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

FIRMVM

$$$$ Fodor's choice

One of the eastern Costa del Sol’s foodie treats sits in a pleasant central square with its signature ruby-red feature wall. Chef Sergio González combines the best of local produce with more exotic touches to perfection: the venison comes with chestnuts and Pecorino; and duck, local mango, and shrimp go into the gyozas. Red tuna takes center stage on the seasonal menu, where you’ll also find fresh fish, grilled meats, and a short list of vegan choices. There’s also a good-value tasting menu and an extensive list of tapas that are a gourmet world apart from the rest of the bars in town and on a par with the best in Andalusia.

Oliva

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Mediterranean cuisine based on fresh, local produce takes center stage at this restaurant, which has both a minimalist, intimate dining room and a pleasant terrace that's heated in winter. Highlights on the seasonal menu (it changes four times a year) include local fresh produce including fish. Service is excellent, and there's a good-value tasting menu (€52 for seven courses) and an extensive wine list.

Messina

$$$$

Between the casco antiguo and the seafront, this innovative restaurant has an unpromising plain exterior, but forge ahead: the interior's chocolate browns and deep reds make for cozy surroundings for a quiet dinner from chef Mauricio Giovanni, who renewed his Michelin star in 2023. The menu has an international slant, with more than a sprinkling of Spanish cuisine in its unusual fusion dishes. Try the three-way cauliflower (creamed, confit, and roasted) or the lobster legs with Tom Kha kai cream. Finish off with cherry pie. Two different tasting menus are also available.

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