Thanks everyone for your replies. Will definately give Carihuela a try. Am generally looking for Spanish cooking.

Restaurante Valparaiso 4 miles from Mijas and Fuengirola is well worth a visit

Hi Porridge, I will give Sue your love. Yes, you are partly right with Benalmadena but it is Benalmadena Pueblo, she works in. It is a village above Benalmadena and Arroyo.

Hi kamila, thanks for that - would you please give her my love - we used to chat a lot on here - I think she used to work in Benalmadena harbour - that may be what I was thinking of.

Hi Porridge,
Mijas Costa doesn't live near Benalmadena, she lives in Mijas Pueblo and that is near Fuengirola. We have been friends for about 5 years now.
I agree that a lot of places on the coast can be touristy but you will find that Carihuela has many Spanish fish Restaurants and they are famous for their fresh fish. They have beach Chiringuitos and the restaurants are opposite them. And because Simon asked about Benalmadena then Carihuela is nearest place and he can walk to it from Benalmadena Puerto. I agree that a lot of Restaurants in Benalmadena and also in Fuengirola cater for tourists. But village of Mijas has also a lot of tourist places because they have got coach tours going there every day. You would need a car to drive in to those off the beaten track places.

there used to be a poster on here called Mijhas costa who lives near there - but I haven't heard of her for some time - she would be able to recommend some places for you - I have been there and a lot of the restaurants can be a bit touristy and English - but if you venture off the beaten track you can find some Spanish places - up in the village of Mijas used to be a lovely place near the bull fighting place - sorry but I can't remember the name of it but it has a panoramic view of the mountains. Also, if you like fish the beach restaurants at lunchtime always have fresh sardines on the grill all the time which smell amazing.
I personally have eaten in the poolside restaurant in the hotel Torquebrada - which does a very nice lunch - they are widely advertised as the only casino on the Costa del Sol.

Hi simon09,
I just noticed your message. If it is not too late then what kind of restaurants are you looking for? Is it British cooking or Spanish cooking? I live in Spain and Benalmadena is not very far from where I live. If you are looking for good Spanish fish restaurants then Carihuela is the best for fish and it is between Benalmadena and Torremolinos.