CASA LOLA  We were with Mark Walsh of @walshjewellery , looking for a few tapas in Malaga, so we stopped by the buzzy Casa Lola for lunch. Located in the centre of Málaga, Casa Lola is a popular bar favoured by locals. It offers a wide selection of tapas at very reasonable prices, along with a daily special that provides excellent value for those on a tight budget. You can choose a few pinchos and tapas to enjoy at the bar with a drink or take a seat at a table. We had a pin

BODEGA BAR EL PIMPI We were with Mark Walsh of @walshjewellery in Malaga and popped into this lively bar, located in the historical city centre next to the Alcazaba, which is among Málaga’s most renowned establishments. El Pimpi is featured in virtually every tourist guide imaginable. Even with its popularity as a tourist destination, El Pimpi has preserved the high-quality food that made it renowned. It is reasonably priced. Bodegas Bar El Pimpi is an interesting maze-like

RESTAURANT CAN VICENT PER PEDRO Y MARI When you arrive at Cala Carbó, in the south west of the island, you will come across Can Vicent. Can Vicent is a traditional Ibizan family restaurant, typical of the island’s old hospitality culture. It began as a family-run, simple chiringuito, serving fishermen, locals, and early visitors. Pedro y Mari refers to the family members who later ran it. The restaurant's history spans several decades, evolving gradually like many of Ibiza’s

CASA JULIAN In 2025, we returned to this remarkable, easy-to-miss little restaurant, now famous on TV, in the Basque countryside town of Tolosa, 28 km inland from San Sebastián. Tolosa is a town and municipality in the Basque province of Gipuzkoa in northern Spain . It is located in the valley of the Oria River , and Casa Julian is directly across from the river. Once you find the restaurant and walk in, you might think you are in the wrong place. You will see an area cont

RESTAURANTE CA N’ESMERALDA This restaurant has been in operation for a few years. It is situated in a secluded location, hidden away from the main town area of Sant Antoni de Portmany (San Antonio Abad), near the end of Cala de Bou, overlooking San Antonio Bay. We popped in for a light lunch (do we really have light lunches?) and tried the following. Pan con aioli Papas asadas, alioli, hilos de chile y nuestro ingrediente especial (roasted potatoes, aioli, chilli threads, an

CHIRINGUITO GITANA Chiringuito Gitana was the first to be ready and open its doors among all the new chiringuitos in Formentera from 2024 to 2030. It kicked off the summer season and beach service at Es Arenals in Migjorn, attracting many residents and regular visitors eager to see the new Chiringuito Gitana. Photos Chiringuito Gitana, Formnetera With colourful decor throughout the new beach bar/chiringuito, no detail has been left to chance. From the exterior decor and the s

EL BIGOTES The Fish Shack at Cala Mastella or El Bigotes (The Moustache, this refers to the proprietor’s whiskers!) El Bigotes will be remembered for sitting at his table every lunchtime whilst devouring a flagon of his favourite red wine. Unfortunately, At nearly 100 he passed away in 2025. It was a massive funeral on the island, with everyone paying their respects. RIP El Bigotes and thank you for your massive contribution to ibicencan gastronomy. There are two sittings: no

VAMOR A VER We recently visited this fairly new tapas bar and restaurant called Vamor a Ver (which translates to “let’s see” or “let me think. It’s located just a couple of blocks off the Explanada in Alicante city, and we stopped by for a few tapas. This place is fantastic for wine, offering an varied, and well-priced selection.  Everything they serve is well-crafted and deliciously fresh, made with high-quality ingredients, and overseen by the owners themselves. During our

BAR ANITA - CA N’ANNETA Bar Anita in Sant Carles/San Carlos Located in Sant Carles (San Carlos), a tiny village (near Santa Eulària des Riu), next to the Sant Carles de Peralta church, this old bar and restaurant is one of the most famous and beloved in Ibiza. It became a must for bohemians and intellectuals in rural Ibiza. For many, it is one of the few remnants of the bygone hippy era, probably even the last. This place invites you to spend a relaxing afternoon over coffee

RESTAURANTE LAS GITANILLAS This restaurant, which we have visited several times, is located in a wonderful spot on a pedestrianised street in the heart of Estepona. The family have had a restaurant in Estepona since 1970. In 2004, Paco Bazán, son of Francisco Bazán Hormigo and María Peña Gil, who learned from a young age both behind and in front of the bar alongside his parents, opened Las Gitanillas (which is Spanish for the little gypsy girls). Paco’s daughter, Gema Bazán (