Hi Slodge. A 10-minute walk from Benal Beach (head out of reception, turn right as you reach end of driveway opposite park, right again, left at roundabout) will take to to Lucena 1 perched on the corner of Calle La Roca.
Spanish owned, it specialises in seafood and barbecued meat. Great selection of wines. Highly recommended.
Tapas? Well, IMHO the best near you is called Er (sic) Tapeo in Arroyo de la Miel. This time go up the hill (not down) when you reach the end of the park, and keep following you nose until you come to Avenida de la Estacion. Turn left.
You'll pass a children's playpark, then come to rows of shops, bars and restaurant, with the Belver shoe shop on the corner. Turn left and Er Tapeo is at the start of the alley that leads to the indoor BBQs of Nuevo Nacimiento and Casa Emilio's.
If you have passed the shops/bars/restaurants and come to a pedestrianised street near the train station, you have gone too far. Back 70 yards or so, then first right. Voila! Or, should I say, alli!
Four or five tapas, a beer, a water and a bottle of house Rioja will cost around 20 euros for two. Beware of English imitations. This is the real thing. Worth seeking out!
PS Also check out this link for quality restaurants you can drive to.
http://www.mijas-villas.com/restaurants.htm

Just to say had an excellent meal at Er Tapeo (2 ads 2 ch) tapas, beer and soft drinks and all for 29euros - what a bargain. Also ventured to Mijas for a couple of meals - definately worth the drive - thanks very much for the info

our favourite Spanish restaraunt in Benalmadena has to be the Santa Anna on the boardwalk near to the Castle bil Bil. Fantastic cookinmg, and with a superb view towards the sea
we go at least once a year there