El Mirlo Blanco
If you’re looking for a beautifully cooked meal, delicious wine, a fantastic setting overlooking La Plaza de la Constitution then look no further than the end of the road, this restaurant is a 5 minute walk from the apartment, at most.
El Mirlo Blanco is one of our favourites, it’s one of the oldest family run restaurants in Mijas, it was established over 50 years ago, the service is excellent, very friendly and helpful. The prices here are a little higher than most restaurants in the village but we feel the quality of the food is worth it, the wine list is very good and wine prices are very reasonable.
The restaurant specialises in Basque cuisine but there are more traditional dishes on offer which are also delicious. Avocado with prawns will cost about 15 euros but there is more than enough for 2 people and they are happy to divide it for you. Roast chicken with chips and vegetables is about 15 euros and the tenderloin steak is about 25 euros, if you like steak, this is a must! They also serve great seafood, baked spider crab, hake in a mariniere sauce or sole in a prawn sauce.
They serve some great puddings too, for a special occasion finish off your meal with a Grand Marnier Souffle, a serving for two easily serves four.
Aroma Restaurant & The Secret Garden
Another restaurant that shouldn’t be missed. Don’t be fooled by the (usually) empty seats at the front of the restaurant, if there’s room, you’ll be invited to walk through the very quaint indoor dining room, up a few steps to the delightful ‘Secret Garden’, most of the tables are in shade or have umbrellas, so the temperature is very pleasant, even during the hot days. During the day they serve reasonably priced pizza, pasta, salads, fresh fish and meat dishes, as well as paella and tapas.
The menu changes in the evening and an ‘Argentinian BBQ’ is on offer. A selection of meat and fish dishes are still on the menu as well as salads and pasta, but the ‘main event’ is the BBQ, where they offer a variety of steak including "Wagyu", a hamburger, lamb chops, chicken or ribs. The evening menu prices are more expensive, but we think the steak is delicious and worth the extra.
El Capricho Restaurant
You could easily miss El Capricho, we did for some time until it was recommended to us by a friend and we were told where to find it. Nestled amongst the photo art shop, the leather and the ceramic shops on Calle de los Canos, you will usually find a delightful man standing at the entrance to the restaurant which can only be reached by the flight of stairs in front of you. At the top of the stairs there is a cosy, inviting indoor restaurant which leads out onto a terrace overlooking the Plaza Virgen de la Pena.
The restaurant is family run and the service is very friendly. The food is delicious, the average cost of a starter is about 10 to 12 euros and the main dishes average at about 20 euros, the portion size is generous though, we found that an avocado prawn starter (10 euros) easily serves 2 people and they are happy to serve it on two plates. There are several gems on the menu, chicken or pork medallions in the roquefort or El Capricho sauce are all worth a try, they are priced at about 17 euros. The wine list is quite extensive and reasonably priced.
Chema's Terrace
For some reasonably priced home cooked food, sausage & mash, cottage pie or a Sunday roast or something lighter, Tapas or toasted sandwiches, this place might suit you. The menu isn’t extensive but the food is good. The inside of the restaurant is very cosy, with only 7 or 8 tables it fills up quite quickly in the Winter, but on a warm Summer’s night sitting outside on the lovely terrace is perfect. On most Friday nights (and Saturday nights throughout the Summer) there is live music, a great way to spend an evening.
The wine list is good and again, reasonably priced. The service is great, very friendly and welcoming.
Mango Cafe
For breakfast or lunch this hidden gem is a must. They offer full English breakfast, a selection of egg dishes, pasties, salads, quiche, burgers, sandwiches, home made cakes and cram teas, the list is quite extensive and the quality of the food is great.
There are vegetarian and vegan options and the prices are very reasonable. The two guys who run the cafe are really welcoming and friendly and the service is great. At the time of writing the cafe holds a liquor license and if you're in the mood you can have a glass of wine or beer with breakfast.
