Hotel Tugasa Castillo de Castellar

This village in the heart of the Serranía de Ronda could be described as the archetypal picture-postcard “pueblo blanco” given its setting nestling between mountains and its swathe of whitewashed houses. Run by a Dutch couple (Hellen Blott and Barry Smit, the latter in the kitchen), the restaurant is a vision of perfection with its rustic ambience providing a backdrop for international cuisine that has taken a much more traditional twist (such as in the smoked ajoblanco with Payoyo cheese, olives and anchovies), but always based around the very best local and seasonal products (chestnuts, cher

Found inside the luxurious Fairmont La Hacienda Costa del Sol hotel, which like this restaurant exudes glamour and enjoys marvellous views of the Mediterranean. The proposal, supervised by award-winning chef Benito Gómez (Bardal, with two MICHELIN stars), is that of a market cuisine with touches of creativity, always based on truly select products. They only offer à la carte service (of what we have tried, we have loved the Espardeñas and their spectacular Coquelet, confit and roasted in a fricassee of mushrooms and summer truffle).

Fancy a visit to a typical 'white village'? Casares, in the province of Malaga, is a great option and this restaurant, located at the top of a hill, boasts wonderful terraces, with the best views to contemplate while you enjoy good traditional cuisine. The brothers at the helm, Juan Diego and Miguel, have updated the charming family home to offer a menu that is varied but not lacking identity, as the focus here is clearly on grilled meats (especially young Malaga goat, although they also have a variety of matured cuts). Ask for the daily specials!

A gastro-bar with a pleasant and informal ambiance enhanced by the décor of unusual recycled objects and furniture from the world of fashion, art and surfing that tell us a little about the chef's other interests. Here they concentrate on fusion cuisine, with à la carte service only, combining the flavours of Asia and Latin America, usually based around local produce. Looking for recommendations? Try the Vietnamese-style fried shrimp omelette, accompanied by sweet and sour red peppers, or their original chickpea socarrat with scarlet shrimp tartare and aioli.

A great temple of gastronomy; and is it any wonder? Almost everything here revolves around the majestic red almadraba tuna! It has a magnificent tapas bar and an elegant indoor dining room, where you can choose between the à la carte service (with tasty stews, rice dishes and fish by weight) and a great tasting menu, called El Susurro de los Atunes, which allows you to try the different parts or cuts of the iconic tuna. It also boasts a superb outdoor terrace!

An intimate and unique restaurant, it takes its name from the nearby walls of Vejer, a beautiful ‘white village’ that was declared a Historic-Artistic Site in 1976. Chef Paco Doncel, from Vejer, after working in major restaurants, returned to his homeland to lead his own project in a place with a regional feel and casual atmosphere. Recommendations? We really liked his Judías pochas con almejas (beans with clams) and, off the menu, the Tortilla de tagarninas locales (local Spanish oyster thistle omelette). Given the seating capacity... we advise you to book!

Found in the northwest of Vejer, in the rural hamlet known as Pago de Santa Lucía, captivating with its charming terrace design, surprisingly well-integrated into nature and with a glassed-fronted kitchen. Here the grilled meats are the undisputed protagonists, with a good display and fantastic pieces of beef (Retinta de La Janda, Avileña, Rubia gallega, Frisona, Pularda leonesa...) catalogued by age, although there are also interesting pork and lamb options. A unique restaurant to visit as a couple!