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Chiringuito Ayo

Name: Chiringuito Ayo
Address: Nerja, Málaga, 29780, ES
Telephone: +34952522289
Price range: 10-20 €

A classic on Playa Burriana where the paella is cooked in front of you in huge pans and the traditional chiringuito atmosphere says it all

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It is open every day, 9:00 to 19:00.
Most praised: Wood-fired paella cooked in plain sight · Quick service despite constant crowds · Right on the beach with lots of atmosphere
Terrace · Kids welcome

Chiringuito Ayo is the most famous beach bar in Nerja: it sits right on the sand at Burriana beach (Paseo de Burriana 15) and has been the go-to place for paella in town for decades. It has more than 6,500 Google reviews with a rating of 4, and it appears in international travel guides.

Wood-fired paella. This is the reason to go: it is cooked in front of you in huge pans over a wood fire and goes straight to the tables. It used to be famous for free second helpings; according to recent reviews, that is no longer the case. Besides the rice there is fried fish, squid, anchovies, prawns, gazpacho and home-made desserts. Expect to pay €10-20 per person, and the rice is gluten-free.

How it works. No bookings. There is usually a queue at lunchtime, but the place is huge, stretching along the beach, and service is fast, which is its best-rated aspect. Arrive around 13:00 and you will get a table almost straight away. It opens every day from 9:00 to 19:00, breakfast included, and has a children's menu.

What critics say. Those who have known it for years find it pricier than before and the paella inconsistent, and some complain of curt service on the busiest days. Even so, eating paella at Ayo facing the sea is almost a Nerja tradition. For alternatives on the same beach, see where to eat in Burriana.

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History

1969

Chiringuito de Ayo is an iconic restaurant on Burriana Beach in Nerja, Spain. It was founded by Francisco Ortega “Ayo” in 1969, serving visitors traditional fresh fish and seafood dishes cooked on the grill, a speciality of the area. Its focus on quality ingredients, authentic local cooking and paella as the star dish quickly made the beach bar popular with locals and tourists alike.

The filming of Verano Azul
The history of Chiringuito de Ayo was enriched by a memorable moment when the renowned Spanish director Antonio Mercero discovered the place while looking for a beach bar that was open all year round. When he arrived in Nerja and came across Chiringuito de Ayo, he was impressed and delighted by what he saw. That encounter marked the start of an unforgettable summer for everyone involved.
That summer, the beach bar became the centre of fun and excitement. Every afternoon people eagerly awaited a new episode telling the adventures and misadventures of a group of endearing characters: Tito, Piraña, Pancho, Quique, Bea and Javi. These characters, whose stories unfolded around Chiringuito de Ayo, captivated audiences and became much-loved, familiar figures.
The beach bar's popularity grew exponentially thanks to the series and to the talent of Antonio Mercero, who managed to capture the essence of the place and convey it on screen. Chiringuito de Ayo became a must-visit destination for local visitors and for tourists coming to Nerja, eager to experience the magic and unique atmosphere of the place.
The series conveyed the joy of summer, the laughter, the romances and the conflicts lived at the beach bar, creating a special bond with the audience. Its success also helped establish Chiringuito de Ayo as a benchmark for food and entertainment in the area.
The fame of Chiringuito de Ayo has grown over the years, attracting visitors from everywhere who come to enjoy authentic local food in a charming beach setting. Its popularity has earned it a place in travel guides and mentions in a number of media outlets.

Where to park

There are large parking areas and all the facilities of one of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol. It is on the Paseo Marítimo de Antonio Mercero, named after the film director who loved the place so much that he chose ‘Chiringuito de Ayo’ to film the beach scenes of the famous series Verano Azul.

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Review profile

Summary of the 1,008 most recent Google and Tripadvisor reviews (April 2022 – October 2026). These are visitors' opinions, analysed by EsNerja.

According to 1,008 recent reviews on Google (707) and Tripadvisor (301): standouts are service (88 % of 181 mentions), wait time (84 % of 180 mentions), atmosphere (83 % of 149 mentions); most mentioned: wood-fired paella cooked in plain sight · quick service despite constant crowds · right on the beach with lots of atmosphere · tasty fried fish and homemade desserts.

Google vs Tripadvisor

Google 4.2 · Tripadvisor 3.1

Google rates it 1.1 higher than Tripadvisor.

By review language

Spanish 3.9 (579) · English 3.3 (191)

Language hints at who is reviewing (locals and Spanish visitors, or foreign visitors).

Last 12 months

4.3 (401) vs 4.1 (366) the year before

The rating is rising.

Months with the best average rating

January, May, December

Based on review dates; not a forecast.

What people talk about most, and how

Food70 % · 613
Value for Money52 % · 217
Service88 % · 181
Wait Time84 % · 180
Atmosphere83 % · 149
Portions54 % · 130

Share of positive mentions and number of reviews that mention it.

Frequently asked questions

Unfortunately it is not possible to book a table. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid waiting.

In winter, the kitchen opening hours are until 12:00 to 17:00. In summer the hours are extended until 18:00.

Yes

No, although the portions are larger.

Yes.

At present, the price of the paella is 9,50€ with no possibility of a refill.

AYO's restaurant has 120 tables with a capacity for approximately 550 people.

It depends on the season and time of arrival. In winter, parking can be found easily. In summer we recommend arriving before 13:00 to park without any problems. Even so, we recommend visiting our section on Parking de Playa Burriana.

Chiringuito Ayo is at Paseo Burriana, 15, 29780 Nerja, Málaga. There is usually free street parking nearby.

Yes, it has tables outside.

Yes, it is a good place to go with children and has a kids’ menu.

Yes, it has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and accessible seating.