Fine Dining on Mijas Costa. The Geranium Restaurant in La Cala de Mijas is the hight of culinary excellence on the Costa del Sol. Owned and operated by renowned chef, Steven Saunders, The Geranium is a true dining delight.
A Restaurant Like No Other
Mijas Costa, nestled along the sun-drenched shores of Spain’s Costa del Sol, has long been a magnet for those seeking the epitome of Mediterranean living. With its pristine beaches, charming villages, and a vibrant culinary scene, this stretch of Andalusia offers an array of dining experiences that cater to every palate.
Among these, fine dining stands out as a true highlight, drawing food enthusiasts from around the world.
The area boasts numerous restaurants where innovative chefs blend traditional Spanish flavours with global influences, creating memorable meals against a backdrop of azure seas and rolling hills. From upscale beachfront venues to hidden gems in the countryside, Mijas Costa’s fine dining options reflect the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
Yet, amid this competitive landscape, one establishment consistently rises above the rest: The Geranium, helmed by the renowned Chef Steven Saunders.
The fine dining scene in Mijas Costa is diverse and dynamic, with establishments like Picador, Figaro Restaurant, and El Olivo offering sophisticated menus that emphasize fresh, local ingredients.
Picador, for instance, is celebrated for its Andalusian flavours and panoramic views, making it a favourite for those seeking an authentic taste of the region.
A Wealth of Dining on the Costa del Sol
Similarly, Figaro Restaurant delights with traditional Spanish cuisine, while spots like Alboka Gastrobar and Restaurante Meguiñez provide innovative tapas and gastro experiences in nearby Mijas Pueblo.
Further afield, La Reja offers steakhouse fare with stunning panoramic vistas, and El Oceano provides luxury beachfront dining perfect for special occasions.
These restaurants contribute to a bustling fine dining ecosystem, where competition drives excellence. According to local guides and review platforms, Mijas Costa features over a dozen top-tier spots, including international influences like LemongrassFusion for Asian twists and Bodega El Placer for wine-focused evenings. This variety ensures that whether you’re craving seafood paellas, grilled meats, or vegetarian innovations, there’s a fine dining option to suit.
However, what sets The Geranium apart in this crowded field is its unwavering commitment to excellence, driven by the visionary leadership of Chef Steven Saunders. Opened in October 2023 in the heart of La Cala de Mijas, The Geranium quickly established itself as a beacon of fine dining, celebrating its second anniversary in October 2025 with a reputation for unparalleled quality.
Diners rave about its tasting menus, which are designed to unfold over two to two and a half hours, allowing guests to savour every nuance of flavour and texture.
The restaurant’s warm ambiance, combined with attentive service, creates an intimate yet luxurious atmosphere that feels both welcoming and exclusive. Reservations are essential, easily made through OpenTable, and the location in La Cala village offers easy access to the area’s beaches and attractions.
Steven Saunders
At the core of The Geranium’s success is Chef Steven Saunders, a culinary icon whose career spans decades of innovation and acclaim. Trained at the prestigious Savoy Hotel in London during the 1970s, Saunders burst onto the scene as Britain’s youngest ever Chef Patron at just 19 years old in 1981, taking the helm of a privately owned restaurant and coaching inn in North Essex.
This early achievement set the tone for a remarkable journey. In 1986, he acquired his first restaurant, The Pink Geranium, with a 100% bank loan backed by Margaret Thatcher’s young entrepreneurs scheme. Under his guidance, it earned the Michelin Bib Gourmand and three AA Rosettes by 1989, ranking among the UK’s top 50 restaurants.
Saunders was a pioneer, introducing a complimentary Rolls Royce chauffeur service in 1987 to enhance the dining experience—a touch of luxury that foreshadowed his future innovations.
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Saunders expanded his empire. He launched The Sheene Mill Hotel in Cambridgeshire, The Lowry in Manchester, and Brocket Hall in Welwyn Garden City, which achieved a Michelin star in 2006.
His venture into organic cuisine culminated in Steven Saunders in Newmarket, the UK’s first 100% accredited organic restaurant. Awards poured in: Best Restaurant UK for The Pink Geranium, Business Person of the Year, Fellow of the Master Chefs Association (one of only about 30 worldwide), Young Entrepreneur of the Year, and a Caterer/Acorn Award for Best Young Restaurateur and Chef.
Steven Saunders – An Award-Winning Chef
In 2007, he founded Aspire Hospitality, scaling it from zero to over 50 million in revenue by catering for Silverstone and Formula 1 circuits like Abu Dhabi, Monaco, and Barcelona.
Saunders’ media presence amplified his influence. He became a household name as the launch chef for BBC’s Ready Steady Cook in 1994, appearing for over four years. Other TV credits include Channel 4’s Here’s One I Made Earlier (175 episodes), This Morning, Through the Keyhole, and BBC Food Network shows.
He’s authored 10 best-selling cookbooks, selling over three-quarters of a million copies worldwide, and continues to engage audiences through a weekly food column in The Euroweekly Newspaper (reaching over 2 million readers) and a radio show on Global Radio on the Costa del Sol.
In 2015, Saunders brought his expertise to Spain with The Little Geranium in La Cala de Mijas, initially conceived as a retirement hobby. It swiftly garnered acclaim, winning Best International Restaurant Costa del Sol in 2019, Best International Restaurant Spain in 2020 (placing it among the world’s top 100), and Best Luxury Restaurant Marbella in 2020.
Features like a VIP Porsche chauffeur service echoed his innovative spirit. After a brief hiatus due to Covid and personal changes, Saunders reopened as The Geranium in 2023, building on this legacy.
The New Geranium
What makes The Geranium the premier fine dining destination in Mijas Costa? It’s the seamless fusion of Saunders’ global experience with local Andalusian ingredients. Reviews highlight the “scrumptious food and well-thought-through tasting menu,” with every course “beautifully presented and packed with flavour.”
Diners describe it as “the best you can get in the area, highest quality food by far,” with “wonderful service and very reasonable prices.”
The outdoor patio offers amazing views, and special touches like live entertainment from Saunders himself add a personal flair.
Compared to competitors like El Olivo or La Reja, The Geranium excels in its celebrity-chef pedigree and consistent 4.9-star ratings on platforms like Tripadvisor, where it’s lauded as “utterly sublime” with “fantastic service.“
Beyond the plates, The Geranium embodies fine dining’s essence: an experience that transcends mere eating. Saunders’ HomeChef delivery service extends this luxury to homes, but nothing compares to the on-site immersion.
In a region teeming with options—from the innovative tapas at Kon Fusion to the sea-view elegance at El Oceano—The Geranium stands as the undisputed leader, blending tradition, innovation, and passion.
For anyone exploring fine dining on Mijas Costa, The Geranium is not just a meal—it’s a culinary journey curated by one of the industry’s greats. Book your table today and discover why it’s the best in the area.
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