There are a lot of restaurants in Nerja, and the hard part is knowing where to start. This is our personal shortlist, grouped by occasion: a special dinner, easy evenings with the family, fresh fish and seafood, and casual nights out. For each place we say why we like it and what we would order.
Our choice when we want something more refined. Oliva has a Mediterranean soul and sits on Plaza de España, and it has been recognised in the Michelin Guide. At the time of writing it opened for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Sunday, but check current hours and book ahead.
In Nerja itself, with dishes by chef Sergio Paloma. The cooking is Mediterranean and beautifully presented, which makes it a good pick for an anniversary or a last-night dinner.
Our trendy sharing favourite. The menu is small but the wine list is great, and we like ordering several dishes to share tapas-style. It is best for couples or friends who enjoy wine and smaller plates. We cover it in more detail in our guide to wine bars in Nerja.
The terrace sits beside a large square, which is very handy with children. Our favourites are the baked aubergine with Parmesan, the truffle pizza and the pasta of the day. Ask about lobster pasta, if it is available.
Our Sunday guilty pleasure. It is not fancy, and that is exactly the point. Tucked away on a pretty square full of locals, it is a favourite for families and friends. We like the house burger, the Caesar salad and the fish skewer.
Burgers, tapas and a good atmosphere. We love the beef burgers, and we think they make one of the best gambas pil pil in town. The pork brioche is another favourite. If you are a larger group or family, book ahead.
An easy Italian for a snack, a drink or a full meal. It is about a 30-minute walk from our house along the beach, which we love in spring and autumn. In summer, take a taxi home, as the way back is uphill.
A Nerja classic and a must for fish and seafood lovers. It can be busy in high season, but do not let that put you off. The setting is simple, the atmosphere very Spanish and the food good.
One of our favourite choices for a summer evening. The sea view, friendly service and relaxed feel make it special. Our must-order is the gambas pil pil, and they are also known for paella.
A fish shop that also cooks lunch on the premises, with only a few tables and a real focus on very fresh fish. We enjoyed grilled mini cuttlefish, sardines and vongole with a chilled white wine. It is busy and mostly local, which tells you something.
A casual Italian worth visiting for the food itself. Try the seafood pasta, the anchovy and salmon pizza, the chef's salad or the hot-stone meat. Takeaway is available, which is handy for a night on the terrace.
Thai and Indonesian cooking. Our favourite is the Indonesian rijsttafel, lots of small dishes served together with rice. At the time of writing it was closed on Tuesdays.
Want to eat with your toes in the sand? See our guide to beach restaurants and chiringuitos near Nerja. For planning a whole night out, our perfect evening in Nerja pulls it together.
Casa Joya is in Ladera del Mar, just outside the centre of Nerja, about a 35-minute walk along the beach into town. Many evenings we walk in, have dinner and take a taxi back up the hill. Other nights we pick up takeaway and eat on the terrace with the sea in front of us. Have a look at our holiday home in Nerja if you would like both options on your doorstep.
For popular places in high season, and for larger groups, booking ahead is wise. Botonic recommends booking for bigger families, and a special dinner at Restaurante Oliva is worth reserving.
El Pulguilla is a Nerja classic for fish and seafood, Mesonera de Nerja is known for gambas pil pil and paella with a sea view, and Pescadería El Artesano cooks very fresh fish at lunchtime.
Naturale Pizza Bar has a terrace beside a large square that works well with children, and Joanny Bar is a relaxed favourite with families. Botonic is good too, but book ahead for larger groups.