Chef Roque Martínez opened the El Jinete, a typical country bar/restaurant for locals and passersby when it was a simple roadside eatery. It was dark and small, but Roque transformed the place into one of the most popular gourmet experiences in the area. He began with the kitchen, with the menu. Plenty of presentation and high-quality cuisine. ‘This guy is loco,’ the locals would say, but that just motivated him more. Shortly, the golfers arrived. Word of mouth was spreading. Situated between some of the most famous golf clubs in Mijas: Calanova, La Cala Golf, Mijas Golf, and Santana Golf, word began to get around that this was the best restaurant in the area. At first, Roque was cooking for 15 or 16 diners per night. By the end of his first month, that number had grown to 80 a night, and with only one helper. Roque is a chef of classic European cuisine who cut his teeth cooking meat at the legendary Shakespeare in Fuengirola where they were supplied by an English butcher. He discovered that the butcher cut the meat in the same way as in Argentina, where he first started his journey. Although, the majority of Argentinian grill chefs work meat slow, Roque is different, using the power of the flame to seal the juices of the meat inside with his secret method of adding just the right amount of salt and a chimichurri made with freshly picked herbs. El Jinete offers an exceptional Mediterranean dining experience at its rustic yet elegant restaurant. Overlooking the scenic La Cala Golf road, the terrace, shaded by vines and palms, seats 100 and exudes Andalusian charm, perfect for savouring balmy evenings, especially after a few rounds of golf. The cosy indoor dining room accommodates 100, mixing traditional decor with breathtaking mountain views. Chef Roque Martínez, originally from Argentina, crafts a Mediterranean-inspired menu with a focus on succulent grilled meats, a reference of quality and his own personality. Characteristic dishes include homemade duck and artichoke, the summer-perfect “El Jinete” salad, and chateaubriand for two with tarragon sauce. Desserts like warm chocolate fondant with mint ice cream delight the palate. Pair your meal with a carefully selected house wine or from their extensive wine list. There’s a brand new events calendar on their website with artists performing jazz to Spanish vocals, piano, singer-songwriter, ballads to upbeat pop. Ideal for special occasions or a daily treat, El Jinete’s warm, professional service ensures a memorable visit with timeless dining in the Andalusian countryside. El Jinete can be found at Calle de La Cala Golf Km 4,5, Mijas Costa. Reserve on 952 119 170.