Our recommendations

Here are a few of our firm favourites. If we've listed somewhere here then its well worth a visit.

Forget the 5 start rating system, for 2020 we have combined feedback from our visitors with our own special scoring system and there is just one category - Absolutley Fabulous! Look out for this sign -it is our guarantee of great service and value for money....

Boomerang Bar - Calle Casablanca, Torremolinos

Boomerang is the ideal place to start the evening, end the evening, or just spend the whole night there! You'll find it very hard to find a friendlier bar in Torremolios and its slap bang in the middle of the Pueblo Blanco. Gill and the team will always make you feel at home.

Voted best bar by BonaSOL visitors three years in a row.

Open 7pm to late every night except Wednesdays.

Churreria Santa Fe

Pedro serves probably the best churros on the coast! Sart the day the Spanish way with churros and coffee, and watch the world go by. We really love this place, you can pop in for a coffee, or have a lunchtime snack. A glass of beer or wine and you can while away the day watching the comings and goings along the Av. de los Boliches!

Av. de los Boliches, 78.

Tel 681 654 952

Andy's Beach Bar, Cabopino

Andy's is well known establishment here on the coast, what many people don't know however is that is roots go back to the BBC soap Eldorado. If you were a fan you might know that all the beach and marina scenes were actually filmed at Cabopino. The original beach bar was to be a TV set, but the local authorities insisted it was a working bar and Andy's is the result. Now extended with all the TV paraphernalia removed its a great place to have a drink or a snack. Live music is often to be heard especially during the season.

Find Andy's by walking towards the beach from the main car park and follow the smell of sizzling sardines..

The Family Restaurant and Bar, Sitio de Calahonda

As the name suggests, this is a family run restaurant and bar. The food is exquisite and if you like fish you are in for a treat! The staff are very attentive and you can choose to sit upstairs where you can enjoy a view over the sea. We really thoroughly recommend this restaurant.

You will find it in the hills on Calle Don Jose de Orbaneja, just past the taxi rank and the famous 'dog park'

Opens 5pm to midnight

Tel 952 932 847

Roxy's Bistro, Elviria

Whilst Elviria has lots to offer, head around the old town (yes there is one) towards the town hall and then turn as if you are joining the A7 and you will discover a taste of real French cuisine slap bang in the middle of Elviria. We love this place - try their Croque Monsieur and you will instantly be transported somewhere French and tres chic! They open all day weekdays and its the perfect place for a spot of lunch, a drink, or just a coffee and a catch-up. They even have Leffe beer!!

Urb. Pueblo Los Arcos, 4. Elviria

Tel 678 643 790

Restaurant Valpariso, Mijas

The 'Valp' is one of our old favourites! Its a bit like stepping back in time - to a time where service was not rushed, where you can order anything - the menu is just a guide, and where you can relax and enjoy yourself all night long. Raffaele and Vittorio will make it their job to ensure you have an amazing time.

Its high prise but they deserve it. Dress to impress, and dance and dine under the stars on their terrace. Make it an occasion...

Check their website for special events

Valpariso

Find the valp at Km14 on the Mijas-Fuengirola road.

Tel 952 485 975

Utopia, La Cala de Mijas

We discovered Utopia this year. Yes it is in La Cala, but its an oasis in many ways. Local cuisine with a mix of International and Mediterranean. Discover the 'secret garden' and enjoy a long cool drink. Its La Cala, but not as you would expect!

Calle Fuengirola, La Cala de Mijas

Tel 604 347 578

The Times Bar & Grill, La Cala de Mijas

The Times Bar is a firm fixture in La Cala but not for the reasons you might think. Yes, it a great bar and they serve up some delicious food, but what you won't know is just how much these guys do for the local community - they don't make a fuss about it, but we do. They provide support to many people, we'd like to support them!

Find them on the corner of Calle Catama in La Calle.

Tel 952 494 448

Snack Attack, La Cala de Mijas (On the sunny side of the street)

You can't miss Snack Attack, its always busy. Saying that you will always find a table. Its the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or just a beer. And they really are on the sunny side of the street, the staff will try and make you smile whatever is going on.

Good food, and good for the soul too!

Find them in Urb Jardin Botanico kind of opposite the BP garage and Sunshine Golf.

Open from breakfast to 5pm

The Big Fish, Jardin Botanico, La Cala de Mijas

Old fashioned fish and chips served up with a view of the Med - or you can take away of you prefer. Probably some of the best fish and chips on the coast and always served up with a smile. Open from 6pm.

Tel 952 004 951

Café Bar La Gamba

Recently voted outstanding and building a reputation for authentic Spanish cuisine in an informal setting. You must find time to pop in for something tasty. We think this is a treasure waiting to be be discovered...go on dive in! Voted Christmas Champion 2019

You will find La Gamba within the Cepsa service station precint at Calypso on the A7 at KM198 just before Calahonda if you are heading in the Marbella direction.

Tel 633 905 635

Smartrepair.es

Few of us take a break or a holiday without bringing along our smartphone or tablet. We might pretend we don't really need it, but these days it is a camera, a diary, a phone, and office in our pocket. So if you drop it or take it for a swim and it stops working don't despair!

Smartrepair.es is a one-stop shop from simple to more complicated repairs. They diagnose and fix on the spot and are thoroughly recommended.

You will find them inside the Nordic Centre (Centro Nordico) which is on the Mijas road just past Aldi in Fuengirola.

Tel 622 720 400

www.smartrepair.es Closed on Sundays

Restaurant Miguel y Maria da Sergio

Tucked away on the beach at Costabella this little gem is worth seeking out. Specialising in Spanish and Italian delights you will find it hard to leave. They have a 'formal' setting as well as al fresco dining on the beach - we love it there.

You will find them on the beach at Urb Andasol, Playa Costabella, Marbella.

Open from 10am until late

Tel: 952 831 012

Bar Tuta

You will always find a warm welcome here and sometimes something a little different - yes watch out for the unique performances that sometimes liven up the evening, you won't want to leave!

Always a great place for a drink to wind the day down. One of our favourites.

Urb Jardin Botanico, 26

Tel 952 493 011

Streets of London

Always a firm favourite with locals and visitors, 'Streets' is a very popular Gatropub perched high with a great view over the med. There is a very handy pedestrian bridge that takes you over the road straight onto the beach (or the other way round!)

You raved about the breakfasts and also the Sunday roasts - stay long enough and you might end up part of the karoke!

Urb. Los Claveles. Or A7 Km202 right near the bridge.

Tel 952 599 315

Sports Lounge, Playa Marina

With veiws that can take your breath away and a fabulous breakfast on offer too Playa Marina's Sports Lounge is a great place from early to late. Enjoy some god action on the screen too!

Drop in for a cold drink or two and get a warm welcome from Leslie and Steve.

Find them parallel to the A7 at Playa Marina (near the Blue Cross animal hospital)