The best of Andalusian cuisine in Benalmádena, Málaga

A recent visit to Costa del Sol in the province of Málaga, Spain was an opportunity for Spaswinefood to sample some Andalusian cuisine. Using Benalmádena, Costa del Sol as our base we explored Málaga Wine Country, with day trips to Marbella, Puerto Benús, Mijas and Ronda. While in Málaga we also decided to check out Andalusian cuisine. Restaurante La Cala and Restaurante "Los Remos" Lazaro are Spaswinefood's top picks of Benalmádena restaurants serving Andalusian cuisine.

Restaurante La Cala

When we arrived at our Costa del Sol beach side resort we quickly searched for a nearby restaurant for lunch. We were lucky to have discovered Restaurante La Cala nearby. It was purely accidental that we discovered La Cala.

#Winelover dining at Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

Restaurante La Cala is located at beach side overlooking the ocean.

Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

View from our dining table at Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

We started lunch that day with a cheese plate and wine. The wine was a Rioja Marqués del Puerto Crianza 2008, Rioja DOCa (for reviews see wine-searcher, Vivino and vinopedia).

 Rioja Marqués del Puerto Crianza 2008, Rioja DOCa Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

Cheese Plate, Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

For lunch I ordered a popular Andalusian soup, Gazpacho and a vegetable dish.

Gazpacho, Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

Fried Vegetables, Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

John had Pulpo a la Gallega, an octopus dish.

Pulpo a la Gallega, Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

We shared Chocolate Mousse for dessert.

Chocolate Mousse, Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

At the end of the meal our server brought us a complimentary drink.

Complimentary drinks, Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

At Restaurante La Cala we got a great introduction to Andalusian cuisine.

Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

Restaurante La Cala is know for its seafood dishes. Fish baked over charcoal is popular at this restaurant and throughout the region.

BBQ area at Restaurante La Cala © Spaswinefood

We loved our dining experience at Restaurante La Cala and we were not surprised to discover that the restaurant gets great reviews. You can check the latest reviews of Restaurante La Cala at MyTable and   Tripadvisor.

Restaurante "Los Remos" Lazaro

Another restaurant with Andalusian cuisine, which became a favorite of ours was Los Remos Lazaro. In fact during our short stay we dined there twice for lunch.

Restaurante Los Remos Lazaro is located on the beach © Spaswinefood

Restaurante "Los Remos" Lazaro at beach side © Spaswinefood

Restaurante "Los Remos" Lazaro at beach side © Spaswinefood

When we visited they were offering a barbecued fish special.

BBQ area at beach side, "Los Remos" Lazaro  © Spaswinefood

Getting for a fish BBQ, "Los Remos" Lazaro  © Spaswinefood

Fish being Barbecued, "Los Remos" Lazaro  © Spaswinefood

From the menu we sampled a number of salads. The salads included Ensalada Mixta (Mixed Salad), Salad and Roasted Pepper Salad (Ensalada de Pimento Asados).

Ensalada Mixta, "Los Remos" Lazaro  © Spaswinefood

Ensalada, "Los Remos" Lazaro  © Spaswinefood

Ensalada de Pimentos Asados, "Los Remos" Lazaro  © Spaswinefood

Of course I tried Tortilla Española, or Tortilla de Patatas, as it was listed on the menu.

Tortilla de Patatas, "Los Remos" Lazaro  © Spaswinefood

During our lunch time visits we sampled a variety of desserts, with Flan being our favorite.

Dessert, "Los Remos" Lazaro  © Spaswinefood

Dessert, "Los Remos" Lazaro  © Spaswinefood

Flan, "Los Remos" Lazaro  © Spaswinefood

We enjoyed our lunches at "Los Remos" Lazaro. You can check the latest reviews of "Los Remos" Lazaro at Tripadvisor.

If you are looking for Spanish food typical of Andalusian cuisine put La Cala and "Los Remos" Lazaro at the top of your list. Another plus is that both La Cala and "Los Remos" Lazaro restaurants are located at beach side. This creates a perfect setting for a dining experience. For further information on restaurants in the area check out the best of Benalmádena restaurants. See also the best Malaga City restaurants at Tripadvisor. For information on the wines in Málaga Wine Country Spanish Wines  describes the history of wine in this region. Málaga and Sierras de Málaga are two Spanish Denominaciones de Origen (DO) in the province of Málaga, Spain. Spring time is without doubt the perfect time to explore the province of Málaga. The weather is pleasant and it is prior to the start of the tourist season.  I invite you to join me in my travels in Málaga, Spain and elsewhere in search of the best in Spaswinefood. You may also visit my travel column at the Examiner. 

Sharon

April 2013

Málaga, Spain

© Spaswinefood

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