As a food lover and food enthusiast When traveling, I always look for restaurants that not only offer great food, but also a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional service. During my recent visit to Nerja, a charming seaside town on the Costa del Sol, I stumbled upon a place that became one of my favorites: El Refugio.
A flavorful discovery
The first night we arrived in Nerja, we decided to try El Refugio based on TripAdvisor reviews.
Reviews El Refugio de Nerja
Here is a list of improved reviews, organized by order and with a brief description of each one. Added titles in H4 format and classified the reviews with 5 stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An unforgettable experience in a cozy atmosphere
A client enjoyed a dinner in a pleasant environment, praising the kindness of the service and the attention of the owners. A birthday celebration with live songs was a special touch that encouraged him to return.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exquisite food and exceptional service
One visitor was delighted with the quality of the food and the attention of the staff. He highlighted the prawns pil pil and the fish skewer as recommended dishes, as well as mentioning the good quality-price ratio of the children’s menus.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A place that pleasantly surprises
A customer who found the restaurant by chance was amazed by the quality of the food and the service. He highlighted the sirloin steak and onion soup, highlighting the excellent value for money and the attentiveness of the staff.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Exceptional service and delicious food
One diner praised the friendly and efficient treatment of the staff, as well as the quality of the food. He recommended the lamb loin and fried cheese, and highlighted the presentation of the dishes and the speed of service.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A fantastic discovery!
A customer shared his enthusiasm for the service received and the quality of the dishes, especially the sirloin steak. The overall experience was so positive that she decided to return to the restaurant during her stay.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Delicious food and cozy atmosphere
One customer described their dining experience as amazing, highlighting the quality of the dishes and the friendliness of the staff. The cozy atmosphere of the place made his dinner memorable, and he did not hesitate to recommend it.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Memorable dinner in a lovely setting
A comensal shared his positive impression of the restaurant, mentioning the quality of the food and the warmth of the service. The welcoming atmosphere and personalized attention made his visit worth repeating.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A place to come back to!
One customer was so satisfied with the food and service that he decided to recommend the restaurant to others. He highlighted the quality of the dishes and the friendliness of the staff, which contributed to an exceptional dining experience.
My experience at this Nerja restaurant
From the moment we walked in, we felt welcome. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the decor was a perfect blend of rusticity and modernity. We settled on an outdoor table, which gave us a perfect view of the pedestrian traffic passing by on the street.
My companions, my son and husband, opted for the seafood paella, while I chose a seafood kebab. The food was simply delicious, especially the monkfish that came on my kebab. The attentiveness of the staff was another plus point; everyone was friendly and attentively helpful. That first night was so satisfying that I already knew we would return.
Repeat the experience
During our stay in Nerja, we returned to El Refugio on several occasions. Each visit was as good as the last. On one of those occasions, we decided to try the mixed grill and a steak that, I must say, was one of the best I have ever had. The meat was juicy and perfectly cooked, and my partner was delighted with his choice.
The friendliness of the owners is something that really stands out. I remember that at one of our dinners, the owner, Rainer, even joined us by singing “Happy Birthday” to one of the diners. His enthusiasm and joy are contagious and make the dining experience even more special.
Exceptional service
The service at El Refugio is worth mentioning. In several reviews, diners highlighted the friendliness and humor of the staff. Although the restaurant was occasionally packed and service was a bit slow, the staff always did their best to serve everyone. I remember that after a long wait, a shot of local sweet wine was offered as a courtesy, which was a much appreciated gesture.
The dining experience
The variety on the menu is another aspect that pleasantly surprised me. From ribs to kebabs to an excellent paella, El Refugio has something for everyone. On one visit, we opted for the prawns as a starter, which was accompanied by a delicious aioli sauce. Main dishes such as blood sausage and chicken curry also came highly recommended. Portions are generous, and we always leave feeling satisfied.
A place to remember
El Refugio stands out not only for its food, but also for the experience as a whole. The combination of good food, a welcoming atmosphere, and attentive service creates a memorable experience. My family and I leave there every time with a smile on our faces and happy that we chose this place.
Some people have mentioned that the quality of the food is comparable to other restaurants that offer tourist menus, but my experience was quite different. The cuisine at El Refugio has a special touch that sets it apart. It doesn’t feel like just another place; it feels like a refuge, a place you want to return to.
Conclusion: A culinary refuge
In summary, my experience at El Refugio was absolutely wonderful. I will return without hesitation on my future visits to Nerja. The combination of a cozy atmosphere, exceptional service and delicious food make it a place I highly recommend. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a nice place to enjoy with your family, El Refugio is definitely a dining destination that won’t disappoint.
Pros and Cons of El Refugio
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delicious, well-presented food | There may be wait times during peak times |
| Friendly, attentive service | Sometimes it gets crowded, which can affect the English:attention |
| Cozy and pleasant atmosphere | Some reviews mention that the food can be basic compared to other options |
| Generous portions | |
| Variety on the menu |
Without a doubt, El Refugio is a place that will remain in my memory, a corner where food and human warmth intertwine to create a memorable experience. If you ever find yourself in Nerja, do not hesitate to visit it; I’m sure you won’t regret it.
Telephone and reservations El Refugio de Nerja
El Refugio is a very popular restaurant in Nerja, renowned for its excellent food and service. With a variety of dishes, especially focused on meat, the place offers a high-quality international dining experience. Here are some important details about the restaurant:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| How to book | Reservations can be made by phone or through their website. It is recommended to book in advance, especially in high season. |
| Prices | Prices range from 20 to 40 euros per person, depending on the menu and drinks chosen. |
| Location | Calle Diputación Provincial 12, 29780 Nerja, Spain. The restaurant is in a central location, easy to get to. |
| Phone | +34 627 87 61 69 Call here to check availability or make a reservation. |
| Website | El Refugio de Nerja where you can find more information about the menu and the restaurant. |
| Restaurant menu | They offer a variety of international dishes, with a special focus on high quality meats, as well as vegetarian options and desserts. Homemade. |
If you are looking for a place to enjoy a good meal in a cozy atmosphere, El Refugio is an excellent option in Nerja. Don’t forget to make your reservation in advance!