One of the largest restaurants in San Jose and boasting a fairly extensive cooling system (that…read moreSpanish staple of mist sprinklers and giant fans. La Cueva is also one of a few which is technically outside. The bulk of the restaurant is sheltered under a giant awning of sorts. In intense heat or high winds this means your protected, cooled but also within sight of the beach and the surround of the bay.
The food is competitively priced, San Jose is slightly more costly than some of the surrounding towns but its more a tourist spot so this is to be expected. The portions though are excellent. Bread and water appeared to be on the house and the staff were very accepting of our limited Spanish.
See food is a must, battered octopus and the giant prawns are particularly worth the effort as is the tomato based "spicy sauce" (i wish i had the Spanish for it but it was recommended and comes with many of the starters).
I would say a main will be more than enough for most, though if you have an appetite the starters are just as good. The restaurant does boast non-seafood options such as Pizza (which did look a good size) but for anyone not viciously allergic i would always push for the authentic coastal fare.
** NB San Jose is north from Cabo de Gato in the similarly named National Park. The road north from San Jose to Las Negras boasts some of the finest sandy beaches in the region making La Cuera a pretty well placed starting point for an evenings adventure or an excellent end to a morning of exploring the Cabo de Gato.
** A further top tip. The nearest petrol station in the area is back towards Almeria so be sure to fill your tank before heading out to fill your stomach!!
