Some of the best destination restaurants in Ronda are inside the city's smaller inns and hotels. Some are run by expats with years of top restaurant experience. Others are owned by Spaniards who have worked in some of finest kitchens in Madrid and Seville. In unison, most of these owner-operators like to keep things as simple as possible. Most refresh their menus daily, offer a much shorter list of 3-6 entree choices, and choose to focus on fresh, local and in-season foods. The results are reinventing Ronda's restaurant scene.
Restaurant at Hotel Acinipo 95-216-002. http://www.hotelacinipo.com/ This restaurant is a favorite place for a summer lunch. They have a nice terrace by the Ronda bull ring. The appetizers are substantial and are usually made up of local, fresh and organic foods around Ronda. Recommend their fresh salads, several types of fruit and local cheeses and large selection of light white wines and promising red wines from local wine makers. One heads-up. Entrees are large; small kids split many portions.
Restaurant at Hotel Alavera de los Banos. 95-287-91-43. http://www.alaveradelosbanos.com This restaurant serves organic Spanish, Mediterranean and Morrocan fare. All produce is raised on-site. Wine choices are excellent. It is located in an obscure part of Ronda's old town next to the Arabs baths, called the San Miguel quarter. Some people call it Ronda's Jewish quarter. Jewish or not, this restaurant doesn't get its due. Owners go the extra mile for their hotel guests and restaurant patrons.
Restaurant at Hotel Molino del Puente Ronda. 952-874-164. http://www.hotelmolinodelpuente.com This restaurant is run by a British family who for years ran a very successful restaurant along the coast of Spain. When Spain's Costa Del Sol lost its duende, they moved to Ronda, turned an olive oil plant into a small hotel and restaurant. New favorite place to go to dinner Eat outside by the pool if you can. Family friendly. Gorgeous restaurant interiors. The food, drinks and wine have an international bent. But all in all, it's a great find and remarkable value.
Restaurant at Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera. 952-114-355. http://www.hotellafuente.com This ex-pat run hotel is about 8 kilometers outside Ronda. Sits in a olive and almond grove against a mountain. The restaurant is reserved for hotel guests, but exceptions are made if you call a one day in advance. Menu changes daily. They typically serve just 3 different entrees. Wines are terrific. Sit outside if you can. Special place run by Dutch expats.
Albacara Restaurant at Hotel Monteliro. 952-873-855. http://www.hotelmontelirio.com This restaurant in Ronda's old quarter is about two hundred yards from the main bridge spanning Ronda's spectacular El Tajo Gorge. The food and wine is all Andalusian. But with a lighter touch. The dining experience is as spectacular as the views from the restaurant terrace. The restaurant menu changes daily. Appetizers are fresh, local and always a nice surprise. Favorite dishes are pork cheeks, ox tail, wild game and suckling pig.