Restaurante Fondeo Playa — Restaurant in Torrox

We stopped at Restaurante Fondeo Playa in Torrox while exploring the area — or rather, while I dragged my mate around as he whinged about being tired like a pensioner who’s lost his favourite slippers.

At first glance, this place looks… well, a bit grim. It’s plonked right by the road, the sort of location that usually suggests microwaved paella and a view of someone’s exhaust pipe. But, as it turns out, it’s actually rather brilliant.

Once you sit down, the whole vibe changes. There’s a proper Spanish feel to it — laid-back, beachy, and absolutely no one in a hurry to do anything. You can see the sea, the sun is shining, and the beer is cold. Perfect.

We kicked off with a few tapas which were exactly as they should be: simple, tasty, and not fiddled about with by some bloke in the kitchen who thinks he’s on MasterChef. Then I ordered a chicken burger with egg. It arrived with a pile of chips big enough to frighten a rugby team. It was hearty, it was messy, and it was exactly what you want when you’re sat by the beach pretending you’re not going to have a nap afterwards.

My friend eventually stopped moaning long enough to order an espresso, which finally brought him back to life. I had a cappuccino, and we sat there like two sunburnt lizards, watching the waves and plotting where to go next.

So yes, it’s next to a road. But who cares? The food’s good, the atmosphere is easy-going, and you can almost hear a Spanish guitar playing in the background. If you find yourself in Torrox and want something unpretentious and properly satisfying, stop here. Just don’t bring a friend who complains about...

Fabulous restaurant. We have been here several times and the food, staff & atmosphere is fantastic. The welcome is second to none, Jose , his mama, papa & all the staff are great, so friendly & helpful. The food is great ( & we have tried several dishes off the menu & tapas bar- mamas seafood paella is the best ever!) The service is great even when busy. We can thouroughly recommend Fondeo Playa and hope to be back very...

It was a really nice day we had at the bar/restaurant. Food was delicious and fresh from the day as well as the prices, very reasonable. The waiter (Jose), a lovely guy trying his best to attend everyone and making them enjoy their stay. Overall a 10 out of 10 little restaurantwhich deserves to pass by and have a stop !! keep up the...