Dolores El Chispa
Authentic Spanish tapas bar in Nerja, famous for fresh seafood, especially sardines grilled over an open fire. A local favorite with great value.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Dolores El Chispa
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Authentic Spanish tapas bar in Nerja, famous for fresh seafood, especially sardines grilled over an open fire. A local favorite with great value.
"Experience authentic Spanish tapas and incredibly fresh seafood at Dolores El Chispa, a gem loved by locals!"
Book Ahead or Arrive Early
To avoid waiting, reserve a table or come early, especially during peak times.
Terrace for Fish Skewers
Opt for the terrace for outdoor dining and to watch the fish skewers being prepared.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Spanish
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+34 952 52 36 97
Address
C. San Pedro, 12, 29780 Nerja, Málaga, Spain
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Spanish Tapas
Experience the vibrant local atmosphere and authentic Spanish tapas, with a special focus on fresh seafood.
Seafood Cooked Over Open Fire
Savor uniquely prepared sardines and other fresh seafood specialties cooked on an open fire pit.
Generous Portions and Great Value
Enjoy surprisingly reasonable prices and generous portion sizes that offer excellent value for money.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead or Arrive Early
To avoid waiting, reserve a table or come early, especially during peak times.
Terrace for Fish Skewers
Opt for the terrace for outdoor dining and to watch the fish skewers being prepared.
Summer Specials
Visit in summer for seasonal fish specials, including various fish prepared on skewers.
Share for Variety
Consider sharing dishes to sample a wider range of their diverse tapas and bites.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead or Arrive Early
To avoid waiting, reserve a table or come early, especially during peak times.
Terrace for Fish Skewers
Opt for the terrace for outdoor dining and to watch the fish skewers being prepared.
Summer Specials
Visit in summer for seasonal fish specials, including various fish prepared on skewers.
Share for Variety
Consider sharing dishes to sample a wider range of their diverse tapas and bites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dolores El Chispa is praised for its authentic Spanish tapas, particularly its fresh seafood prepared with traditional methods like grilling over an open fire. Diners appreciate the generous portions and excellent value for money, with many noting it as a local favorite. However, some reviews mention inconsistent service, with occasional issues of inattentiveness or a perceived lack of friendliness towards non-locals, and a few found certain dishes to be chewy or less appealing.
"Such a gem 😋 Amazing food and very good service (our waiter Asan from Senegal was super friendly and very nice). We tried the fried octopus, tomato with garlic (it’s a loooot of garlic , very nice but you can’t eat all that 😅) . The prawns were also delicious! Also they gave a complimentary tapas , like a little burger and it was so so good 😋 Good value and good portions, 100% recommended 👏🏾"
Lucille Aires
"A lively little venue that felt pleasantly authentic. The food was good - had the swordfish which I found quite well cooked. Fried octopus was a bit chewy but still tasty, and garlic shrimp which was as good as garlic shrimp always is! Service was lacking.. the owner was very kind and helpful but he is a busy man and our server almost seemed to be actively ignoring us. Overall, I would recommend a visit - just hope the service is a little better for the next person."
nick claypole
"We had dinner there last night and it was the best meal I’ve had in the entire time in Spain. My partner does not generally eat seafood, but also thought all of the food incredibly delicious. We had the sardines (the highlight), the tomatoes and garlic, which was so flavorful, and we absolutely loved the clams cooked in a white wine, garlic sauce, as well as the prawns in the garlic sauce. The bread and aïoli were also magnificent.
What a fabulous little place. I will definitely be back if I return to Nerja"
Fleur anderson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
It's famous for authentic Spanish tapas, especially fresh seafood like sardines grilled over an open fire, and offers great value.
Yes, they have a terrace, which is recommended for outdoor dining and watching the fish skewers being prepared.
While it's a local spot, families are welcome. The atmosphere is lively and it's known for its generous portions.
Consider a sharing concept to try a variety of their tapas and seafood dishes.
The menu is extensive, but some items like the 'paella' might need to be ordered in advance.
They are open for lunch and dinner, with a break in between. It's advisable to check their specific hours.
Yes, it's very popular with locals, offering a lively and authentic Spanish atmosphere.
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Both are located on the same street with a distance of about 50 metres between them. They are perfect for tapas, combining the two or for lunch/dinner in either of them. El Chispa has the added value of having all kinds of fish on skewer, although only in the summer season, being the only restaurant in the village that offers this service without the need to go down to the beach bars.
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Dolores El Chispa Tapas Bar- $ - Traveler's Choice Calle de San Pedro 12 Nerja Tapas Bars | Seafood | Mediterranean. Bar Dolores El Chispa, is another tapas bar in Nerja that is authentically Spanish. The best places to go are where the locals go, and Bar Dolores El Chispa is just that.The atmosphere is lively, unpretentious and full of a real sense of community.
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If you are seeking a truly authentic experience away from the hustle and bustle of some of the touristy places in Nerja, then you’ve got to visit Dolores El Chispa. Located on the beautiful streets of Calle San Pedro, this is as local as it gets and Nerja at its most beautiful. Dolores El Chispa is a traditional tapas restaurant and incredible value.
Tapas trails in Nerja
Shortly on your left you will reach Bar Dolores - El Chispa (2). Here they tend to bring you pinchitos (cubes of marinated grilled pork) but ask if you fancy something different. Turn left out of here and continue up to Bar La Puntilla (3) another very good fish bar.
Louise’s Top 10 places to eat and drink in Nerja
A no frills fish restaurant popular with the locals and rarely discovered by tourists. This place is nothing special to look at but offers delicious fresh fish dishes at fantastic value. Dolores is always full of locals – the true sign of a great restaurant.
FREE TAPAS BARS IN NERJA
El Chispa is a bar that, at first glance, may seem simple, but inside it holds authentic culinary gems. The first time I went, I ordered the octopus legs and they did not disappoint (puntillitas). Each bite was an explosion of flavor.
Eating in Nerja
When eating in Nerja, tapas are an option that can be very pleasant in places like Esquina Paulina, Mo, Dolores (El Chispa) or El Pulguilla. On the beach of Burriana there are several snack bars such as El Moreno, La Barca and Ayo.
Die 10 besten Tapas Bars zum schlemmern
El Chispa: Es zeichnet sich auch durch seinen guten Fisch aus. Es ist in der San Pedro Street. Das Tapas-Menü ist umfangreich und zu den Spezialitäten gehören Sardellen, Paprikaschoten oder Salmonetillos.
Tapas bars in Nerja
This is an amazing bar and restaurant – great food, friendly service, and very reasonable priced. Bar Dolores (El Chispa) is authentically Spanish. The patrons are often locals.
Our Top 5 Tapas Bars in Nerja
Just down the Street from la Puntilla, Dolores el Chispa became another favorite. Its tapas specialize in fried fish. Honestly, we didn’t like it the first time we came here.
The 5 best tapas bars in Nerja
Bar Dolores El Chispa on Calle San Pedro 12 is more chaotic, noisier and really very Spanish. You can't choose your own tapas here, but you get a free tapa with every drink.
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