Abanico – Argentine Soul in the Estepona Old Town
Tucked away on Camino del Padre Cura, just on the edge of Estepona’s old town, Abanico is the kind of restaurant locals tend to keep to themselves. Small, personal and consistently excellent, it blends Andalusian ingredients with Argentine cooking techniques in a way that feels completely natural — and produces results that are hard to forget.
The name says it all. The signature dish is the abanico ibérico — a pork shoulder cut that most Spanish restaurants overlook in favour of more familiar choices — grilled over fire and served with the kind of confidence that comes from knowing exactly what you’re doing. Alongside it, the choripán with homemade chimichurri, empanadas, gambas pil-pil, oxtail croquettes and carne con tomate give the menu a wonderful back-and-forth between the two culinary traditions. There are strong vegetarian options too, with the roasted aubergine in house-made sauce earning its own loyal following.
Owner Pablo runs the room with genuine warmth — recommending wines from Argentine producers including Bodega Norton’s Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon from Mendoza, and making sure every table feels looked after. For dessert, the chocotorta (an Argentine chocolate and cream cheese cake) is not to be missed.
Outdoor seating, free parking nearby and a relaxed price point make this an easy choice for both a weekday lunch and a proper weekend dinner. Book ahead at weekends — word has spread.
Abanico Camino del Padre Cura, 8, 29680 Estepona, Málaga 📞 +34 603 941 418 ✉️ abanicoestepona@gmail.com 📸 @abanicoestepona
