Tapas from Cincuenta Peroles & Taberna de Sinfo.
Credit: Ayuntamiento de Benalmadena
The ninth annual Benalmadena Cinema Tapas Route has wrapped up, already established as one of the region’s most anticipated gastronomic events. The nine-day gastronomy festival achieved resounding success, drawing a massive public response and making Benalmadena’s reputation a key destination on the Costa del Sol during the autumn months.
Participation this year rose massively to unprecedented levels, with almost 3,000 patrons casting their votes via the official event application. The figure was supplemented by nearly 200 in-person votes, reflecting the enormous interest the initiative sparked in local residents. In total, more than 3,000 people participated in the complex tasting and judging process, showing off the community’s deep engagement with the local hospitality scene. The high level of people joining in is a clear indicator that the event is successfully achieving its core objective: to revitalise the local economy and encourage a little friendly competition between establishments.
Benalmadena’s best tapas – fierce competition
The competition turned out to be quite fierce, with the judging panel praising the exceptionally high gastronomic standard and saying the remarkable creativity and quality were demonstrated across all participating establishments. Crucially, the final assessments by the culinary experts were the same as those votes submitted by the general public, indicating a strong consensus regarding the best tapas presented this year.
Best tapas podium
Following the final count, the coveted first-place award for the Best Cinema Tapa 2025 was awarded to La Taberna de Sinfo. This popular local haunt, known for its traditional Spanish feel, has consistently received positive feedback for its authentic and high-quality selection. Local customers frequently praise the restaurant for its excellent value, delicious seafood, with the Garlic Pil Pil Shrimp often highlighted as a popular dish, and friendly service that is attentive to all patrons, including those with limited Spanish.
Completing the triumphant podium, Cincuenta Peroles earned the second-place distinction, while ErTapeo managed to get the third position. These two establishments, like the overall winner, represent the diversity and excellence of the local gastronomic landscape, contributing to the festival’s overall success and maintaining the high standard of competition.
For anyone who wants to try out the three best tapas in Benalmadena, La Taberna de Sinfo is on Avenida Juan Luis Peralta; Cincuenta Peroles is at Calle Roberto Olid, 6, Arroyo de La Miel; and ErTapeo is in the shopping centre San Juan, Local 44, Arroyo de La Miel.