A guide to food and drink in Costa De La Luz
Restaurants in Costa de la Luz serve up traditional Andalusian cuisine with a side of coastal views. The area is far less international than places like Costa del Sol and this is reflected in the cuisine, where you’re more likely to feast on tapas and red wine than burgers and lager.
Exploring Costa de la Luz's delicacies
It’s no surprise that fish tops the local delicacy list, as life in the region is centred on the sun-drenched coast. In fact some of the best tuna in the world can be eaten in Costa de la Luz, as a harvest of blue fin tuna is hauled in every spring.
The famed acorn-fed, black Iberian pig is commonplace in fields and on menus here. Plus Jerez is the capital of Spain’s Sherry production, with the tipple being a popular drinking choice as well as used in cooking.
Seafood, views and space for groups at Dona Gamba, El Rompido
This spacious and oh-so-fishy restaurant is catered towards feeding large groups. However, if there are more than 10 of you going it’s recommended you book. Set on the seafront, the menu features an abundance of seafood, each dish arriving in large sharing-sized portions.
The restaurant itself is basic but the service, wine list and stunning ocean views more than make up for it – chances are you’ll be more interested in the sea than the wallpaper. Try their giant prawns, shrimp, clams, crab legs, pork cheek or satisfying salads.
Good portions of seafood at El Galian, Punta Umbria
This restaurant attracts diners time and time again for good quality, reasonably priced seafood in an unpretentious environment with fast, reliable service.
If the fish theme is beginning to wear thin, try the salmorejo – a thicker version of gazpacho cold soup or jamon serrano – thinly sliced ham. It’s the closest Punto Umbria gets to fine dining, but with portions you can really get your teeth into.
Celebratory meals at Ostras, Islantilla
The most expensive restaurant on this list, Ostras offers a customised fine dining experience in the upmarket town of Islantilla. Go here to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries – it’s still much cheaper than similar experiences in London.
You must make a reservation in advance, and when you do, you’re given a questionnaire to report preferences, leading to a personalised menu of fusion food, with a Mediterranean bias.
Pizza and ice cream at Heladeria y Pizzeria Remo, Isla Canela
Even when you’re not holidaying in Italy, there’s something about pizza and ice cream that gets you in that holiday mood. Located at the eastern end of Isla Canela beach, this pizzeria also serves pasta dishes like bolognese.
The cherry on top, so to speak, is the local ice cream that can be served with a crepe if you desire or in a cone. Obviously a great choice with the kids, it’s so close to the beach that you can watch them play while you finish your dinner.
Excellent seafood and salads at Taberna La Botanica, El Rompido
The nautically-decorated Taberna La Botanica carries the theme through to its food, which provides some of the best seafood in El Rompido. Also on the menu are tender fillet steaks and a range of salads plus daily specials.
Staff are happy to explain the Spanish menu to you and some of the dishes come in half portions for a smaller lunchtime bite or to enjoy tapas-style with other choices. Many locals choose to eat at the restaurant, assuring you of its quality.