In the historic heart of Estepona, the Mercado de Abastos reopens its doors as the new gastronomic and social landmark of the Costa del Sol. With five distinctive restaurants, take-away services and six stores to purchase select products, diners can enjoy a culinary concept where quality and experience merge in a vibrant and welcoming space.
After a long-awaited renovation, the Estepona Market, erected in 1949 and recognized for its service as a traditional market until 2018, underwent a comprehensive reform becoming a Gourmet Market. After two years of closure, today it reopens its doors with a 20-year concession, as a 950 square meter space that fuses the charm of local flavor with a selection of international flavors, under the management of Nation Food, led by Hazel Gormley-Leahy and Janne Thorstenson. The opening ceremony was attended by the mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano and other members of the council.
“The rebirth of the Mercado de Abastos is a testament to Estepona’s innovative spirit, offering residents and visitors an unparalleled culinary experience. As mayor, I am proud that private companies continue to bet on Estepona as a city for entrepreneurship and business. I am confident that the market will be a space where the community can congregate and enjoy the best of our local and international cuisine. The reopening is the beginning of a new era for Estepona, where tradition and modernity intertwine to create something truly special for our town,” he said. García Urbano.
“Opening this market again is for me a source of great satisfaction. My passion for gastronomy, as well as my unbeatable entrepreneurial spirit, have merged in this project to return the city of Estepona to the place it deserves in the culinary scene of the Costa del Sol,” says Gormley-Leahy.
Located on Villa Street, the market is open from 12:00 to 24:00 hours, aimed at both locals and tourists. With a capacity for 140 diners inside and another 140 on the terrace, plus the bar, and an average ticket of 35 euros per person, drink included.
The gastronomic proposal, led by executive chef Robin Hall, consists of the restaurants Crú, Cucini da Me, Freds Bar de Tapas and Bar de Fuegos, each bringing a unique identity to the culinary conglomerate. In addition, Ikan stands out, which offers an exclusive experience by prior reservation for only 24 guests for lunch and dinner service. It should be noted that all restaurants will offer closed menus from €17 to €25. In the case of the evening, diners who wish to taste the cuisine of Ikan, may opt for two options: a two-course menu for 38 € and another three-course option for 45 €.
Hall’s professional career is highlighted by leading Michelin-starred kitchens in countries from Belgium to Thailand, earning his first star at the age of 24. Inspired by his time in Asia, the executive chef has perfected the art of enhancing the natural flavors of each product, committing to using them to the fullest in his creative and socially conscious cuisine with a focus on the local and seasonal.
“My mission at Mercado de Abastos is to introduce haute cuisine into the everyday fabric of Estepona. With each restaurant, we seek to delight the senses and nourish the soul, offering everything from classic dishes to more exotic options. This market is not just a place to eat; it is a living experience, a celebration of the diversity and passion for gastronomy that I have honored throughout my career. Here, every ingredient tells its story and every dish brings cultures together.” says Robin Hall.
The market offers an inclusive and customizable service model: if a desired dish is not on the menu at the five restaurants, diners are free to select ingredients from the vegetable store for a custom salad or choose a wine from the wine library to be served at their table. Complementing the offerings, on weekends, one of the kitchens prepares rotisserie chicken to go, with the added convenience of a home delivery service accessible through Globo and Uber Eats.
The business concept is committed to sustainability and quality by acquiring most of its products from kilometer zero. In this way, they ensure freshness and support the local economy, with brands such as Calma by Eladio, Virginia Florista and Sabor de Andalucía, in the store section.
The multicultural spirit that characterizes the Costa del Sol is reflected in the team of 32 employees, representing 12 nationalities and speaking 15 languages. This cultural diversity guarantees a welcoming and familiar service for all clients.
For more information about the Estepona Food Market, please visit their website at www.mercadoestepona.com. Contact for reservations: +34 650 23 55 81
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