Stephane Menou, General Manager of SO/ Sotogrande Hotel & Spa and Almenara Golf Club, shares his deep love for cuisine and gastronomy with a list of his favourite restaurants in the area.
Born in Bastia in Corsica, France, Stephane’s passion for food has been shaped by his experiences across the globe. His career in hospitality has taken him to six continents, where he has lived and worked in countries such as Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Belgium, France, Germany, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Georgia, China and Vietnam. Fluent in seven languages, Stephane’s culinary journey has been as diverse as his worldly travels.
Stephane’s love for gastronomy was ignited in his childhood, thanks to his grandparents in the south of France. “My grandfather was a baker who would rise early to bake bread in a wood-fired oven,” Stephane recalls. His grandmother’s creativity flourished in the kitchen, experimenting with recipes and making the most of the hot oven. “My earliest memory of helping out is breaking and whisking eggs.”
When asked about his thoughts on Andalusian cuisine, Stephane praises its simplicity and the incredible quality of local ingredients.
Guadarnés Restaurant, Estación de San Roque
Authentic Andalusian cuisine close to Sotogrande, with a tempting selection of local meat, fish and seafood. Their standout speciality is breaded fried olives, a delightful twist on traditional flavours, while the retinto beef, a prized product from Cádiz, will delight meat-lovers. Tuna enthusiasts are in for a treat, with a dedicated menu section featuring atún rojo (bluefin tuna) dishes, including raw tartare, delicate carpaccio, and the richly flavoured ventresca (belly) or grilled parpatana (neck). Whether you’re after a light tapa or the full gastronomic experience, Guadarnés is a favourite.
Restaurant Sarmiento, Casares
From succulent meats to grilled vegetables, dishes in this restaurant in the pretty pueblo blanco (white village) of Casares are cooked on traditional brasas (charcoal grills). Local specialities include artisanal goat cheese, black pudding, and farm vegetables. Don’t miss the seasonal desserts, especially the fresh apple pie on a crêpe. Pair your meal with a wine choice from the extensive cellar. The restaurant’s elevated location offers diners panoramic views of this picture-postcard village.
Ke, Sotogrande
This iconic restaurant in Sotogrande has been a gathering spot for over 30 years. Located on the front line of Sotogrande marina. Ke offers the perfect spot to enjoy breakfast by the sea or a leisurely lunch, or wind down with drinks as the sun sets over the water.
The menu offers everything from high-quality meats, fresh seafood, sushi and traditional rice dishes, to their famous baguettes, a staple since the restaurant’s beginnings. (Handy if you are heading off on your yacht!)
Cortijo Santamaria 1962, SO/Sotogrande
Indulge in the finest Iberian hams, sausages, and exquisite Andalusian cheeses, from traditional Payoyo goat’s cheese to blue cheese marinated in oloroso sherry.
A standout feature here is the olive oil tasting. A butcher’s block-style table is wheeled to your table offering a variety of olive oils to sample. Pair them with local breads, including the delicious olive bread from Casares, enhanced with a touch of Pedro Ximénez balsamic vinegar—it’s an unmissable experience.
With three “Experience” tasting menus as well as à la carte options, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss the Iberian pork cooked in red wine from Ronda and served with parsnip purée, or the razor clams with tomato oil and crispy bacon. Complement your meal with a selection of regional wines.
The décor is a charming blend of rustic and high-end, with wicker lampshades alongside elegant chandeliers and beautiful Italian plates.
MarXa Chiringuito, SO/Sotogrande
Savour the authentic flavours of grilled espetos (sardines), crisp calamari, and traditional paellas, or opt for gourmet burgers and freshly prepared salads. From lunch through to sundown, your dining experience is set against the backdrop of stunning Mediterranean views and the shimmering turquoise swimming pools.
Temptation abounds on the drinks menu as well, with freshly squeezed lemonades, zesty sangrias, a fine selection of cocktails, and beers sourced from around the globe.
Ancala, La Reserva Club, Sotogrande
With open spaces, soaring loft ceilings, and architecture reminiscent of the luxurious beach clubs of Southeast Asia, Ancala offers an atmosphere of effortless elegance.
Ancala’s menu celebrates the region’s rich gastronomic heritage, skilfully reimagined with modern flair. From traditional Andalusian flavours to exotic Nikkei influences, Spanish rice dishes to Josper-smoked meats, Ancala promises a feast for the senses.
La Escollera, Estepona
A hidden gem nestled right in the town’s fishing port. Established in 1940, just after the Spanish Civil War, this no-frills seafood spot is still thriving more than 80 years later. Located 30 metres from the docks, La Escollera serves the local fishermen’s fresh catch, auctioned on the same docks. While it’s not a place for luxury décor, the quality of the seafood is unmatched.
There are two sittings — one for lunch, where queues start forming from 1pm, and another for dinner at 8pm. The wait is definitely worthwhile, as people travel from all over Spain to eat here. You can have tapas outside, and the staff will call you when a table becomes available. The restaurant’s simplicity adds to its charm, and dishes like the calamari and local Estepona clams are exceptional. If you’re looking for an authentic seafood experience, La Escollera is the place to go.
El Campero, Barbate
El Campero, meaning “the farm worker,” might seem like an unusual name for a seafood restaurant, but this renowned establishment specialises in the finest bluefin tuna. Located on the Costa de la Luz (the “Coast of Light”), El Campero is famous for its mastery of tuna caught in the almadraba, a sustainable fishing method dating back 3,000 years. This system of nets, invented by the Phoenicians, captures the majestic fish as they migrate down the Atlantic Coastline and through the Strait of Gibraltar to the Mediterranean.
El Campero is a gastronomic reference point, with nearly everything on the menu revolving around the prized almadraba bluefin tuna. Their tasting menu, “El Susurro de los Atunes” (The Whisper of the Tunas), offers different cuts and preparations of tuna, showcasing the versatility and depth of flavour that this mighty fish offers.
In addition to tuna, El Campero’s menu also includes rice dishes, local fish sold by weight, and an array of other seafood delicacies. Whether you choose to dine casually at the bar or opt for the full fine dining experience, El Campero is a must-visit for seafood lovers.
JC Mackintosh, Tarifa
This is not a restaurant — it’s a 150-square-metre shop in the heart of Tarifa, entirely dedicated to showcasing the finest bluefin tuna.
JC Mackintosh is an artisanal fishing company, using a hook-on-demand technique, which is both sustainable and precise, and is the first bluefin tuna fishery in Spain to hold the prestigious MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) sustainable fishing certification.
One of the unique features of JC Mackintosh is the specially designed viewing room where visitors can witness a live ronqueo, the traditional butchering of bluefin tuna by hand—a fascinating, age-old process. They also offer small tastings, allowing you to savour the product’s unparalleled quality, while learning about their innovative fishing methods. The parpatana is an increasingly popular cut, due to its combination of textures and strong umami flavour.
The “JC” in the name stands for Juan Carlos, the meticulous owner with a Scottish great-grandfather who runs this family business with a passion for quality and tradition.
Gaspar, Marbella
This is a one-of-a-kind dining experience, full of charm and quirkiness. Their slow food slogan “A esta casa se viene a comer…no a correr” (In this house you come to eat without rushing) reflects the restaurant’s laid-back, unpretentious vibe, while the eclectic decor immediately catches your eye. But it’s their unique approach to the menu that truly stands out—there’s only one, written daily by hand, and carried from table to table. As the owners say, “It’s the only way to do it when you don’t know what you’re going to cook the next day.”
Among the signature dishes is what considered by many the best tortilla de patatas in Marbella, but everything on the menu reflects simple, hearty cooking.
With limited seating, Gaspar has an intimate and cosy atmosphere. Despite its quirky, slow-paced style, the experience is absolutely worth it.
Casa Mané, Palmones
Casa Mané in Palmones is a charming family-run restaurant. Located just a few metres from Palmones Beach, with views of the iconic Rock of Gibraltar, this simple yet inviting spot is housed in a wooden hut that radiates warmth and authenticity.
Opened in 2005, the restaurant offers an extensive menu of traditional dishes, but their speciality is fresh fish and seafood. Highlights include coquinas (small clams), gambas rojas de Garrucha (red prawns), and the locally renowned tuna in manteca (lard).
Due to Case Mané’s popularity, it’s highly recommended to book ahead.
Restaurante Cuenca, Jimena de la Frontera
This local treasure first opened its doors in 1920. Known for its rustic charm and commitment to sourcing local ingredients, Cuenca is particularly famous for its meat and wild mushroom dishes.
The house specialities revolve around mushrooms and game, and two of their signature dishes are the pluma ibérica (Iberian pork flank) with boletus mushrooms, and the stewed venison with golden chanterelle mushrooms. The chickpea stew with tagarninas (wild thistles) is another much-loved hearty, traditional Andalusian dish.
For dessert, Cuenca’s homemade tocino de cielo (a rich caramel egg flan) is a favourite for those with a sweet tooth.
So now you can go and seek out Stephane´s hand-picked gems for yourself, all within easy reach of Sotogrande.
