In the far south of Spain, right before the tip of the peninsula that is Gibraltar, you’ll find the Spanish town of La Linea de la Conceptión. La Linea is a town of workers and the nearby presence of ‘semi-independent Gib’ is the main reason why the town grew quite a bit in the last couple of decades.
Many inhabitants daily cross the border or Spain-Gibraltar by foot or by bike, off to work. Close to the border, still in the Spanish part, you can even find a statue as a tribute to these thousands of travellers. As the cost of living is way cheaper in La Linea, compared to the crowded and fancy strip of Gibraltar, no wonder the majority of the people working in Gibraltar prefer saving their salary and choose living in the Spanish part.
Despite that it surpasses Gibraltar in size, you may have never heard of La Linea, and if you have, your image of the town might not be the best. Take the recent documentary ‘La Linea’ on Netflix for example, and you’ll understand why most tourists will most likely skip the town altogether. But if you happen to end up in La Linea for some reason (perhaps for work, or because you decided to book a cheaper hotel just across of Gib), know that La Linea has one asset that Gib lacks: many charming Spanish bodegas. I seriously would recommend the nightlife in La Linea over the one of Gib, as it is more unpolished and authentic, even if you have decided to stay in Gibraltar.
Note that I went to La Linea in the beginning of 2020, so right before the corona measures took place. In the two weeks that I have spent over here, together with a ‘foreign local worker’ these are my eight recommendations for restaurants for you in the area!
La Chimenea ↑
Though it’s a couple of blocks away from the main centre of La Linea, the absolute cosiest restaurant of all – inside and out – is without a doubt La Chimenea. No matter the day nor the month, in here you’ll always find an upbeat crowd. Come in time, especially during the warmer months it can get crowded in here and you might have to wait outside. Staff is friendly and portions are reasonable too.
Tapería Barbas ↑
Have a look at the owner and you know where this bar’s name is derived from. Compared to the other bars in the list, this little joint, located on the corner of a lovely square, seems to be destined for the hipsters or youngsters. I was quite in love with the dishes in here, as all of them seemed to star a little twist (and I was able to spot some veggies on the menu too, not always an easy task in Spain). I therefore returned to this bar three times. Staff is quick too and the menu changes (at least when I was there) every now and then, which is a rarity in the area.
La Chacra
Vegetarians beware. The only vegetables you’ll find in La Chacra are small slices of tomatoes This place is thé go to restaurant in La Linea when it comes to meat. In the middle of this joint you’ll find an enormous grill which is really the center of every meal, next to a generous portion of fries. Prices are very generous too – no wonder you’ll often find yourself waiting in line in here.
Casa Puri
On the inside this spot isn’t the most charming one of all, to be fair. The lights are very… Spanish. Dazzling bright, that is. Nevertheless this place is a popular one among the locals – and with reason. The food (and the wine!) is rather cheap and delicious in here. From what I learned the locals are particularly enjoying the jamon iberico in here, and that is saying something. Come in time before nine if you want your seat to be guaranteed.
Bodebar La Linea ↑
Right across Barbas on the other side of the square you’ll find another neat spot for a bite and especially a drink. Compared to Barbas the service is a bit slower, but the place is perhaps more fancy in return. As many people pass along this alley towards the square, the bodebar is a perfect spot for people watching. On top of that, I’d absolutely recommend the miniburgers over here.
Meson La Serrana↑
La Serrana is probably one of the larger joints in town, and boasts a large menu. The place is full of locals, the jamon serranos are looking down at you everywhere and one can eat very decent food for a very decent price in here. Whether you like it or not, heaps of fries come with everything in this restaurant.
El Rincon de Juan ↑
In an alley close to the Plaza de la Iglesia you’ll find this excellent wine bar. It’s more of a fancy spot rather than an authentic one. If you’re not a Spanish speaker, you might have some troubles understanding the menu, but the friendly staff will help you to the best of their abilities.
La Bodeguiya
Another great spot in La Linea is La Bodeguiya. Just like La Chimenea this place is just an absolute charming one, whether you’re seated in the restaurant or the tapasbar. If I remember correctly they even have a menu in English. The service is jolly, and the dishes are just very tasty. I don’t think you can go wrong in here!
Here’s where to find them all!
