The Lilac Tree Restaurant & Bar

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#38 of 804 Restaurants in Benalmadena££ - £££, Bar, International, Vegetarian friendly

+34 643 92 71 02+ Add website

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Hours

Sun

13:00 - 22:00

Mon

13:00 - 23:30

Tue

13:00 - 23:30

Thu

13:00 - 23:30

Fri

13:00 - 23:30

Sat

13:00 - 23:30

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What is Travellers’ Choice?

Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.

Ratings and reviews

4.5

315 reviews

#38 of 804 Restaurants in Benalmadena

Travellers' Choice 2024

RATINGS

Food

Service

Value

Atmosphere

Details

Someone from this business manages this listing.

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PRICE RANGE

£4.00 – £25.00

CUISINES

Bar, International, Mediterranean, European, British, Fusion

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

meals, features

Location and contact

Calle Real 14, 29639, Benalmadena Spain

+34 643 92 71 02

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Does this restaurant have tables with seating?

Yes

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About

Serving up delicious, home cooked food with a selection of drinks and fine wines, within stylish surroundings, The Lilac Tree is a friendly, contemporary restaurant and bar. Located in the beautiful, white-washed, traditional village of Benalmadena Pueblo, The Lilac Tree finds the perfect balance between traditional dishes and a vibrant, modern menu set in warm and friendly surroundings.

PRICE RANGE

£4.00 – £25.00

CUISINES

Bar, International, Mediterranean, European, British, Fusion

Special Diets

Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options

Meals

Dinner, Drinks

FEATURES

Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service

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4.5

315 reviews

Excellent

268

Very good

Average

Poor

Terrible

Woodward21

Arroyo de la Miel16 contributions

Quality (

Jul 2020 • none

Visiting the lovely Benalmádena Pueblo, first time since lockdown. Decided to visit the Lilac tree after looking on trip advisor for recent recommendations. The lilac tree stood out with excellent reviews so we decided to book a table, nestled in the quaint streets of pueblo was this real gem. Cleaning of both table and chairs impressed us upon being seated, The staff showed us the menu on chalk boards bringing them to the table for all to read, excellent choice of mains and starters catering for all tastes. Our small group went for the fillet steak, and beer battered cod both served piping hot and the cod was pure white with a very light fresh batter. Chunky chips with The steak and excellent choice of sauces. Over all impression fresh quality food cooked fresh when ordered, We would definitely visit again hopefully in September for a family celebration. We would recommend this 5* restaurant to anyone who appreciates quality in a relaxed safe environment in these mad times of COVID 19.

Written 25 July 2020

This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

K1364EDterryd

Hello I’m so pleased you enjoyed your meal with us last night we love our setting in Calle San Jose nice peaceful & beautiful and only a minute from the squares . We realise in these times the cleaning of tables and chairs is very important and I’m glad you felt reassured on arrival. We keep the menu small and fresh so we can offer you the best of ingredients the fresh cod is one of my favourites and the fillet steak was as advertised on facebook. We hope to see you back in September for the birthday party and that you enjoy the rest of your holiday Thanks Terry

Written 26 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Elaine RER

21 contributions

Absolutely Superb

Sept 2020 • family

I am absolutely delighted the restaurant had reopened and I have already returned twice! The food is cooked to perfection, from fillet steaks to salmon and cod. Nothing is a problem, as with my family typically we want different sides and the chef just makes the dish exactly to what you want. The portions are big and the quality of food is superb. The starter I have had each time, mackerel pate is to die for, absolutely beautiful. My mum had the prawn pil pil , sister the duck, and her husband the brie. All dishes just outstanding. We will absolutely return and already can't wait. Thank you the Lilac Tree

Written 19 September 2020

Terry D

Hello Ruth Thank you for your amazing review Its always a pleasure to see you and your family Thanks Terry

Written 20 August 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Debbee

Brewood14 contributions

An absolute Gem of a find !!!

Jun 2022 • family

Absolutely fantastic , a must if you are in Benalmedena old town !!!! Just down a side street off the square . Firstly the food was amazing we had lots of tapas style dishes , we struggled to decide as they all sounded wonderful and they were all delicious my grandson had a beef burger and in his words was the best he had ever had (better than Burger King ☺️) All the food that came out for other customers looked first class . The prices are very very reasonable and the staff especially the chef/owner who came out to chat were so friendly. So wished we had discovered the LilacTree earlier as it was at the end of our holiday as we all would have liked to have eaten there again Thanks again to the staff and owner you are doing a superb job . We will definitely return .

Written 4 July 2022

aoife1506

County Dublin16 contributions

Best meal of our holiday!!

Jul 2021 • friends

A group of 18 of us have just eaten in The Lilac Tree and we can’t believe we didn’t find here sooner in our holiday! The food was gorgeous, such tasty tapas. Staff were even better! So friendly and efficient and drinks were kept full. With such a large group we struggled for the last week to receive good service and good food in Benalmadena and this place left all 18 of us full and smiling. Thank you all at the Lilac Tree!

Written 30 July 2021

Terry D

Hello Aoife1506 What a great evening we had with your company & the birthday boy Shame it was your last night but i hope we sent you away very happy We pride ourselves on the service and food and you made it a pleasure for all of us Thanks Terry

Written 20 August 2021

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Peter

1 contribution

Good quality food , great service at reasonable prices.

Apr 2022 • none

Eaten here a few times, had light snacks, a family meal and recently a lunch with 12 of us. Each time we found the service and food of a high standard, drinks well priced and thoroughly enjoyed our visits. Highly recommended.

Written 5 April 2022

Kerry D

24 contributions

What a fantastic restaurant.

Jul 2020 • none

What a fantastic restaurant. We were recommended the Lilac Tree and it absolutely lived up to our expectations. Nothing was too much trouble, the chef altered the menu to suit the children and every single bite of food was superb. A lovey location on a picturesque and quiet street. We had steak, halloumi, chicken, pork belly, kofta and fabulous desserts. The prices were very reasonable and the service exceptional. We will be back next year!

Written 24 July 2020

K1364EDterryd

Hello Kerry It was a pleasure to host you and we are always pleased to accommodate our guests we know how important it is to keep the children happy. You even invented a new halloumi starter. Hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday and see you next year Thanks Terry

Written 25 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

christinemccracken91

Newtownards2 contributions

Fabulous meal

Jul 2022 • family

We were a party of 11 and booked a meal on Sat 2nd July. The food and service were first class. The staff went out of their way to cater for the gluten free needs in our group even ordering in bread especially. The mackerel pate and squid rings were amazing. We had a mix of tapas for starters and main courses. All the food was outstanding and staff were so helpful and pleasant. This place is a wee hidden gem in the Benalmadena Pueblo and definitely worth a visit.

Written 4 July 2022

samanthaa69

Chester13 contributions

Beautiful

Aug 2022 • none

wow what a hidden gem. the lilac tree is in the most beautiful Spanish village, owners very friendly we went for Sunday lunch, absolutely amazing perfectly cooked Lamb, veg roasters. if you want to visit a traditional Spanish village this is a must.

Written 14 September 2022

Oscarwildetime

Leeds728 contributions

Just as good as before!!!

Jul 2020 • couples

Before arriving I dropped them an email to make sure they had survived the lockdown and were open again. Thankfully yes and despite it being an 80 mile round trip we booked for the Saturday night. Glad to see most tables were occupied and trade was good. We both ordered the smoked mackerel pate and the beef fillet Stroganoff. The Mackerel was fantastic and the portion huge but I finished mine and the bit my wife left!!! Stroganoff was also good with a lot of meat. Could have been a touch creamier for my likening with a touch more Paprika but having said that I cleared my plate!!! Service was good, attentive and friendly and the final bill represented good value for money. Thanks Terry and staff. See you next year and good luck.

Written 26 July 2020

K1364EDterryd

Hello Jan Thanks you for making the trip it was a pleasure to see you both and I’m glad you enjoyed your food the mackerel pate is one of our best sellers. I’ve passed the feedback to the chef about the stroganoff being a little creamier. Have a safe drive home and we hope to see you next year Thanks Terry

Written 27 July 2020

This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

UKSurgeon

45 contributions

Very disappointing and forgettable experience….

Jul 2024 • family

Picture this - an outdoor restaurant situated on a picturesque cobblestoned square under the shade of numerous palm trees in the heart of one of the most idyllic locations in the Costa del Sol. In addition, a place which has (quite amazingly) attracted a large number of good reviews. You would think that this has to be one of the best places to eat, right? How wrong can you be! The main personality - John (?owner/proprietor) - completely lacked the genial welcoming attitude that one comes to expect in these places. Surly and business-like would be a more accurate description of him. The food, which comprised mainly a selection of tapas, tasted very much like it had come out of a freezer and quickly heated. There was no Spanish authenticity or flavour to any of the dishes. The sirloin steak was chewy and unpalatable, akin to what one might expect in one of the British motorway chain restaurants! This is a restaurant that does not even have coffee on its menu! To top off the rather unpleasant experience, the bill included a couple of cocktails and a soft drink which we hadn’t ordered! There was not so much as an apology when this was pointed out to the staff… What is really quite bizarre is trying to fathom how this place has managed to attract the number of favourable reviews that it has done so far!

Written 26 July 2024

busterspals

Blaenavon16 contributions

Wish we had found it earlier in our holiday

Jun 2023 • couples

We were told about this restaurant by a British person who has a holiday home out there, so we went there for an evening meal and also the following day for tapas at lunchtime the Meal was that good. it began with the waiter apologizing with the limited menu they had only just taken on the restaurant in the last couple of weeks and were just feeling their feet but the menu had plenty of choice and variety and the food we picked for both dinner and lunch was superb. One of our party is lactose intolerant so he was advised and catered for Our waiter john found us the perfect table sitting in the shade on a cobbled Square overhang by flowers and arches so beautiful. The owner chef and waiter we're all very attentive and catered for our needs this on top of the delicious food made are visits while worth it I would definitely recommend

Written 11 July 2023

HellsBells39

Playa Flamenca139 contributions

Yummy tapas

Oct 2023 • couples

We called in today and had the Sunday tapas menu. Caprese salad, which was delicious with patatas bravas and tempura chicken, cooked perfectly, with very tasty sauces and reasonably priced. Great, friendly service too

Written 1 October 2023

Ida

Tampere14 contributions

Great service, ok food

Sept 2021 • couples

Excellent service and beatiful location on a side alley. However, the food was not quite what we were expecting, the tapas was more like deep fried british finger food. It was good, but not very complex or diverse in flavors. However, we had a delightful evening and would recommend this to friends of british style cuisine.

Written 11 September 2021

Bonnie-Clyde

15 contributions

Deep fried disappointment.

Aug 2024 • family

Very disappointed with the food and service here. We went for the platters so we could try a good selection of the tapas. Food was all deep fried and we suspected frozen, little flavour. Very beige meal. There are so many terrific authentic Spanish tapas restaurants in this little town, this was so poor in comparison. Service was also poor, waiter was quite off hand and not very attentive. Won’t be returning.

Written 26 August 2024

BeainSthlm

Stockholm97 contributions

Our special night out ruined by unprofessional service

Aug 2024 • family

We chose this restaurant for our final dinner after spending a month in Costa del Sol. We wanted the evening to be special, and after reading reviews and passing by the restaurant, it seemed like an obvious choice. Unfortunately, our waiter was extremely nonchalant and made it clear that we were somehow a disappointment to him. While being addressed, he turned his back several times and walked away. He didn’t present the specials, instead insisting that we order, and he didn’t even bother to offer us a wine list. Furthermore, when we wanted to order a few extra tapas, he gave us a judging look, as if we didn’t know how to behave. It’s a real shame because we were happy with the food, the location is stunning, and the rest of the staff was kind and welcoming, making an effort and engaging in small conversations as they passed by. My only thought is: if you’re so bothered by well-behaved customers, why choose this line of work?!

Written 19 August 2024

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