3 Best Restaurants in Costa del Sol and Costa de Almeria, Spain

Just under the Don Pepe Hotel and right on the promenade, this is the perfect spot for some refreshment before or after a long stroll along the seafront. Done in navy and white with wicker chairs, this outdoor café-restaurant has a fitting nautical theme, and if the temperature drops, blankets and gas heaters are at the ready. Meals are available all day, starting with a range of breakfast options and continuing with brunch-style dishes such as Caesar salad with king prawns and omelets, or something a little more filling like minute steak. Drinks are on the expensive side, but the ocean view is well worth it.

Down the road from the tourist office, this ordinary-looking restaurant serves excellent and abundant Spanish cooking for some of the best prices in the area. Inside, traditional wine barrels share space with modern leather stools, pine furniture, and a flat-screen television, and there's also a pleasant outside terrace. Open all day from early to late, the mesón serves breakfast, snacks, tapas, lunch, and dinner—it's often bustling and more than a little loud. Specialties include pulpo a la brasa (grilled octopus), berenjenas fritas (fried eggplant), and pío antequerano (cod, orange, and olive salad). The service is friendly, although it can be slow when the restaurant's busy. Portions are large, so they're best for sharing. Finish off with a liqueur or something from the impressive gin list.

A bright and airy tapas bar offering traditional Spanish staples—croquettes and patatas bravas—as well more modern takes on quick bites. Try the pulled-pork bao with peanuts and honey or the torta de boquerones y anchoas (anchovy toast). There's also a good selection of salads, bagels, and sandwiches plus an innovative selection of desserts.