Finding good places to eat in Costa Ballena is pretty straightforward. Along the more than two kilometres of coastline that the residential area boasts, and the neighbouring beaches in the municipality of Chipiona, there are dozens of bars, restaurants, terraces and beach bars (or beach clubs).
In all of them you can enjoy the wide range of dishes and ingredients that characterise food typical of Cadiz as well as many other recipes from far flung places. This is because the area, which until not so long ago was frequented by mostly local and Spanish tourists, has increasingly opened up and become tailored towards tourists from all over the world.
- Best restaurants in Costa Ballena: from local to global food
- Beach bars in Costa Ballena: summer’s finest and beyond
- Going for tapas in the Costa Ballena area: the best of the ocean
Best restaurants in Costa Ballena: from local to global food
One of the best restaurants to eat at in Costa Ballena is without a doubt Arrozante. Serving Mediterranean cuisine and housed in the Hotel Barceló Costa Ballena Golf & Spa, its rice dishes are naturally one of the highlights, coming in a range of different options. Behind the dishes on the menu is the ingenuity and know-how of renowned chefs Carlos Otaola and José Luis Chaparro.
Also highly recommended is the buffet restaurant housed in the same hotel, a perfect place to taste classic Andalusian and Cadiz cuisine, as well as other Spanish and international dishes, all in a very pleasant, bright atmosphere.
There are, however, many other excellent restaurants in Costa Ballena. Below is a selection of some of the best:
Arrocería Ballena (Centro Comercial Áncora, Av. Juan Carlos I, s/n):
One of the most highly rated and recommended restaurants in Costa Ballena by those who frequent the area year after year. Its speciality, as you would expect, are its rice dishes, which are made on the spot and should be ordered in advance.
El Capricho Gastrobar (Centro Comercial Áncora, Av. Juan Carlos I, s/n):
A great option both for formal lunches and dinners and for tapas (in the beautiful and lively bar). The menu includes both flavours and ingredients typical of Cadiz, with tuna taking centre stage, as well as Spanish and international options for all tastes and dietary restrictions.
Calita Costa Ballena (edificio Plaza del Mar esquina con Corvina):
What you would expect from a seaside restaurant in Cadiz, with its deep-fried fish, shellfish in delicious sauces, seafood stews and excellent pieces of Retinta veal. It also offers many other dishes for those with more international tastes.
Tulum Club & Restaurant (Las Tres Piedras, 403):
The lovely décor and views at this restaurant are matched by its extensive menu, which includes the dishes most typical of Cádiz, with a special section for tuna, as well as Mediterranean rice dishes, the finest grilled meats and much more.
Chinini Beach (Playa de las Tres Piedras):
Despite being on the beach, this business functions more as a restaurant than a beach bar with a menu marked by fresh, quality local produce. Your bill may be somewhat higher than usual in the area, but it is more than justified by the food and the experience.
Beach bars in Costa Ballena: summer’s finest and beyond
As previously mentioned, with two kilometres of beaches in Costa Ballena and an additional three kilometres in the neighbouring Las Tres Piedras, it is plain to see that there is an endless amount of beach bars and beach clubs in the area. Idyllic places to spend the day, watch the sunset and enjoy a wide range of gastronomic options, these are some of the most recommended:
Ajedrez Beach Club-Casa al Mar (Miramar, 1):
With attractive colonial-style décor, based on wood, palm trees and more plant motifs, this space is characterised by a fusion between Mediterranean and Asian flavours.
Ohana Tres Piedras (Playa de las Tres Piedras):
This establishment is divided between the beach bar and a surf school with the same name. So, naturally, the atmosphere here is casual, youthful and fun. Just like the dishes they serve, which are perfect for sharing, from croquettes to ensaladilla and assorted salads, to pokes, sushi and all kinds of deep-fried fish.
Azúcar de Cuba Beach Bar (Av. Santiago Guillén):
One of the features of this beach club is the fact that it is open all year round. They also offer an extensive international menu and evening entertainment with live shows and cocktails.
Befree (Av. Pez Espada):
Thanks to its elevated position on the sand, this seasonal beach bar has one of the best views of the ocean in Costa Ballena. A perfect setting to enjoy a fresh menu based on plentiful local produce, where little fried fish, grilled fish and meat and, of course, tuna prepared in a range of different ways take centre stage.
Going for tapas in the Costa Ballena area: the best of the ocean
The Costa Ballena area is brimming with bars and terraces where you can take part in the enjoyable custom of going out for tapas. You can also enjoy a spot of tapas in more formal restaurants and even beach clubs and beach bars, where it is common for people to share dishes and half-portions.
Therefore, in addition to most of the spots in the previous sections where you can eat tapas, we also recommend the following options:
La Manuela (Gaviota s/n):
Situated right on the beachfront, the highlight of this establishment is its selection of typical Andalusian tapas (ensaladilla, deep-fried fish and seafood, salmorejo, local Conil vegetables and Retinta beef) as well as sushi and nigiri in the purest Japanese style.
Los Amigos (Centro Comercial El Lago, Peña del Águila, 2):
Both the bar and the terrace here are a great place to enjoy the best of the Cadiz coastline along with some not so small portions. In fact, both its full portions and half portions stand out for their generosity and flavour.
Cervecería La Típica (Centro Comercial El Lago, Peña del Águila, 2):
In the same shopping and leisure centre as the previous bar, it has a terrace facing the street and an extensive menu of tapas and larger portions, almost all made in a very local style.
El Olivo (Av. Juan Carlos I):
This bar is very popular among locals and summer holidaymakers owing to its generous breakfasts. The rest of the day it is also very popular due to its assorted tapas, among which the octopus salad, garlic prawns and tuna tartar particularly stand out.
