Restaurante El Refugio
A beloved Nerja spot since 1970, El Refugio offers authentic Spanish cuisine with organic, home-grown ingredients and a charming terrace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Restaurante El Refugio
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved Nerja spot since 1970, El Refugio offers authentic Spanish cuisine with organic, home-grown ingredients and a charming terrace.
"A true gem, hands down one of the best fillet steaks I have ever had."
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential, especially during peak times, as the restaurant is very popular.
Outdoor Seating
Opt for the pedestrian street seating for a delightful ambiance, weather permitting.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Spanish
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+34 627 87 61 69
Address
C. Diputación Provincial, 12, 29780 Nerja, Málaga, Spain
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Seafood Paella Perfection
Savor the renowned seafood paella, bursting with fresh fish and a rich, flavorful finish. A must-try specialty.
Charming Outdoor Terrace
Dine al fresco on a charming terrace, perfect for a delightful ambiance and people-watching.
Exceptional Steaks
Indulge in perfectly cooked steaks with mouthwatering sauces, hailed as some of the best ever.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential, especially during peak times, as the restaurant is very popular.
Outdoor Seating
Opt for the pedestrian street seating for a delightful ambiance, weather permitting.
Dietary Inquiries
Call ahead for vegetarian or other dietary accommodations, like vegetarian paella.
Weekday Visits
Consider weekdays for a potentially less crowded and more relaxed dining experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead
Reservations are essential, especially during peak times, as the restaurant is very popular.
Outdoor Seating
Opt for the pedestrian street seating for a delightful ambiance, weather permitting.
Dietary Inquiries
Call ahead for vegetarian or other dietary accommodations, like vegetarian paella.
Weekday Visits
Consider weekdays for a potentially less crowded and more relaxed dining experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Restaurante El Refugio is widely praised for its exceptional food, particularly the seafood paella and steaks, complemented by incredibly friendly and attentive service. Diners often mention the charming atmosphere, especially the outdoor terrace, making it a memorable dining experience. While most reviews are glowing, one diner experienced a reservation issue and found the food unremarkable, though this seems to be an outlier.
"Full score for this restaurant. Deserves even more! After a slight misunderstanding with our reservation, the owner arranged a table for us to our outmost satisfaction. Excellent and friendly handled. Excellent staff. Excellent food and wine very reasonable priced. In total - a place you have to visite when in Nerja. Booking essential!"
Stein Rasmussen
"A true gem, hands down one of the best fillet steaks I have ever had. Cooked to perfection with amazing flavour and a mouthwatering sauce. We came back here after a previous amazing experiences several years ago and it hasn’t changed one bit! Just as memorable. The chap that runs the place is engaging and funny. He really tries with the guests which makes it have a special touch and all his staff follow suit with a lovely couple of ladies also serving us. Don’t hesitate, come here for a magical steak and wonderful evening."
Whitey
"Happened upon this lovely restaurant by chance. We were lucky enough to get a table as it was very busy. The Prawn Pil Pil was the best I've ever had, and I have eaten a lot in the time I have lived in Spain. The Salmon Trout for my main was cooked to perfection. My husband rated his BBQ ribs as some of the best he's had. Service was excellent and the owner was very attentive to all the diners. Highly recommend and we will come back next time we are in Nejar."
Caroline Robinson
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
El Refugio is renowned for its incredible seafood paella and exceptional steaks. Other popular dishes include Prawn Pil Pil and traditional Spanish fare.
Yes, reservations are highly recommended as the restaurant is very busy and tends to fill up quickly.
Yes, the restaurant features a charming outdoor terrace on a pedestrian street, which is a popular choice for diners.
Yes, they can accommodate dietary restrictions and offer options like vegetarian paella. It's best to inquire when booking.
The atmosphere is warm, welcoming, and relaxed, with a charming ambiance, especially on the outdoor terrace.
El Refugio has been serving guests since 1970, offering authentic Spanish cuisine with a long-standing tradition.
Mentioned in
Featured in these publications
Best paella restaurants in Nerja
El Refugio is one of the most highly rated restaurants in Nerja among visitors, with a charming outdoor terrace and a friendly and attentive service, perfectly adapted to customers that speak other languages. Highlights of its dishes are the mini chorizo (choricitos) and pil pil prawns, perfect bites to enjoy before one of its paellas, of which the star is definitely the seafood paella, with fresh fish and a juicy finish. For diners wanting to escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist centre, Nerja hides some of its own culinary secrets, restaurants where you can enjoy typical dishes at affordable prices and paellas bursting with flavour.
The 10 (+ 3 Extra!) Best Restaurants in Nerja, Spain: Top Dining Spots You Can't Miss
El Refugio is a hidden gem that offers hearty portions of classic Spanish and Mediterranean dishes. Known for its warm hospitality and cosy atmosphere, this small restaurant serves favourites like seafood pasta, grilled lamb, and stuffed peppers. With friendly service and a rustic setting, El Refugio is a great place for a laid-back meal that feels like dining at a friend's house.
Food Joints Offering the Best Local Cuisines in Nerja
Inaugurated in 1970, El Refugio is an authentic restaurant that believes in serving organic food at its best. Most of the raw produce used in the restaurant is home grown. One of the finest local restaurants in Nerja, El Refugio boasts of a great ambience, exceptional atmosphere, and lip-smacking platters reflecting the taste and preferences of the area.
Los Mejores Restaurantes En Nerja
Ubicado en el corazón del centro histórico, El Refugio es una joya culinaria que combina la frescura de los productos locales con técnicas innovadoras. Su menú, que cambia según la temporada, ofrece una experiencia gastronómica única. Prueba sus deliciosos platos mediterráneos, maridados con una selección cuidadosa de vinos locales.
6 Places To Eat In Nerja, Spain That Will Blow Your Mind
The owner, Pepe, and his wife, Nuria, opened the restaurant in 1988 to provide high-quality food for the locals and tourists. El Refugio is known for its traditional Spanish dishes such as paella or bocadillos de tortilla espanola. The food at El Refugio is fresh and delicious!
Nerja Best restaurant guide
We have only recently started to use this restaurant which is a great find as the food is excellent and the trout in almond sauce at 14.50 Euros is to die for. It is on Calle de la Diputación Provincial only a short walk from the Balcon. They have a fabulous extensive menu
restaurants archivos
El Refugio is a restaurant that stands out for its variety of dishes and its attention to detail. Diners value the quality of the ingredients and the creativity in their presentation. The atmosphere is welcoming and perfect for enjoying a relaxing dinner.
The 10 best restaurants in Nerja
El Refugio is an old school Andalusian restaurant, the kind that is getting harder and harder to find. It has a good ambiance and honest food. In their menu, you can find fried shrimp, croquetas, pinchos, and a great selection of meats.
Dining Out In Nerja | Property for Sale and Long Term Rental in Nerja, Torrox, Frigiliana and on the Eastern Costa del Sol
Cocina local, Steakhouse, Internacional, Española, Mediterránea, Saludable. Calificaciones y opiniones 4.5 - 2,194 opiniones. #5 de 291 restaurantes en Nerja - Travelers' Choice 2023 - Ver la página de Tripadvisor AQUÍ...
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit