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Merendero José Cruz

Name: Merendero José Cruz
Address: Nerja, Málaga, 29780, ES
Telephone: (+34) 952 52 12 40
Price range: 10-30 €

A classic beside Burriana beach where rice dishes and espetos have plenty to say

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It is open every day, 9:30 to 22:00.
Most praised: Big portions and lively atmosphere · Clearly marked gluten-free options · Friendly staff, say many guests
Terrace · Kids welcome

Merendero José Cruz is a beach restaurant on Burriana beach (Camino de Burriana 36), next to the hotel and apartments of the same name. It opens every day from 9:30 to 22:00, for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is always busy. Its rating is low, 2.8 on both Google and Tripadvisor, with more than 1,000 reviews between them.

What to order. Sardine espetos, fried fish, the fresh fish of the day, seafood paella and other rice dishes, and meat dishes such as pork knuckle. Portions are large, gluten-free options are clearly marked and there is a children's menu. Expect €10-30 per person.

What reviews say. Very divided. Happy customers mention friendly service, speed and the espetos; unhappy ones talk about overwhelmed service at peak times, long waits, uneven rice and fish, and high prices for the quality.

Tip. Avoid the summer lunchtime peak and ask about the fish of the day. You can book. If in doubt, compare it with the other beach restaurants in where to eat in Burriana.

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Review profile

Summary of the 861 most recent Google and Tripadvisor reviews (September 2016 – October 2026). These are visitors' opinions, analysed by EsNerja.

According to 861 recent reviews on Google (564) and Tripadvisor (297): standouts are location (100 % of 42 mentions), view (100 % of 16 mentions); most mentioned: big portions and lively atmosphere · clearly marked gluten-free options · friendly staff, say many guests · quick service, according to many.

Google vs Tripadvisor

Google 2.8 · Tripadvisor 2.8

Both platforms agree.

By review language

Spanish 2.7 (599) · English 2.7 (122)

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

Last 12 months

3.3 (84) vs 2.9 (97) the year before

The rating is rising.

Months with the best average rating

March, April, May

Based on review dates; not a forecast.

What people talk about most, and how

Food49 % · 595
Service47 % · 231
Value for Money28 % · 191
Wait Time36 % · 141
Portions58 % · 53
Atmosphere76 % · 52

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

Frequently asked questions

Merendero José Cruz is at Cam. de Burriana, 36, 29780 Nerja, Málaga.

It is open every day, 9:30 to 22:00. These are the hours it lists on Google; they can change on public holidays and out of season, so call 952 52 12 40 before you go.

Yes, Merendero José Cruz takes reservations. You can book by calling 952 52 12 40.

According to Google, the average price is €10–30 per person.

Merendero José Cruz has a 2.8 out of 5 rating on Google from 564 reviews. Very busy beachfront restaurant with big portions, paella, grilled skewers and clearly marked gluten-free options. Opinions are sharply split: some praise the friendly, quick service, others report long waits, overwhelmed staff and weak rice or fish dishes.

What people like most: