Azul Playa

Azul is a rice restaurant right on the front at Playa de San Juan, about ten metres from the sand, and it's where you go for a long beach lunch. Rice is the main event: señoret, arroz a la marinera, rice with tender garlic shoots and a pork-and-veg version, with starters like the house fritura and pan con tomate with alioli. There's a glazed terrace on the promenade plus a roomy dining room inside, so it works out of season too. Reviewers also rate the sea bass and the octopus, and the desserts get a lot of love, especially the turrón ice cream and a chocolate cake called muerte por chocolate. It's mainly a lunchtime place, and it gets properly busy at weekends and in summer, so book a few days ahead if you can. Most people think the prices are fair for a beachfront spot, though a few find it a touch dear, and there isn't much for vegetarians.