Our recommendations - as voted by you

Your favourites as voted by you. Our 2021 hall of fame.

Forget the 5 start rating system, for 2021 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, value for money....and much more!

All our award winners, and more, are featured in the Costa del Sol's fabulous directory of everything!

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 always serves up a smile whatever is going on. Start the day the Spanish way with churros and coffee, or why not a coffee and a local brandy, and watch the world go by. We really love this place, you can pop in for a coffee, or have a lunchtime snack. This is a very popular spot and you will soon find out why...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 if 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 on Av. de Rota, Torrenueva, 29649

Tel 633 905 635

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)

Fancy something a little different?

How about trying something new? Something you have always wanted to try? Never had the time?

Now there is a Scuba Diving School right here on the Costa del Sol, whats more they offer tailored training and provide an individual service. Fully qualified staff will have you exploring some of the coast's hidden treasures....

You will find the school on the El Chaparral slip road (Ctra. Cádiz Variante)

Contact Diving With Nic on +34 634 253 924 or click here to go straight to their website.

Have fun! Oh yes, and we think this really is Absolutely Fabulous!!

Scandals, Calahonda

There is no scandal about it, except you all say what a great time you have there and the prices are really keen! Great food, ice cold drinks and a great crowd. You love the location - it really feels tropical - it really is. We love it too, you can find Scandals in Calahonda on the 'strip'.

Av de España, 22, 29649 Calahonda.

Tel: 951 569 127

El Patito, Paseo Maritimo, Torremolinos

Slap bang right in front of the sea! Fabulous view in more ways than one.... one of our real 'to die for' favourites, and you seem you like it too!

You can do it the Danish way if you want, or any style - its a gastro bar.

We LOVE the deckchairs with the comfy cushions, and of course you will get a visit from one of the local cats...

Find El Patito on the Paseo Maritimo just where it bends around the cat's cliff

Tel: 951 114 742

Cornish Bakehouse & Bar, Fuengirola

A real taste of Cornwall right here on the Costa del Sol - hard to believe, well go and try for yourself. That's what you have been telling us and of course it is absolutely true. Another winner of our coveted, highly sought after, priceless, and even harder to win Absolutely Fabulous Award 2020!!

Not just your traditional Cornish Pasty either...no you will discover some bohemian treats, some amazing combinations, and some taste explosions. Don't hang around, get down there and experience something really lovely.

Find this Cornish conundrum on the Paseo Maritimo in Fuengirola. It is close to the top end, the Castle end. Paseo Marítimo Rey de España, 6D, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga.

Tel: 951 485 623

Boxer Store Torremolinos

The specialist men's clothing store in Torremolinos. If you are looking for something amazing for the beach, or something for a great club night out then this is your place. Everyone tells us how friendly the staff are and we have to agree.

You will find Boxer on Calle Danza Invisible, 7 (yes it does translate as invisible dance street!) in the heart of Torremolinos.

Tel: 952 40 93 41

The Salon La Cala

People are always asking us for a recommendation when it comes to hair, nails, or just about anything that helps make you look and feel good. Well you have been telling us about The Salon in La Cala de Mijas. Calle Torreón is parallel to the sea just along from the tower in La Cala and offers a wide range of treatments including; facials, spa pedicure, minicure, waxing, nails, and of course hairdressing for men and women.

Pop along and let them make you look Absolutley Fabulous!

Find The Salon at Calle Torreón number 10.

Tel: 665 11 32 60

Casa Barella

You've been raving about this gem, tucked away with it's own orange tree, along one of La Cala's most delightful little streets. The moment you set foot inside the courtyard you are magically surrounded with happiness and of course orange scent. Its bohemian, its calming, its exciting - what more can we say other than it is Absolutely Fabulous.

You've told us about the Sunday roasts, but we just love to sit there with a drink and while away the hours. Its the perfect spot to watch people come and go from the beach too. Once you visit you will find it hard to leave.

Casa Barella is on Calle Torremolinos at number 30 - just look for the orange tree!

Tel: 643 47 80 46

Mike & Julie - at Steve's Bar

Steve's bar has long been a favourite among locals and visitors, and Steve got an award a couple of years ago. The coast lost Steve but his bar lives on with Mike and Julie now running the show. Although the season was short this year some of you found the new look Steve's Bar and wrote to tell us about the cocktails and the new menu.

The courtyard at the back has been transformed into a little oasis and we absolutely love it!

Go and try the menu and a cocktail (or a beer!) Steve's bar is where it has always been:

Av. de Rota (Torrenueva) just before Riviera.

Tel: 677 24 32 83

Roberto's Grill & Sports Bar

This without doubt a great sports bar with some lively in-house competitions taking place around the Pool table! However besides all that great fun you have been raving about the breakfasts. So in true undercover style we checked this out and agree the breakfasts are fabulous. In fact Roberto has created a friendly environment that we can only possibly describe as Absolutely Fabulous!

Our congratulations.

Pop along and enjoy Roberto's hospitality, you will find his bar on Calle Mérida de Jarales, close to the Calahonda Mercadona.

Tel 626 78 66 51