Best Restaurants for Christmas & New Year’s Eve on the Costa del Sol

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas this winter? No? Then you’re in the right place.

While Costa del Sol temperatures during winter may not reach the heady levels of summer, they’re certainly a whole lot more agreeable than the freezing conditions felt in the UK or anywhere else north of the Iberian peninsular at this time of year. You can typically expect delightful December highs of 24°C and unspeakable lows of 12°C. Not too shabby at all, in other words.

What’s more, from traditional and expertly prepared roast dinners to more exciting and innovative takes on the notion of ‘Christmas lunch’, many of the area’s finest restaurants go all out with their Christmas menus to ensure that the most important part of the festive season remains intact.

To help you make your decision about where to eat on the Costa del Sol over the festive period, here’s our roundup of nine of the best restaurants offering mouth-watering Christmas and New Year’s Eve menus.

Christmas Eve / Christmas Day

1. City-chic at Restaurante Miguel – Malaga

Dining Room at Restaurante Miguel

Consistently rated as one of the top spots to eat in Malaga, Restaurante Miguel’s standards are pretty high. But the bar is raised even further on Christmas Day, as in-the-know diners – Malagueñas, ‘guiris’ and tourists alike – pour into the warm and welcoming dining room. This year, there are two Christmas menu options that range in price (€40/50 per head) and include the highly recommended lechazo (lamb) and the beef entrecot.

To see the full 2016 Christmas menus at Restaurante Miguel, get in touch and request a copy which they will promptly send.

Details: tel: +34 952 226 840; email: info@restaurantemiguel.com; Restaurantemiguel.es.

2. Beachside Celebration at TikiTano – Estepona

Terrace at TikiTano

For stunning sea views, stylish South Sea Island-inspired decor and even a bit of post-meal dancing, TikiTano in Estepona offers the perfect festive package. This year there will be a Christmas Gala held on the evening of December 17th with two menu options and live music performed by the funk band Legal Aliens (€65 per head). The band will also be playing live on Christmas Day during Christmas lunch (€75 per head).

To see the menus for Christmas 2016 at TikiTano, get in touch and request the PDF Christmas menu packs to be sent by email.

Details: tel: +34 952 798 449; email: info@tikitano.com; Tikitano.com.

3. Luxury Dining at Finca Cortesin – Casares

Open Kitchen at Finca Cortesin

If you really want to push the boat out this Christmas then look no further than Finca Cortesin. This hotel, complete with its own golf course, is regarded as one of the most luxurious in Spain and often hosts celebrities and royal family members. There are three separate restaurants: El Jardin (Spanish/traditional), Kabuki Raw (Japanese) and Don Giovanni (Italian). Each is run by a top, distinguished chef and offers cuisine of the highest standard.

Details: tel: + 34 952 93 78 00; email: reservas@hotelcortesin.com; Fincacortesin.com.

4. Socialites’ Favourite at El Grill, Marbella Club – Marbella

Garden Views at Marbella Club

For a very special treat you could take advantage of El Grill’s exquisite Christmas menu options at the incredibly chic Marbella Club. Diners can choose between the restaurant’s beautiful terrace or the tastefully decorated dining room where the grill takes centre stage. Juan Gšlvez is El Grill’s award-winning chef, who ensures that all ingredients used are seasonal and locally sourced and that only the very best cuts make the grade.

Details: tel: +34 952 822 211; email: hotel@marbellaclub.com; Marbellaclub.com.

New Year’s Eve

6. Celebrate in Style at La Meridiana del Alabardero – Marbella

Candlelit Piano at La Meridiana del Alabardero

Surrounded by a spectacular garden and adorned with superb art displays, La Meridiana offers an enviable combination of festive ambience and delicious Mediterranean dishes. Each year the restaurant hosts a sparkling NYE party, and this year looks to be its best yet with a superb menu, Champagne reception, an unlimited drinks supply and a DJ until the early hours.

To see the full menu and pricing, get in touch and request a PDF.

Details: tel: +34 953 77 61 90; email: saray@alabarderocatering.es; Lameridiana.es.

7. Party the Night Away at La Sala – Puerto Banus

Buzzing Terrace Scene at La Sala

La Sala in Puerto Banus brings you the ultimate buzzy dining experience on the Costa whatever the time of year. Their rear terrace is the ideal place from which to kick off festive proceedings in style, before moving on to one of their Christmas or New Year’s Eve menus featuring a range of international and Spanish classics. This year two different live music acts will be performing to ring in 2017.

Details: tel: +34 952 81 41 45; email: reservations@lasalabanus.com; Lasalabanus.com.

8. Scenic Festivities at Hacienda Los Conejitos – Alora

Gardens at Hacienda Los Conejitos

Hacienda Los Conejitos is a fantastic events venue surrounded by breathtaking scenery in the heart of the Guadalhorce Valley. Amenities include large indoor and outdoor dining rooms, stunning gardens to explore, children’s play areas and private parking. This New Year’s Eve, a very typical Andalucian menu is available – featuring simple yet delicious local dishes with sparkling wine from Moscatel grapes, grapes at midnight and snacks at dawn  – and there’s even an added pick-up service at €5 per person to and from Malaga.

Here are the menus and pricing list at Los Conejitos for New Year’s Eve 2016.

Details: tel: +34 686 685 700; Haciendalosconejitos.com.

To take the hassle out of making your festive restaurant reservations, our expert local concierge team will be happy to assist when you stay in one of our villas. Find out more about our concierge here.

Private Chef & Christmas Menu 2016

Chef Curro at Villa El Chorrito

Alternatively, if you just fancy a Christmas holed up in your luxury getaway, we would be thrilled to provide you and your family with a private chef. They will take care of the shopping, cooking and the clearing away, leaving you to enjoy family time together. Take a look at the excellent Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and NYE menus that our chefs have created for this season, which can be downloaded here.

Can’t face another year of endless cooking and washing up for the whole family? Thinking of an indulgent Christmas 2016 in southern Spain instead? Have a look at a few of our available Christmas break villas.