Views from Cantueso. Credit: CC FB
Sweeping vistas across Lake Viñuela and the Axarquia mountains frame every table at Cantueso Restaurant. Diners can relax on a spacious terrace or inside a rustic dining room lined with wooden beams while hills roll into the distance and occasional sea glimpses appear on clear days.
Warm country welcome
One thing that you will notice is that warm, country hospitality greets arrivals straight away. Chef Visi combines years of experience in Andalusian kitchens with an artistic eye, giving classic regional dishes her own modern interpretation using the freshest local produce. Right-hand man Damy joined from the Netherlands after falling for the village and the kitchen, while experienced waiter Edu shares deep knowledge of traditional Malaga gastronomy with genuine passion.
Starters deliver delicious flavours from the outset. Twice-cooked spareribs arrive with fried risotto balls and apple for €6, while gambas Ebi Furai offer Japanese-style king prawns at €10–16. Porra antequerana with Iberian ham and quail egg costs €13, and green asparagus with Payoyo cheese suits vegetarians at €13.
Special dining: Malaga-rooted cuisine with nod to the modern
Mains maintain the highest dining standards across meat, fish and vegetarian choices. Pluma of Iberian pork from the grill pairs with salad for €25, suckling goat from Malaga costs €27, and grilled beef sirloin reaches €29. Fish options include grilled tuna at €24 or whole oven-baked seabream at €21. Vegetarian dishes such as courgette risotto cost €16.
Desserts provide sweet finishes at €8 each. Oven-baked orange with local molasses or tiramisu with Malaga Virgen cream ends meals on a high note.
Wines enhance every course through a balanced list of good-value Spanish selections. Regional varieties and some lesser-known bottles complement the menu without excess formality.
Touch of class and classic
Service flows with quiet efficiency. Staff anticipate needs before you even think of them while keeping interactions friendly and unhurried.
Prices reflect quality and the exceptional location. Mains range from €16 to €29, making the experience accessible yet special.
Visitors choose Cantueso Restaurant for relaxed weekend lunches thanks to the calm countryside setting. Groups celebrate birthdays or anniversaries here, and couples book nearby cottages for romantic escapes filled with views and fine dining.
Cantueso Restaurant sits at Camino de la Estación on the outskirts of Periana. Call +34 699 71 86 50 for reservations or +34 699 94 62 13 for general enquiries. Details appear at cantuesocottages.com.
