Restaurants & Bars in Benahavis Village

Benahavis is a beautiful white village located in the mountains above Marbella and is recognised as one of the reference points for eating in the Malaga Province. Many locals from around Marbella make their way up the mountain road to the so called “Dining Room of the Costa del Sol” for good reason.

Discover the best restaurants in Benahavis Village from this local guide who has spent the last 10 years sampling the local cuisine.

I started at the beginning of the main street and worked my way down, so they are in no particular preference order.

“Menu del dia” (Menu of the day)

“Menu del dia” (Lunch) is often much cheaper (fixed price with different choices). They are usually made up of 3 courses and a drink and is served from 1300 until 1600 Monday to Friday. Benahavis has two “Menu del dia” options, Cafe Central and Las Cañas Viejas in the square.

Rufino Restaurant

This nice restaurant is on a raised section overlooking the main street and is quite popular. They do a good variety of meats and other Spanish food and offer good value for money from quite large portions.

I have tried the Swordfish and Entrecote (steak) which were both very good.

Canela (Pizzeria)

Great authentic Italian large thin crust pizzas from around 12 Euros upwards with friendly staff and cheap beer. They also do Tapas, Paella (you must pre order the day before) salads and some pastas. Look out for their whole chickens at lunchtime too.

Legends

This is the mainly English Sports Bar with lots of TV’s for live Football and other sports. They have a nice outside rear terrace and seating in the main street at the front as well.

Their pub food and Sundays Roasts are very good.

Bodegon Gallery Restaurant 

A nice small restaurant on the main road offering great service and very good Spanish food with a good selection of choice.

I tried their homemade burger (ground beef made to order) with the fries and two sauces (honey mustard and barbecue sauce). I was very nice.

Restaurante Sabor

Sabor provide large portions (for tapas) and are more on the quality side. You might leave sending more but you will have a nice quality meal and good service in a lovely restaurant.

Amanhavis Hotel & Restaurant

The food is also very nice here and the service was also good.

I did go there a few years back though.

Restaurante El Guarda 1926

Located in the square this is another nice restaurant with outside seating and a good Spanish menu with lots of meats.

Amigos

A lovely little restaurant in the pedestrian street with some outside tables and bar seating. Their staff are very friendly and helpful and they specialise in meats. You will need to book a table here generally as it’s quite busy.

I have had their the mixed grill (highly recommended) and their Ribs and they were very good.

Anna’s Pom Pom (Bar)

A little off the square in the pedestrian street below the main street is Anna’s Pom Pom with nice outside seating on the street where you can watch the world go by having a drink. They don’t sell food unfortunately.

She isn’t open so much as before, it’s a little hit and miss for opening days (evenings only).

Bodega de Chico

Opposite Ana Pom Pom’s is the Chicos Bodega (Chico’s wine bar) which is usually pretty busy. They also do a variety of cheap tapas although I haven’t eaten here.

Los Abanicos

This is “the place to be seen” and the most famous restaurant in Benahavis taking up a good portion of the pedestrian street. It’s also one of the nicest upmarket restaurants in the village (The No.1 restaurant on Trip Advisor) with a focus again on meats and outside eating in the summer. You get a free small pate starter and the meals are generally large (certain fish dishes maybe not so large) so I would suggest just sticking to a main course unless you’re very hungry and have a big appetite!

La Escalera De Balthazar

A hidden gem nestled in the charming village of Benahavis offers an exquisite dining experience, combining the rich flavors of traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist.

I haven’t eaten here for a few years and is now under new management.

Tehuelche – (Argentine Steak House)

Tel +34 952 88 37 42 – This restaurant is based on the main road down to the coast from Benahavis 6km from the village but it’s well worth a visit. They have an outside terrace and they also get booked up even during the week sometimes so I would definitely book first especially if you want to sit outside on the terrace in the summer rather than inside the restaurant.

Hills Cafe

You could combine a drink or meal at the hills Cafe and a walk to the top of Montemayor castle – see things to do.

San Pedro Beach (9km)

Kala Kalua

On San Pedro’s main beach I like Kala Kalua (mains around 20 Euros +) which is right on the beach and has lots of fresh seafood, meats and salads (their baby squid is very nice).

Macaao Beach Club

If you’re looking for an upmarket beach restaurant (main courses around 30 Euros) I can recommend Macaao Beach Club as I have eaten there on a number of occasions. Their salads and fish are lovely and fresh (see pictures) and it’s in the Guadalmina Beach area.

Click here for the top 10 restaurants on Tripadvisor.