La Puntilla – Eat Like a Local, Fresh Catch in Nerja’s Old Town

Tucked away on the narrow Calle Bolivia, just steps from the bustling lanes of Nerja’s old town, La Puntilla is the kind of place you stumble upon once and end up returning to for years. For locals and Spanish visitors alike, this humble seafood tavern has become a beloved ritual—a reminder that some of the best meals come with no fuss, just good friends, fresh fish, and the buzz of laughter drifting down the street.

Renowned for its fresh seafood and honest, hearty tapas, La Puntilla is a must-stop for anyone who wants to taste what real Spanish dining feels like. Its menu is an ode to the Mediterranean coast—Fish of the day with Puntilla Sauce , sizzling sardines, vinegar-marinated boquerones, and Pil- Pil prawns, seafood soup, so fresh they seem to leap off the plate. And don’t miss trying their namesake puntilla tapa: tiny squid, lightly battered and fried until crisp—one of the most traditional bites to share with an ice-cold beer. There are also plenty for meat and paella lovers.

Part of what makes La Puntilla so special is that it’s not just a restaurant; it’s a lively piece of local life. Step inside during high season and you’ll see families crammed around wooden tables, old friends leaning at the bar, and tourists lucky enough to have been tipped off by someone in the know. For many, it’s also a favourite stop on a traditional tapas tour—an essential part of experiencing Nerja the way locals do.

If you’re after a truly Spanish night, this is the spot. Locals often gather here for an unhurried dinner that spills over into late-night chatter. Plates are ordered in rounds, conversations swirl over clinking glasses, and there’s always another tapa to try. It’s the sort of place where you come for the seafood but stay for the atmosphere—a place where the true Spanish vibe is alive and well.

The whole area around Calle Bolivia is dotted with more authentic Spanish spots like Dolores El Chispa and Tabernas de Pepe, all local favourites where seafood, tapas, and laughter are served up in generous measure.

Nestled among other local bars and taverns in Nerja’s old town, La Puntilla makes a perfect starting point for an evening wandering from one lively bar to the next, tapas by tapas, glass by glass. But don’t be surprised if you find it hard to leave—sometimes it’s just too good to move on.

Contact:

Address: Calle Bolivia, 1, 29780 Nerja  Phone: +34 952 52 89 51

Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12:30 – 16.00 / 18:30 – 23:00

Reservations are a wise idea, especially in the summer months when every table is snapped up by locals and visitors hungry for a genuine taste of Nerja.