However there are groups of people, visitors and residents alike who occasionally want to “push the boat out” and indulge in the best of Spanish food. It is also a way for our team, headed by Carmen Muñoz to show just what they can do.

We now offer a five course menu costing 19€ or seven courses 24€. It will vary according to what is in season but a typical menu can be seen in our restaurant section.

Our team is no exception and after a hot summer with long hours and little free time, we decided our chefs deserved a little pampering. They were therefore invited to a break in the UK, which included the usual sightseeing around London and also an opportunity to investigate other cuisines.

Our photo shows the trio about to dine at the last, but not least, of their London restaurant visits. It was on the “Chef’s Table” in the Michelin starred Gordon Ramsay restaurant at Claridge’s Hotel. Our head chef Carmen Muñoz commented, no doubt tongue firmly in cheek: “The ten course, six hour lunch was a struggle but we managed!”

They are now back on duty at Cantueso with batteries recharged and ready to give us all the fine Spanish food we have come to appreciate.

Photo left to right: Joel Falcone, Carmen Muñoz-Sanchez (Head Chef) and Lucia Porras-Ortigosa.

Carmen and her team at Claridges

Lunch for 7€ or 10€

Two or three courses from our special lunchtime menu. The menu changes almost daily and is available Tuesday to Saturday. À la carte menu available as usual.

May not be combined with any other offers.

All of us who live or visit the Costas are well aware of the large numbers of feral cats and dogs and the way animals are often treated, and despite the sterling work undertaken by animal refuges there are always horror stories like this.

However at Cantueso we have slightly better news about one of the six puppies born around the restaurant to a campo mother. The stray dog which we called Maddie, surprised us by producing six puppies and according to Mario the vet in Puente don Manuel, they were from at least three different fathers. So Maddie it would seem was a bit of a slut but all at Cantueso loved her. After a great saga all the puppies were re-homed in Spain, Finland and Germany.

Bonnie must think she is the luckiest dog in the world having found a family in Finland that are devoted to her. As you can see in our photo she does indeed look bonny under the Christmas tree. Her new owners say she has settled well and seems not to mind having gone from +30C to minus 20C.

Bonnie in Finland at Christmas

And there’s more!

The animal stories at Cantueso don’t end there and now we are looking for a home for “Ginge” a marmalade cat who has taken up residence. At Cantueso we have 10 self catering cottages as well as the restaurant and Ginge has made many friends from all over the world, but sadly none have packed him in their cases. He is so friendly and popular that he is now in danger of becoming overweight. He has been “sorted out” by the vet and will make a loving companion although precautions will have to be made in the first instance, because he is reluctant to leave. One customer at the restaurant offered to take him and give him a new home in Caleta some 35 k away but Ginge was back in just over 24 hours! Motorways and rivers it would seem can be taken in his stride. Now that home is no longer available so would any Dr Doolittles out there please call us if they can help on 699 946 213.

Ginge has his case packed ready to travel

Cantueso Yo Yo's

We decided it was better to give kids a Yo Yo when they have finished their meal rather than a sticky lollipop. Only problem now seems to be that fathers think they are still yo yo champions!

Balcony View

Well, if not better, more easily seen as we have installed a telescope on the Bandstand terrace.

On special occasions we have cooked Paella to order for a few guests but never had it on the menu as a regular dish.

This is due to the preparation and cooking time. However feedback indicates that lovers of Paella would be willing to order when booking a table and understand that it takes 30 to 40 minutes to cook. Therefore we now offer this classic dish to all. Either: Vegetable, Seafood, or mixed Paellas cooked for a minimum of two people.

Nicky Scott, Cantueso's owner with head chef Carmen Muñoz-Sanchez

Our Head Chef Carmen Muñoz Sanchez has been with us since April 2007 and is responsible for our seasonal à la carte and daily specials menu. After gaining her professional qualifications in Malaga’s top catering college, Carmen had several years’ experience in five star hotels in Marbella (including Hotel Puente Romano a leading Hotel of the World) and a restaurant in St Cyprien France, before returning to her home village of Periana.

Her creative flair and delicate touch can be witnessed in many of our traditional Spanish dishes, which she presents in such an inviting way. Hopefully you will find plenty on our Mediterranean menu to tempt you and your waistline, and for true lovers of Paella it is available, but only if ordered in advance. We would also strongly recommend a plate of Tapas (several items which change almost daily) as a starter or snack; an excellent way to savour Spanish cooking. And what better way to round off a meal than a “selection of puddings” – ideal for people that find choosing only one just too difficult!

Meanwhile we have updated our “How to Find Us” page and now include photos of the most important corners.