Frigiliana restaurants

If you exit our apartment building and turn left ten metres away is a restaurant called "Los Esparteros". One of the waitresses is a real misery. You also have to be aware that courses do not always arrive in the sequence expected!

It's worth the hassle as the food is good. My favourites are the Fritura, the Hake and the Pork in tomato sauce.

Other bars and restaurants in Frigiliana are listed below, with photos and approximate walking distance from the apartment.

All distances assume you walk up to the village by the steps alongside the apartment building.


Bar Fandango

If you walk to the top of the steps and turn left for 100 metres you will see Bar Fandango.

The last time I looked in it was owned by a very pleasant couple. A convivial atmosphere is created and maintained by mainly English speaking locals and holidaymakers.

A basic (but well prepared) menu is available. The steaks are particularly good.(3 minutes walk)


La Bodeguilla

Turn back toward the centre of Frigiliana and within 150 metres you get to La Bodeguilla.

In fact there are 2 restaurants: one on your right on Chorruelo St and one (pictured) on the left in a courtyard off La Iglesia St.

Delicious local recipes are prepared by the family. Do try the amazing soup and the kid stew!(4 minutes walk)


La Taberna Del Sacristan

Walk a further 50 metres and you reach the old church square and the San Sacristan.

During the day, and on warm evenings, you can enjoy drinks and meals on the charming church square.

More pricey than some of the other Frigiliana restaurants it is particularly good, my personal favourite being the slow cooked shoulder of Lamb. The fish soup is also rather good but is not within a million miles of the soup at Las Chinas (the best fish soup in the World).

The staff are impeccable, friendly and attentive. (5 minutes walk).


La Zacatin

After you pass the church square, turn left up the steep and scenic next street.

Pretty soon you will see Zacatin on your right.

Walk up to the roof terrace and enjoy first class views and authentic spanish cooking

Last time we were there we tried all ten (I think it was ten) of their tapas dishes, which were about €1 each.

Basically, an enjoyable meal at reasonable prices.

Keep walkng up this very pretty street and you will soon get to...

...La Tahona

Nearly at the top on the right is La Tahona.

Owned and run by a German couple the roof-top terraces are the perfect place for a pizza and a few drinks.

Do not be put off by the rather cramped and dark bar which you will find as soon as you enter.

Just climb bravely up, and on to the terraces.

Take some time to admire the panoramic views, including the old church tower (5 minutes walk)





Adarve

I honestly can't remember how to describe the route to Aldarve, so good was the food and so strong the brandy after!

My best guess is to wander around the windy little streets up from the main road until you come to a small alley and a quiet courtyard filled with cooling green plants.

It's worth the walk for the fine cooking and a lovely terrace on which to dine. (7 minutes walk)


Jaime

Again, you just have to walk the little back streets until you happen upon Jaime.

There are one or two signposts to help you, but not until you are fairly nearby. I've never actually eaten at Jaime so cannot pass comment on its cooking or ambience.

Others report it as being particularly pleasant so i guess I'll be trying it next time I'm out! (7 minutes walk)


The Garden restaurant

For the more energetic diner, a vigorous walk to the top of the village eventually gets you to the tranquil setting of the Garden restaurant.

Here you can enjoy superb food, with breathtaking views of the coutryside and the sea.

Fairly pricey but good value. And you certainly feel like a meal after the walk!(10 minutes walk)


Al Fuente

Stroll further along the pretty main street, stopping maybe to taste the local Frigiliana wine, and you get to this little restaurant.

Seating no more than 16 people its menu is small but well prepared. There are also tapas available during the day.

Or, of course, you could simply have a drink and admire the immaculate little white houses and their tumbling displays of summer flowers. (5 minutes walk)




El Porton

I ate here some time ago and was impressed by the fresh, local produce and the delightful home cooking.

However, when I visited it during the Frigiliana festival it was under new ownersip and a new name.

Right now I can't remember the name, but I did have a quick glance at the menu.

It looks pretty good although the wine seemed rather expensive. Don't know why but that always deters me from visiting!


Ingenio

Walk on down to the ceramic shop and the Frigiliana molasses factory and you will reach Ingenio.

It has a simple menu but its major selling point is its wonderful views over the gorge, the national park and down to the Mediterranian sea 5 miles away.

It is worth spending a few moments, looking out over the wonderful countryside.

(8 minutes walk)


Vertudes

Just across the road from Ingenio is Vertudes, which marks the junction of the old Frigiliana and the new. Vertudes is a wonderful traditional bar.

At all times of the day you will find stangers and locals alike, engaging in all manner of conversation, from heated debate to contented discussion, in the shade of the terrace and its panoramic views.

I ate here a couple of years ago and was distinctly unimpressed, however when I tried it this August I thought it was rather good. They've obviously changed either the menu or the chef, or both.(9 minutes walk).


Romantica

Going up into the new part of Frigiliana, past the wine shop and ice cream shop, you will find Romantica.

Rather good cuisine with a Swedish 'twist' best describes the food which is usually very good.

The last time I ate there I enjoyed an Ostrich steak.

However, I did not enjoy the diabolical time it took to get served. One waiter and cook for a packed house was not a clever decision.

The good food, combined with marvellous terrace views, mean it is advisable to book in advance in the summer months and any busy period - it is very popular! (11 minutes walk).


Tangay

Keep walking on past Romantica, up and over the hill and you will reach Tangay

I've never eaten here and so cannot pass any personal comment.

However, those I have spoken to say it is a pleasant traditional restaurant with one or two very good dishes.

It does have a small, shady terrace but this is best avoided on busy nights as it is very close to the road.



Las Chinas

Keep walking and you will come to the small hotel Las Chinas. Walk inside and you will immediately be enveloped in the lovely aroma of herbs and garlic and good meat cooking slowly in wonderful juices.

This is my personal favourite of the restaurants in Frigiliana as it quite simply has everything: good prices (the meal of the day especially), a wonderful atmosphere, the fish and meat you about to eat glistening in a glass display and friendly staff and patron.

In terms of value for money it just cannot be beaten. If they have it on the menu, and you like garlic, try the slow cooked lamb, and linger a long time with a good glass of red wine!

Maybe try the Sea Bass and certainly have a bowl of the fish soup.(15 minutes walk) The cheerful owner will usually greet you with a smiling "Hello, my friend".


Splash!

Walk out of apartment Vinasol, turn left and walk about 300 metres to the local swimming pool.

Even when the pool is closed (September to mid June) Splash bistro remains open (except Wednesdays).

There are at least three good reasons to visit Splash: the pizzas are the best in town, the hosts are friendly and helpful, and there is free access to a wifi network if your lap-top or PDA is so enabled. Oh, I almost forgot - the views of the valley and the sunsets are the best in the village.

If you want entertainment there are frequent quiz nights (1st thursday of the month), Karaoke and sometimes the house band (Not To Fall) rocks the evening away.

The food is consistently good, British grub and if you fancy a full English Breakfast Splash serves them from 11 in the morning. (5 minutes walk)

Frigiliana restaurants - there are many others!