Those of you who know us well already know that at Restaurante Abanico Estepona, we don’t believe in beating around the bush. We love authentic flavors, great company, and, of course, that kind of food that makes you close your eyes in pure bliss from the very first bite. Whenever people visit us from out of town, they always ask us the exact same question: "So, what does the South really taste like?".
And since we love good food and a good conversation, we always give the same answer: the South tastes like tradition, it tastes like the crackle of open embers, and it tastes like the love we pour into our kitchen. Today, we are opening our kitchen doors to share the three gastronomic secrets (plus a few bonus treats!) that you absolutely must try to truly understand the soul of our home. Get your forks ready!
1. The Whisper of Tradition: Our Time-Honored Dishes
To understand the South, you have to start with its roots. These are the dishes that carry the comforting aroma of a grandmother’s recipe, but with that playful, unique twist that defines Abanico.
If you’re looking for the rich, deep flavors of the land, our oxtail croquettes are practically a religion: wonderfully creamy on the inside, perfectly crispy on the outside, and so flavorful you’ll want to scrape the plate clean.
But if you are a fan of contrasts, our eggplants with Pedro Ximénez sherry reduction will make you fall in love; the crisp texture of the vegetable combined with the sweet depth of the reduction is pure magic.
And for the seafood lovers? A sizzling skillet of shrimp al pil pil, bubbling away in premium olive oil with garlic and chili, practically begging you to dip your bread without an ounce of regret. Around here, we come to enjoy life to the fullest!
2. The Temple of Fire: The Magic of Our Grill
If there is one thing that truly defines us at Restaurante Abanico, it is our absolute passion for the embers. For us, the fire isn’t just a way to cook; it’s a way to give character and personality to our meats and fish, always respecting the quality of the raw ingredient.
For those seeking authentic textures and bold flavors, our grilled veal sweetbreads are a true delicacy that pleasantly surprises everyone who tries them.
If you lean towards premium Iberian pork, our secreto ibérico comes off the grill so incredibly juicy and tender that it almost melts in your mouth. The subtle smokiness from the wood provides that perfect touch that will have you smiling with every single bite.
3. The King of the Crown: Our Signature Grilled Tuna
We couldn’t possibly talk about the taste of the South without paying tribute to the undisputed king of our coastline. Our grilled tuna deserves its own chapter (and honestly, its own monument!). We select the absolute finest cut and sear it over the fire with surgical precision: beautifully crusted on the outside to lock in all the natural juices, while keeping that tender, rosy pink heart on the inside that is pure culinary poetry. Quite simply, it is the dish that defines who we are.
The Secret Ingredient: The Family “Sobremesa”
We could boast about having the finest grill in Estepona, but we’ll let you in on a little secret: none of this would taste quite the same without you on the other side of the table. The true secret ingredient at Abanico is the atmosphere. We love seeing you share dishes, hearing your laughter, and lingering after your meal, as if you were in your own backyard.
So, if you’re passing through Estepona or haven’t yet tried our “secret” (the Iberian ham or the kitchen specialty), we’re waiting for you with the grill fired up and open arms.