The Costa del Sol is an important tourist destination that receives hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. There are an extraordinary variety of restaurants, hotels and tapas bars all along the coast, which allow for a unique atmosphere and a multitude of tastes. They are classified as below:
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The word 'restaurante' or derivations of the word are commonly understood as a place to eat in most European languages. They usually correspond to the international restaurant classification system. In the best resorts you will find many places, which serve good quality light meals and refreshments, these places are commonly referred to as 'beach clubs' or simply 'beach'.
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The beaches also have popular restaurants called 'chiringuitos' which normally are quite cheap and typically have fresh fish on the menu. Sometimes in the restaurants they retain the original names from the country of origin, for example; 'pizzería', 'cantina', 'bistro', 'tex-mex', 'taberna' etc. This last name 'taberna' is typically used to refer to establishments that serve wine, although it is an old-fashioned name.
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In urban areas the traditional Spanish term 'mesón' is also used to mean a restaurant, however it may indicate that local specialities will feature strongly in the menu. The mountainous and rural areas of the Costa del Sol use the traditional Spanish word 'Venta' to refer to places that offer food and accommodation to passing travellers. Nowadays they are very popular roadside restaurants, which offer simple local food at low prices.
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The word 'bar' is an international word that refers, in Spain, to a place that you can have a drink and a light meal or snack during the day or night.
The Spanish tradition of 'Tapas' to accompany drinks, usually beer or light wines, is very popular. The term comes from 'tapería', a traditional word that is used to refer to the establishments that serve this kind of food. 'Tapas' is not just served in these places and can be ordered in most bars or restaurants.
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The term 'Pub' is not as universally popular as the others, it is exclusively used to refer to places that are open until late. They are often very comfortable places in which people can drink and socialise in a relaxed atmosphere, however some places also have dance floors. The term 'terraza' refers to bars or pubs with outdoor tables and a 'disco' or 'disco-pub' is well.... obvious.
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Recommended Places: Nerja: Cuisine includes several specialities including De La Doncella (red mullet) and pescaito frito (fried fish) and ranging from top international cuisine to the ubiquitous sausage, eggs and chips!

Recommended Places Marbella: Restaurante Los Abanicos, Calle Malage, Benahavis, Telephone 95 285 50 22 & Restauranter casa Fernando, 29670 San Pedron, Alcantara, Marbell, Telephone 952 78 46 41.

Cuisine at the Restaurante Los Abanicos includes several specialities including one of the finest steak and chips in the world. a genuine five star service!