Chiringuito AYO

Name: Chiringuito AYO
Address: Nerja, Málaga, 29780, ES
Telephone: +34952522289
Price range: 10-20 €
Rating: 4

A classic on Playa Burriana where the paella is cooked in front of you in huge pans and the traditional chiringuito atmosphere says it all

There are places that need no introduction, and Chiringuito AYO is one of them. Situated right on the sand at Playa de Burriana, this beach restaurant has been a benchmark for eating paella in Nerja for decades, and with more than six thousand reviews on Google, that is no coincidence.

What hooks you from the very first moment is watching everything being prepared in front of you: large paella pans over the fire, with seafood rice going straight to the table in generous portions. There is no extensive menu or seasonal specialities; here the star is rice, and that is more than enough. Customers also praise the gazpacho and the fact that the rice is suitable for coeliacs, a detail that is much appreciated.

The atmosphere is informal, lively and family-friendly, with room for hundreds of diners across its outdoor tables. Reservations are not taken, so arriving early is key. Recommended even in international guides such as Rick Steves', AYO is almost a must-stop if you are in Nerja.

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History

1969

Chiringuito de Ayo is an iconic restaurant on Burriana Beach in Nerja, Spain. It was founded by Francisco Ortega “Ayo” in 1969, serving visitors traditional fresh fish and seafood dishes cooked on the grill, a speciality of the area. Its focus on quality ingredients, authentic local cooking and paella as the star dish quickly made the beach bar popular with locals and tourists alike.

The filming of Verano Azul
The history of Chiringuito de Ayo was enriched by a memorable moment when the renowned Spanish director Antonio Mercero discovered the place while looking for a beach bar that was open all year round. When he arrived in Nerja and came across Chiringuito de Ayo, he was impressed and delighted by what he saw. That encounter marked the start of an unforgettable summer for everyone involved.
That summer, the beach bar became the centre of fun and excitement. Every afternoon people eagerly awaited a new episode telling the adventures and misadventures of a group of endearing characters: Tito, Piraña, Pancho, Quique, Bea and Javi. These characters, whose stories unfolded around Chiringuito de Ayo, captivated audiences and became much-loved, familiar figures.
The beach bar's popularity grew exponentially thanks to the series and to the talent of Antonio Mercero, who managed to capture the essence of the place and convey it on screen. Chiringuito de Ayo became a must-visit destination for local visitors and for tourists coming to Nerja, eager to experience the magic and unique atmosphere of the place.
The series conveyed the joy of summer, the laughter, the romances and the conflicts lived at the beach bar, creating a special bond with the audience. Its success also helped establish Chiringuito de Ayo as a benchmark for food and entertainment in the area.
The fame of Chiringuito de Ayo has grown over the years, attracting visitors from everywhere who come to enjoy authentic local food in a charming beach setting. Its popularity has earned it a place in travel guides and mentions in a number of media outlets.

Where to park

There are large parking areas and all the facilities of one of the best beaches on the Costa del Sol. It is on the Paseo Marítimo de Antonio Mercero, named after the film director who loved the place so much that he chose ‘Chiringuito de Ayo’ to film the beach scenes of the famous series Verano Azul.

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Frequently asked questions

Unfortunately it is not possible to book a table. It is recommended to arrive early to avoid waiting.

In winter, the kitchen opening hours are until 12:00 to 17:00. In summer the hours are extended until 18:00.

Yes

No, although the portions are larger.

Yes.

At present, the price of the paella is 9,50€ with no possibility of a refill.

AYO's restaurant has 120 tables with a capacity for approximately 550 people.

It depends on the season and time of arrival. In winter, parking can be found easily. In summer we recommend arriving before 13:00 to park without any problems. Even so, we recommend visiting our section on Parking de Playa Burriana.