A Choice of Vegetarian Restaurants on the Costa del Sol

Vegetarians can feel in the definite minority here on the Costa del Sol. Most Spanish restaurants offer very little veggie choice, aside from the inevitable tortilla (potato omelette), and salad with perhaps the occasional seasonal treat like setas (oyster mushrooms) fried with garlic, or gazpacho - one of Andalucía's most famous culinary exports, but usually only served here during the summer months. The good news is that there is a gradual increase in the number of young Spaniards opting for a vegetarian diet and so, while the percentage is still low when compared to many other places in the world, the demand for meat-free menus is here - and growing! Málaga El Vegetariano de la Alcazabilla, Pozo del Rey 5. (tel: 95 221 4858; 1-4pm, 9-11.30pm). Welcoming stylish décor with lots of sunny yellow paintwork and walls hung with rustic farm implements and a pleasing variety of pictures. The menu is extensive with some interesting specialities, like seitan pie and particularly tasty soy burgers. Price: Between 1,500 - 2,000 pts per person. Restaurante Vegetariano El Legado Celestial, Calle Medelin 3. (tel: 95 235 1521; 1-4.30pm, 8pm-11.00pm, closed Mon evening). This restaurant is tucked away down a sidestreet, but is a real find, serving Chinese vegetarian food. The décor is less garish than most Chinese restaurants here and the cuisine is varied and tasty with an eat all you can buffet at lunchtime for just 800 pts. Restaurante Vegetariano Salomon, Calle Salomon (tel: 95 226 2146; lunch only 1-4pm). Shoehorned into a tiny space with just a few tables, this restaurant is always packed so get there early. There's only two or three choices of menu a day, but they are great value and tasty, featuring such dishes as vegetable tart and lasagne, as well as home-made soups and desserts. Price: Between 800 - 1,500 pts per person. Fuengirola Vegetalia, Calle Santa Isabel 8, Los Boliches (tel: 95 258 6031: 1-4.30pm, 7pm-11.30pm, closed Sun, Mon and month of August). Finnish owned and tastefully decorated with colourful large paintings, dried flowers and warm lighting. The menu has international flair with hummus, pasta dishes, tofu kebabs and oriental style stir- frys and the lunchtime buffet is good value and varied. Price: Between 1,500 - 3,000 pts per person.