Costa del Sol. If you decide to visit us, be sure to spend an unforgettable time with both family and friends, as if what they want is to look good in a business meeting, no doubt, this is your restaurant. We hope to see you soon at our house. Thank you very much.
Reviewed By Priscilla A
Absolutely fabulous lunch with our 2 best friends today. What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Marvelous food terrific service and great ambiance.. we have been going there for 17 years and have never been disappointed... thank you Abinicos for a wonderful day.Thank very much to invest your time in give us an excellent rated and review. We hope see you very soon in restaurant los abanicos.
6. La torre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 442 reviews
Asador Carnes traidas del norte de espana (salamanca, galicia) Pescados de la zona ( Lubina, lenguado, Pargo, dorada gambas, sardinas y chipirones) Comida castellana tradicional, y entrantes con un toque vanguardista. Una de las mejores cartas de vino de la costa del sol, a unos precios razonables, 400 Vinos de todas las denominaciones de espana. CERRADO TODOS LOS MIERCOLES. Vacaciones, Del 20 De Enero al 20 De Febrero. Abierto 11,30 a 11,00 Cochinillo y cordero Asado Bacalao Pil-Pil
7. Las Canas Viejas
Overall Ratings
4 based on 166 reviews
Reviewed By Toddy622 - Manchester, United Kingdom
As ever Carolyn offers a warm welcome complemented by excellent food. I pre booked a table for 6 as I knew it would be busy, every table was taken, that says how popular this restaurant is .The asst Tapas are a great way to all...MoreWhat lovely comments thankyou so much. Looking forward to seeing youvagain soon
8. All in 1 Cafe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 154 reviews
Since 2004, the All in 1 Café Bar and Restaurant has been known for its amazing food and warm and lively atmosphere. Fully refurbished in 2016, the venue is now probably the most popular in the area - especially amongst the local expat community and holidaymakers. We have live music and special events most weekends - please check our Facebook page for schedule and details!
Reviewed By Vege-Foodie-Mama - Bingham, United Kingdom
This is 'our local'. It's very relaxed & all the staff are very friendly.
Denis & David always look after us well. Denis was particularly charming to our daughter, who has autism and struggles with the busy restaurant environment. David has even been known to park our car for us to help our elderly parents in.
The good is fresh, tasty & fairly priced. I particularly enjoyed the Thai curry.
We'd love to see a kids menu (with vege options) next year.
9. El Chico
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By BiancaGermaux - Marbella, Spain
Growing up in Benahavis I had the pleasure of experiencing all restaurants. All wonderful but my favourite would have to be Chico's bar. Authentic, Traditional, Cosy and Friendly. The tapas are delicious. It's a family run business, the mum and dad behind the bar and kitchen and the charming son. If you want to feel like you're in the deep south of Spain and have a adventurous experience - Chico's bar is the place to be! Take a look at the ceiling too - full of beautiful surprises!
10. Legends Bar & Grill
Overall Ratings
5 based on 39 reviews
Legends Bar & Grill, the only one in Benahavís Village which has got 5 big screens and that show all live sports. There are a large selected variety of drinks and more. Also serving international menu created with passion by the chef, David the owner, who has got 12 years experience in restaurant and bar. Every Sunday serving, from 1 pm, the Legendary homemade Sunday Roast with all the trimmings. Booking required on Sundays to avoid disappointment. You can pop in for just a drink or for Food, Booze and Fun! Legends is a cooling spot for the hot days, as we got 2 big air con to cool you down, and it's cosy in the winter time. All welcome!
Reviewed By AndreasMyhre
A sportsbar that can definitively deliver good food and atmosphere! We tried a few juicy 250 grams burgers which was great and tasteful. Then we ended up playing pool for about 3 hours with big and tasteful drinks. Drop by with you and your friends to either watch a game, eat great food, play pool or just sit at the bar and drink cheap and great alkohol.
