Bon Appetit

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• Casa Kiki read more ›
  (7 Calle Cuesta, Fuengirola. )
  Located on a pretty pedestrian side street, it offers tasty tapas and other dishes including Moroccan specialities, like meat and vegetable couscous. Outdoor seating, too.
• Café Central read more ›
  (11 Plaza de la Constitución. Tel. 952 224 972)
  Join the locals and grab a chair on the square at this traditional bar and restaurant, famed for its superb tapas and convivial atmosphere.
• La Toscaza read more ›
  (54 Avenida Reyes Católicos, Alhaurín de la Torre. Tel. 952 175 909)
  An Italian-owned upper-crust pizza and pasta restaurant with excellent pasta sauces and authentic Neapolitan-style thin pizzas with fresh toppings, plus a to-die-for tiramasu.
• Vendimia read more ›
  (12 Calle Manuel Tellez Laguna, Cómares. Tel. 616 732 480)
  Head for the whitewashed mountaintop village of Cómares (40 minutes from Malaga) to check out this superb British-run restaurant. The Sunday roast and sticky toffee pud are tops.
• Beirut read more ›
  (11 Calle Antonio Navajas Ruiz, Torremolinos. Tel. 952 052 357)
  This excellent Lebanese restaurant near Playamar Beach serves traditional Middle Eastern fare, like hummus, falafals and shwarma.
• The Banana Tree Restaurant read more ›
  (Edificio Imperator, Paseo Maritimo, Marbella. Tel. 952 824 852)
  This bar/restaurant has a choice location on the seafront and a menu that will please the fussiest of families, with everything from curry to burgers, plus salads, Spanish dishes and home-made desserts.

• Skina read more ›
  (12 Calle Aduar, Marbella. Tel. 952 276 527)
  In the cobbled heart of the Old Town, this charming restaurant prides itself on a truly innovative menu. Push the boat out with a fish dish like grilled sole with fresh lime and ginger.
• Aroma read more ›
  (Fuengirola. Tel. 952 665 502)
  A classy restaurant in the heart of Fuengirola's restaurant scene. The menu includes innovative choices like ostrich steaks and smoked fish sushi, as well as more conventional dishes like lamb chops. There's also live jazz on Friday.
• Ocho read more ›
  (12 Calle Moncaya, Fuengirola. Tel. 95 288 0923)
  British owner Mark has worked with Gordon Ramsay, so you can expect a classy, innovative menu coupled with chic, contemporary décor. Dishes include salmon with Oriental vegetables and noodles, and risotto with fresh peas and asparagus.
• Vino Mio read more ›
  (11 Calle Alamos Málaga. Tel. 952 609 093)
  This contemporary-chic restaurant has a diverse menu, including dishes like cocodrilo Dundee (crocodile steaks with red pepper chutney, potatoes and seasonable vegetables).
• The Orange Tree read more ›
  (1 Plaza General Chinchilla, Marbella. Tel. 952 924 613)
  Right in the heart of Old Town-in one of Marbella's most emblematic and beautiful plazas-this reliable place caters unabashedly to tourists with a menu that includes such diverse dishes as teriyaki salmon, paella and good ol' steak and chips.
• La Alcazaba read more ›
  (Plaza de la Constitucion, Mijas. Tel. 952 590 253)
  Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the coast while dining on specialities like rib-eye steak, leg of lamb and (for the veggies), a wide range of salads, including Greek with feta and olives.

• Restaurante del Escudero read more ›
  (Paseo de Blas Infante, Ronda. Tel. 952 871 367)
  Across the road from the more celebrated Tragabuches, this elegant, modern place serves reliably good meat, fowl and fish dishes, including stewed partridge, a speciality here in the hills. Set in attractive gardens near the bullring.
• Jacqui-Cotobro read more ›
  (Edificio Río, Playa Cotobro, Almuñecar. Tel. 958 631 802)
  One of the top French restaurants on the Costa, east of Nerja. Push the boat out with the menu degustación which may well include that all-time classic: duck (canard) in orange sauce.
• Los Frutos read more ›
  (235 Carretera Cadiz, Los Alamos. Tel. 952 622 2562)
  Brimming with old-fashioned elegance and primarily frequented by Spaniards with slicked-back hair and briefcases. Traditional dishes made to order include the suckling pig and grilled meats.
• Roca Tranquila read more ›
  (8 Calle La Tórtola , Urbanización Torreblanca del Sol, Fuengirola. Tel. 952 196 067)
  Enjoy stunning panoramic views while sampling tasty contemporary Mediterranean cuisine such as pan-fried monkfish with polenta, fennel and lobster. The dining room is understated elegance with lashings of white linen and decorative terracotta pots.
• Los Frutos read more ›
  (235 Carretera Cadiz, Los Alamos. Tel. 952 622 2562)
  Reeks of old fashioned elegance and primarily frequented by Spaniards with slicked-back hair. Dishes made to order include the suckling pig and grilled meats.
• Oglivy and Mailer read more ›
  (Los Naranjos Country Club, Nueva Andalucia, Marbella. Tel. 952 815 398)
  Specialising in modern European cuisine for a cosmopolitan crowd, this sophisticated restaurant is locally renowned and (if it's warm enough) has a glorious garden terrace for alfresco dining.

• Restaurante Airén read more ›
  (Autovía de Benalmádena, Salida 217, Reserva del Higuerón. Tel. 952 565 884)
  Owned by the same people as the Michelin-starred Café de Paris in Malaga, Airén has swoonsome views from its top floor location beside the complex's spa and lake-sized pool. Dishes are suitably stylish.
• Marbella Club Grill read more ›
  (Marbella Club Hotel, Carratera Cadiz. Tel. 952 822 211)
  Spoil yourself in sumptuous surroundings at this local landmark. Cuisine-wise you can expect a good grilling - meat is the speciality. Bookings are essential.
• Med read more ›
  (12 Las Mercedes, Torremolinos. Tel. 952 058 830)
  Tucked around the corner from the tourist pedestrian highway of Calle San Miguel, a lift whisks you up to a luxurious dining room with seamless sea views. The menu includes fish and meat dishes like braised veal with mushrooms, creamed potatoes and vegetable tempura.
• Café de Paris read more ›
  (8 Calle Vélez Malaga. Tel. 95 222 5043)
  One of Malaga's time-tested top restaurants, the cuisine has a city-slick sophistication while the cosy red-and-mahogany interior is ideal for a romantic dinner. Try the solomillo de buey Café de Paris (beef fillet with herb-butter sauce).
• Marbella Club Grill read more ›
  (Marbella Club Hotel, Carratera Cadiz. Tel. 952 822 211)
  Spoil yourself in swish and stylish surroundings at this Marbella landmark. Cuisinewise you can expect a good grilling-meat is the speciality. Booking is essential
• Tai Pai read more ›
  (Hotel Puente Romano, Carretera de Cadiz 117km, Marbella. Tel. 952 777 893)
  Perfectly spiced Chinese cuisine in a drop-dead romantic setting with views over the restaurant garden and beautifully lit pool. Prepare to be dazzled.

After Dark

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• La Vidriera read more ›
  (2 Marqués de Guadiaro, Malaga. Tel. 952 228 943)
  Pull your own pint from a tap that is fitted to every table at this popular bar with its buzzy student atmosphere. Tapas and raciones also available.
• Toucans Pub read more ›
  (Calle Oviedo, Fuengirola. )
  Expect a cosy atmosphere and warm a welcome at this pub between the seafront and commercial shops. There's a weekly quiz, too.
• El Pimpi read more ›
  (62 Calle Granada, Malaga. Tel. 952 228 990)
  This 200-year-old former convent with its warren of atmospheric rooms makes a fabulous setting for one of the city's best-looking and best-loved bars. Check out local boy Antonio Banderas' signature on a barrel.
• Café de Flores read more ›
  (Calle Madre de Dios. Tel. 952 608 524)
  Evocative turn-of-the-century townhouse across from Teatro Cervantes with beams, edgy artworks and tasty tapas. Head here for an apéritif before catching a show.
• El Harem read more ›
  (3 Calle Andres Perez, Malaga. )
  A laid-back Moroccan-style tetería (tearoom) serving teas, juices, pastries and cocktails, with occasional live theatre and music.
• La Cervezateca read more ›
  (22 Calle Casablanca, Torremolinos. )
  Hidden away in a pretty whitewashed pueblo blanco area of town, this is the place for beer aficionados, with a choice that ranges from fashionable Leffe to Polish Wojak.

• Old Joys read more ›
  (Muelle Ribera, Puerto Bánus. Tel. 95 281 4283)
  The atmosphere is intimate, the drinks are affordable and the live music is varied enough to suit most tastes.
• Palacio de la Paz read more ›
  (Avenida Jesús Santo Rein, Fuengirola. Tel. 952 589 349)
  Located in the Fuengirola Recinto Ferial (Fairground), there are live concerts throughout the summer months, ranging from classical to rock.
• Jardin read more ›
  (1 Calle Canón. Tel. 952 220 419)
  Situated in a heady spot overlooking the cathedral, this sumptuous and elegant café has live flamenco and tango music (plus dancing) on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Irish Harp Bar read more ›
  (21 Calle Carabeo, Nerja. Tel. 952 522 546)
  A great pubby atmosphere for homesick Brits where you can enjoy a pint of real ale while tapping your foot to live music on Monday, Thursday and Saturday evenings, ranging from folk to jazz.
• Tabloa Ana Maria read more ›
  (4-5 Plaza Santo Cristo, Marbella. Tel. 952 775 646)
  A quality flamenco show with plenty of foot-stomping by veteran flamenco dancer Ana Maria. Admission includes a drink and booking is essential.
• Sals Paradise read more ›
  (Parque Doña Sofia, Fuengirola. )
  The venue for live jazz, blues, rock and funk with a regular jam sessions (plus karaoke).

• Bunny's Nightclub & Cabaret read more ›
  (Edificio Iris, Avenida Gamonal, Benalmádena Costa. )
  A rude and naughty drag show that packs 'em in and gets predictably raucous. Good fun (but not for prudes). Get here early on a Saturday night as this is one of the more popular hen night venues on the coast.
• Bar Blanco y Negro read more ›
  (35 Calle Pintada, Nerja. )
  A something-for-everyone kind of bar with live music nights, disco, jazz and blues and nightly karaoke for those who simply must burst into song.
• Ambar read more ›
  (Plaza Central, Puerto Bánus. Tel. 95 281 1306)
  A night-and-day kind of place with cocktails, DJ nights, go-go girls and live music. Attracts a buzzy, young international crowd.
• Tibu read more ›
  (Central Square, Puerto Bánus, Marbella. Tel. 605 069 941)
  The place to see and be seen in the port. A moodily-lit nightclub, thumping music and a swanky outside terrace for cooling off in style.
• Arte read more ›
  (5 Convalecientes, Malaga. )
  This glitzy megaclub opens at 10pm with an eclectic mix of music and theme nights.
• Casanova read more ›
  (5 Calle Luis de Velazquez, Malaga. )
  One of the most stylish clubs in which to strut your stuff, with a laser-lashed dance floor, theme nights (like glamour and salsa) and a great central location.

This month...

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Tips

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