The small coastal town of Nerja Spain is one of the most popular vacation destinations the the Costa del Sol! While there are many draws to this charming area, our favorite foodie activity is enjoying all the delicious tapas in Nerja. From seafood and local specialties to a mix of international dishes, we cover all the best tapas bars in Nerja Spain.
Quick Tips For the Nerja Tapas Bars
Hours: The best time to tapa hop is in the afternoon between 1 and 4pm or after 7:30pm. While there are several Nerja tapas bars that stay open all day, the majority of spots close in the late afternoon for siesta.
Cost: At all the restaurants in Nerja Spain that we list, you can order a drink and will be served a free tapa included. This is the typical way they’re served in Andalusia, from Nerja to the best tapas in Granada! Drinks range from €1.50 to €3 Euros depending on if you get beer, wine, water, or soda.
Size: When ordering beer, it’s best to order the smallest size called “cana.” This is what you should be served if you don’t specify anything larger, and just say you want a cervesa. It’s one tapa per drink, so ordering a large beer will just take away more Nerja tapas from you.
More Drinks: Not a beer fan? It’s also common to order wine or a Tinto de Verano. This red wine lemon soda mix is perfect for a hot summer day! Also, try the radler or “clara,” which is beer mixed with the same lemon soda.
Ordering: The tapas can be different at each place you visit. In some areas you are just served a random tapa. However, a fun feature at the best tapas bars in Nerja, is you’re able to pick your own.
Extra Order: In this post, we specifically focus on tapas, but know that these restaurants serve so much more! If we were really hungry, we would order a 1/2 portion on the side.
Our favorite is the pulpo frito also known as fried octopus. Read our full guide to more popular Spanish foods around the country.
One or Two: We recommend hitting multiple tapas restaurants in Nerja. If you have the time, this is the best way to try a bunch of different styles and flavors. Stick to a max of one or two at each spot!
Where to Find the Best Tapas in Nerja
Bar Redondo Bar De Tapas
Location: C. de la Gloria, 10, 29780 Nerja, Málaga
Favorite Tapas: Chorizo en Fuego and Albóndigas
Nerja is one of our favorite towns in Southern Spain, and its abundance of amazing food had a lot to do with that! You could spend a week (or even more) enjoying this coastal town, but many travelers stop in for one night as part of a larger trip!
Bar Redondo is the perfect place to start any night out in Nerja. It is known as one of the best restaurants in town, and has by far the largest selection of tapas in Nerja to choose from.
Grab a seat at one of the wine barrels that line the small street, or go up at the bar to be in the middle of the action. Still, before ordering, make sure to do a circle around the bar to see all the different tapas. This is where you’ll see how the “round bar” gets its name!
Nerja Tapas Tip: The restaurant directly across is the same bar and offers the same menu, so you can sit there if the bar is full.
La Tasquita del Sevillano
Location: C. de la Gloria, 15, 29780 Nerja, Málaga
Favorite Tapas: Artichoke with Jamon,
Another one of the best tapas bars in Nerja is located in the same small ally as Bar Redondo. You actually might get confused by what tables belong to which restaurant, as they are so close to each other.
The tapa list isn’t as extensive, yet they are equally delicious! Try to grab a table at the corner of the building so you can have a view of all the small side streets of Nerja. You can also sit inside ,which brings a very unique and authentic Spanish style.
Bar El Pulguilla
Location: C. Almte. Ferrándiz, 26, 29780 Nerja, Málaga
Favorite Tapas: Hake, Calamaritos, and Sardinas
Just down the street from the first two Nerja tapas bars is Bar El Pulguilla. This restaurant is known for its delicious seafood. All the tapas here are made to order on a large grill behind the counter that is constantly filled.
You can sit at one of the street tables or head into the large restaurant that is constantly packed from open to close. Check the walls for the menus that hang with a list of some of the best tapas in Nerja.
Nerja Tapas Tip: This is a good place to try our favorite side order of fried octopus!
Restaurante La Puntilla
Location: C. Bolivia, 1, 29780 Nerja, Málaga
Favorite Tapas: Besugo, Camarón Pilpi, and Calamaritos
La Puntilla is a local seafood and Nerja tapa restaurant that is hidden in the backstreets. You probably wouldn’t pass it if you were strolling around the main part town, but it’s certainly worth going out of your way for.
On one side of the small alleyway is the actual restaurant. If you look across to the other side, there is a small bar serving up some amazing seafood tapas.
Be warned that this place fills up fast. It’s smart to get there early to avoid the wait!
Either way, the seafood tapas here are so delicious and bursting with flavor. Definitely try the Galician-style octopus if you have the chance.
More of the Best Tapas Bars in Nerja Spain
If you have more than one night, there are plenty of other great tapas in Nerja Spain to enjoy. Honestly, we couldn’t believe how many great places to eat there are in this popular beach town. What a fun and tasty surprise!
Posada de Iberica: This small restaurant is one that is off the typical Nerja tapas route. It’s closed for lunch and doesn’t open till 7:00pm at night. The place is small, but has a very cozy and traditional feel to it.
Bar El Colorao: Local spot close to the bus stop in Nerja. Take a seat inside with the regulars, or find your way across the street to the beautiful courtyard.
Bar Los Pescaitos: Another spot to try the best tapas in Nerja Spain! Bar Los Pescaitos specializes in seafood.
Tapas la Rienda: Fun and modern look with plenty of outdoor seating. Great place to watch a sporting event or meet up with friends.
El Sevillano: Close by to Tapas la Rienda, this was one of our favorite Nerja tapas bars. They offer a wide range of both seafood and tasty meat tapas.
La Marina Marisqueria: Last but not least, La Marina Marisqueria deserves a mention among the elite Nerja tapas bars. It’s always bustling from day to night, and has plenty of fresh fish tapas to enjoy.
Nerja Spain Travel Tips
Hopefully, it’s easy for you to see why we love this town so much! Aside from all the tapas, there are so many fun things to do in Nerja Spain.
Read our guide to the best beaches in Nerja and how to visit to the unique Nerja Caves. If you’re still hungry, you won’t want to miss a walk to Playa Burriana for an endless paella lunch!
When looking for where to stay in Nerja, you can’t beat the famous Hotel Balcon de Europa. We also love MB Boutique Hotel, La Puerta de Nerja Hostal, or theCharming Nerja Hostel if you’re traveling on a budget.
→ Planning a Trip to Spain: 10 Step Easy to Follow Vacation Guide
Have any questions on the best tapas bars in Nerja or want to share more of your favorite restaurants? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
