You have come to the right place if you are looking for those breathtaking views from a rooftop bar or perhaps the ambiance of outdoor dining in terrace restaurants. We will share with you some of our favorite Terrazas de la Costa Tropical. There are many restaurants, chiringuitos, and bars with a terrace or outdoor space. But we’ve created a list of those with something extra special to offer: ambiance, charm, and views. Some of them are our little secret, so don’t tell too many people.
The second week of August is the time for the Almuñécar Feria and Fiestas Virgen de la Antigua (The Fair). It is time for celebrations in honor of the town’s patron saint, Virgen de la Antigua. It’s nearly a week full of food, drinks, music, carnival rides, and a procession. It all ends on August 15th with the biggest night in Almuñécar ‘s list of annual festivals and the most spectacular fireworks display!
If you’ve spent any time living on the Costa Tropical, you’ll already know that breakfast in Spain is usually a simple, no-fuss affair. A typical desayuno often consists of a toasted baguette (tostada) topped with crushed tomato, olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt—sometimes with jamón or cheese. Coffee is essential, whether it’s a café con leche or a strong espresso to start the day.
For something sweet, churros dipped in thick hot chocolate are a popular treat, especially on weekends or during cooler months. In recent years, avocado toast has also made its way onto many menus, particularly in more international or health-conscious cafés.
But while traditional Spanish breakfasts are light and quick, there’s a growing appetite—especially among expats—for something a bit more substantial. Whether you’re craving a full cooked breakfast, perfectly poached eggs, or a leisurely brunch with friends, Almuñécar and La Herradura have an increasing number of spots that go beyond the classic tostada. From various crepes, pancakes, and pastries to hearty breakfasts, egg dishes, and creative brunch masterpieces. There are plenty of places where breakfast becomes an experience rather than just a quick bite.
In this guide, I’ve rounded up some of the best breakfast spots on the Costa Tropical where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy a more filling start to your day. These are the places that deliver on quality, variety, and that little extra something—perfect for lazy mornings, catching up with friends, or treating visiting family to a proper breakfast out.
It doesn’t cover every location in the area, but we highlight several. If you have more to add, contact us.
Prices in Almuñécar and La Herradura usually range from €10 to €20, depending on the restaurant and location.
Brunch – Breakfast Restaurants in Almuñécar
Below are some solid options for enjoying a good breakfast or brunch in Almuñécar. (Menus and prices can change, so think of this as a guide rather than a guarantee.)
🍽️ Lolita Café Brunch
Location: Almuñécar Playa San Cristóbal Right across from the beach, in front of the Ibersol Hotel. There is indoor and outdoor seating, and it is worth the wait. From fresh cakes and cinnamon rolls to egg dishes, fruits, and more. Address: P.º San Cristóbal, 8, bajo 5 18690 Almuñécar
🍽️ D’Brunch
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar Why it’s popular: Tucked in the corner at the end of the beach. Great menu options, quaint atmosphere, with good food and service. Address: P.º de la China 1 18690 Almuñécar
Hotel Helios, lower level
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar Why it stands out: An extravagant Breakfast Buffet, open to the public from 08:00 – 10:30 daily. All you can eat and drink for about 14 euros. This includes all of your food, pastries, cheese, meat, full English, egg chef, cereals, juices, coffee, and sometimes cava. Address: P.º San Cristóbal, 12 18690 Almuñécar,
🍽️ Restaurant Pepe Digame
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar Why it’s popular: Known for its ambiance and ideal location on the beach. good breakfast menu, and popular throughout the year Address: Playa de San Cristobal, P.º de las Flores,
La Herradura also has some excellent breakfast menus!
Lisboa Slow
Location: Paseo Andrés Segovia, 20 La Herradura center Why locals love it: Great coffee, a good selection of brunch items, and indoor/outdoor seating. Address: P.º Andrés Segovia, 20, 18697 La Herradur
Szimple
Location: Paseo Andrés Segovia, 56, Playa La Herradura Why try it: Charming and cozy ambiance with good food and service. Menu Address: P.º Andrés Segovia, 56 18697 La Herradura
Restaurant Hideaway Bar
Location: La Herradura village, hidden behind the Mercado Municipal Why locals love it: Breakfast and comfort food Address: C. Gonzalo Barbero, 22 18697 La Herradura
If you have more great locations to add, please send me the information (including the restaurant name, the location, a photo, and why you like it)
As you meander the streets of La Herradura or stroll along the beach or paseo, eventually you will likely stop for some tapas. We’ll help you find scrumptious tapas in La Herradura. It may just seem like any regular restaurant from the outside, or it may feel more like a beach-side cafe, but either way, they are going to have some Spanish tapas for you! Just sit down and order a drink to let the magic happen of the Spanish lifestyle happen.
If you live on (or are visiting) the Costa Tropical, you’ll quickly hear locals talking about the menú del día. It’s one of Spain’s best-kept everyday pleasures: good food, multiple courses, and excellent value – all enjoyed at a relaxed, local pace. Here is a starter list of restaurantes con menu del dia (restaurants with a menu of the day).
In this guide, I’ll explain exactly what the menú del día is, how it works in Almuñécar and La Herradura, and then spotlight a selection of restaurants where you can enjoy a great lunchtime menu. Whether you’re a resident, long‑term visitor, or just passing through, this list will help you eat well without breaking the bank. It doesn’t cover every location in the area, but we highlight several. If you have more to add, contact us.
What Is a Menú del Día?
The menú del día (menu of the day) is a fixed-price lunchtime menu offered by many Spanish restaurants, typically Monday to Friday. It was originally introduced to ensure workers could enjoy a proper midday meal, and it remains a cornerstone of Spanish food culture.
A typical menú del día includes:
First course (Primer plato) – soup, salad, vegetables, rice, pasta, or legumes
Second course (Segundo plato) – meat or fish, often grilled or stewed
Bread
Drink – usually water, soft drink, beer, or wine
Dessert or coffee
Prices in Almuñécar and La Herradura usually range from €10 to €20, depending on the restaurant and location.
How the Menú del Día Works in Practice
A few things to know before you go:
🕐 Lunchtime only: Most menus are served roughly between 13:30 and 16:00
📅 Weekdays are best: Many places don’t offer a menú del día at weekends or on public holidays, but there may be a couple.
📝 Changes daily: Menus are often handwritten on a board and change every day. While other locations have a permanent set menu.
🐟 Fresh, seasonal food: Dishes usually reflect what’s fresh and local.
💬 Spanish helps: Some menus aren’t translated, but staff are usually happy to explain. Alternatively, Google Lens is a great help, as it can take a photo and translate it.
Menú del Día Restaurants in Almuñécar
Below are some solid options for enjoying a good menú del día in Almuñécar. (Menus and prices can change, so think of this as a guide rather than a guarantee.)
🍽️ Meson Francisco II
Location: Almuñécar Old Town / Near Playa Puerta del Mar, tucked away in the pedestrian area in a little plaza with indoor/outdoor seating C. Alta del Mar, 12, 18690 Almuñécar 958 63 98 42
Why it’s popular:
Known for friendly service, many selections on the menu del dia, and traditional home‑style cooking
A regular menu del dia is posted in front and offered on the weekends as well
Sample dishes might include:
First courses: Shrimp cocktail, berenjenas, soup, mixed salad
Second courses: Grilled pork loin, baked fish, chicken in sauce
Dessert: Flan, fruit, ice cream or coffee
Good to know: Busy after 2 pm – arrive early for a table or call to reserve Friday- Sunday.
🍽️Restaurante El Mirador De La Corregidora Casa de Comidas
Location: Cotobro off of the N340 on the west side of town 82 83 78 73
Why it’s popular:
Known for the amazing views and good food. Fabulous homemade food, they cater well for veggies too.
The menu del dia changes often, so it is always a treat
Sample dishes might include:
First courses: Croquettes, Lentil stew, mixed salad and more
Second courses: Meat, Fish, or Vegetarian
Dessert: Flan, fruit, or coffee
Good to know: Busy after 2 pm – arrive early for a table, or best to make reservations for the terrace.
🍽️ Bodega Francisco I
Location: in the heart of the old town of Almuñécar (Calle Real 7) 958 63 01 68
Why it stands out:
Friendly, traditional, no‑frills atmosphere, with Jamón hanging all around.
They don’t close during siesta
Sample dishes:
Fresh fish or the meat of the day
🍽️ Restaurant Pepe Digame
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
Known for its ambiance and ideal location on the beach. good breakfast menu too, popular all year long
🍽️ Restaurant Sabina
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
Known for great menu del dia choices, good services and food, popular all year long
🍽️ Restaurant La China
Location: Paseo de Cotobro , Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
Known for good food and service. The wife is the chief, and the husband runs the restaurant, with the most exquisite home-cooked food, excellent value and variety. You will definitely want to return time and time once you have eaten here.
🍽️ Restaurant Naandus
Location: Central Almuñécar / Avenida Juan Carlos I / Near the beach
Why it’s popular:
Known for quick service and Indian cuisine, close to the beach.
🍽️ Restaurant China Town II
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
Known for good prices for the menu del dia
🍽️ Restaurant Playa Andalusi
Location: Playa San Cristóbal Almuñécar
Why it’s popular:
Known for food and ambiance, popular all year long. A seaside bar with a terrace serving excellent and generous tapas, as well as more substantial dishes.
🍽️ Restaurante Asiático Sheng Almuñécar (Sheng)
Location: P4 Near the stadium and the Friday market in Almuñécar
Why it stands out:
Asian food choices and a few menus to choose from
They don’t close during siesta
More options that our readers have mentioned:
Plaza Higuitos, Emilio
Bar Higuitos in Almuñécar: fantastic Italian cuisine made with fresh local ingredients, including pizza and homemade pasta.
mar de plata
Menu del dia, Tandoori House in Almunecar. Excellent value.
Menu del Dia at Chiringuito Tropical in Velilla is an amazing deal at €8.
Menú del Día Restaurants in La Herradura
La Herradura also has some excellent lunchtime menus, often with a more relaxed, village feel.
🍽️ Restaurant Pizzería Venezia
Location: P.º Andrés Segovia
Why locals love it:
Their first plate of mushroom pilpil is gorgeous, I’m always spoiled for choice for a second plate, but mainly because their homemade TIRAMISU IS TO DIE FOR!
Homemade desserts are a highlight
🍽️ Restaurant Hideaway Bar
Location: La Herradura village, hidden behind the Mercado Municipal
Why locals love it: Breakfast, menu del dia and comfort food
🍽️ Restaurant Txoko
Location: P.º Andrés Segovia
Why locals love it: good food, quality products, and an atmosphere that makes you feel at home website
What to Expect as a Foreigner or Visitor
If you’re new to Spain, the menú del día might feel surprisingly generous – and slow. That’s normal! Lunch is meant to be enjoyed, not rushed.
Don’t be afraid to:
Ask what dishes are included
Swap dessert for coffee (“¿Puedo tomar café?”)
Sit back and enjoy the rhythm of local life
Ask for the bill
Why the Menú del Día Is Worth Seeking Out
The menú del día is one of the best ways to experience everyday Spanish food culture in Almuñécar and La Herradura. It’s affordable, filling, and often far more authentic than ordering à la carte.
I’ll keep updating this list as I discover new places and menus worth sharing. If you have a favourite menú del día spot in Almuñécar or La Herradura, feel free to let me know. Please tell me why you like it, and send a photo with your permission for me to share it on my site.
It’s time to splash into summer and go swimming in Spain! Why not cool down in the public swimming pools or natural freshwater locations; beautiful lakes, natural pools, reservoirs, and rivers. Keep on reading for more swimming options near you in Almuñécar, in the Costa Tropical, or a little day trip away!
Are you roaming the streets looking for affordable Almuñécar restaurants? Well, you are in luck, because we are going to help you with your search! You asked for it and we are going to tell you just what we think.
Social Media has taken over and some of us can’t live without it. It seems we have an urge to share with the world what a great time we are having or the beautiful place we are located. We’ve scoured Instagram, Twitter, & Facebook to share with you the popular social media spots in Almuñécar & La Herradura. Some are beautiful scenery, while others are a little quirky or fun. Don’t worry if you don’t know where they are located, we share a map with you too! How many locations can you visit and share a photo on social media?
While we aren’t aware of any dedicated vegetarian restaurants in La Herradura, there are many who are vegetarian friendly. If they don’t specifically have something on the menu, be sure to ask to alter their menu items. For example, even when you order a salad, you need to be careful, as many come with ham or tuna. Just specify when you order, as all of the La Herradura restaurants are very friendly.
We know we aren’t supposed to play favorites, but we can’t help it! This is an amazing place to live and we have our favorites in Almuñécar. These are places we feel have the best customer service, food, or care about their clients. They also provide products we would tell our friends use.