El Castillo - Estepona

Always visit Paco and his wife when in estepona The tapas is very good and the tortilla is something else excellent. Paco is one of the most sociable people you could wish to meet. A genuine recommendation both for the food and company

We stayed around the corner from El Castillo and literally ate there out of the days we spent in Estepona. The friendly atmosphere, the great vino de casa, and the homemade tapas kept us coming back for more. It was a total toss...up as to which we liked more but we did keep ordering the Spanish Omelette, the Little Tears of Chicken in Beer Sauce and the Home made Meatballs in Sauce each time we went. For a true experience of Spanish tapas at its finest give El Castillo a try.

El Castillo is a small tapas bar adjacent to a more plush Casa del Reyes wine bar, which attracts more custom. Pity because El Castillo is one of Estepona's truly hidden gems. It is run by Paco, a Spaniard of Japanese origin, and his wife,...who cooks all the tapas herself in the flat above the bar. The tortilla Espanol is possibly the best I have ever tasted. The coronation chicken is superb. The tapas, generally, are all absolutely excellent and neither too small nor too large. The prices are very reasonable: my wife and I had six tapas and five glasses of wine between us, a coffee, a small bottle of water, and a huge Pacharan (liqueur) on the house for Fantastic value! Paco is an exuberant host. He speaks no English or at least very little but rattles on in Spanish as if you understand everything and one way or another you end up being huge friends with him. His wife is a delightful lady who makes all the tapas herself and they leave similar tapas in other bars standing. Hers are all five star quality. It is a little sad that the new wine bar seems to have attracted more attention (slightly posher chairs, a more extensive menu, much more expensive wines etc) because Paco's Bar (otherwise known as El Castillo) is not only very well established; it is also one of the best in Estepona and I have tried lots of them! Suitable for couples family, friends, businessmen or people on their own Paco will make you feel not only welcome but a member of his family. The bar is just two minutes walk (if that) from Orange Square the main square in Estepona. It is just up from the Hotel Pilar and Hotel Malaguena on the same bit of road leading from the square (i.e. if you are facing the sea, it is the top right bit of road off the square)

This small Tapas restaurant is excellent ran by a very friendly husband (Paco) and wife team, the tapas, wine and service are all great. Amazing value, all of the Tapas are really good unfortunately we found this bar on our last night or...I am sure we would have been back more often there is always next time. Situated just off the Plaza Del Flores. Definately worth a visit to sit ouside and enjoy the atmosphere of the Old Town in Estepona. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

All due to Paco, ola Almirante. A simple bar with good tapas and excellent beer. Every visit to Estepona requires a visit to see Paco, a true gentleman.