Chiringuito Las Gaviotas — Restaurant in Manilva

Las Gaviotas is one of those rare beach chiringuitos that still holds onto the soul of the Costa del Sol — a place that’s both traditional and a little bit modernised, but without losing its charm.

It has that unmistakable background buzz of June, July and August: the gentle clash of cutlery, the sea breeze, and the sound of Spanish being spoken all around you — that soundtrack we secretly miss the rest of the year.

The food is classic, honest, and delicious. It doesn’t try to be anything it’s not, and that’s exactly why we love it. Everything is tasty, cooked with care, and has that homemade flavour that’s hard to find these days.

Yes, it’s a little chaotic — in the best possible way. There are people everywhere, kids running around, waiters weaving through packed tables, and that beautiful kind of organised disorder where everyone’s doing their best and somehow it all just works.

Service can be a bit slow at times, but it’s always friendly — usually with a smile, and occasionally with that slight “Costa del Sol” touch of ego that somehow makes it even more authentic.

And then there’s Pepi. She runs the show. She’s incredible — warm, sharp, and unflappable. You’ll see her answering seven people at once, and still managing to remember your order, make you laugh, and serve up a plate of boquerones that tastes like summer.

For us, Las Gaviotas is hands down our favourite spot in La Duquesa. It’s one of those places that feels like home — where the food, the noise, and the chaos all come together to give you a real taste of what beach life used to be like, and still is, if you know...

We stay in Nueva Andalucia and like to get out along the CDS, having seen La Duquesa on the TV and friends visiting thought we'd pop along. La Duquesa marina itself is absolutely nothing to write home about with Mexican, Indian, Chinese all day English, you may just as well have stayed in blighty.

Fortunately, for me and advised by the lady in the mini market, souvenir shop, she told me where to find Chiringuito Las Gaviotas.

A genuinely authentic Spanish beach bar serving lovely food that one would hope to find in Spain.

We visited twice and both times ate from the boat BBQ, I particularly enjoyed the Espetos de Malaga (google it if you don't know).

Staff very friendly and efficient without looking over your shoulder.

On both occasions a violinist busker came along and did 10 or 15 minutes who stood under the palm tree as to be not too loud or in your face.

We will be back next year, it is worth the drive and better and cheaper than the Chiringuito's closer...

Very bad experience! I would not recommend it to anyone! The toilets are on the beach and are very dirty! It was absolutely dark inside, as there was no lightbulb! When I complained they suggested that I keep the door open while using the bathroom! There was no alternative as both the male and female toilet had the same problem. The staff acted as if this was completely normal and did not offer any assistance or compensation. The food was cold, and compared to other restaurants on the beach not even tasty. Do not go there if you have any...