Mercado de abastos in Estepona: a new culinary and social phenomenon arrives in the Costa del Sol

After 2 years of closure, the 950 square metre space reopens its doors under the management of Hazel Gormley-Leahy and Janne Thorstenson.
Robin Hall, 1 Michelin star chef, will be leading the 5 restaurants in the market as executive chef.
Ikan, with reservation-only service, serves 24 diners per shift, establishing itself as the star restaurant in exclusivity and distinction, led by Hall.

Estepona, 20 March 2024 – In the historic heart of Estepona, the Mercado de Abastos reopens its doors as the new gastronomic and social landmark of the Costa del Sol. With five different restaurants, take-away services and six shops to purchase selected products, guests can enjoy a culinary concept where quality and experience combine in a vibrant and warm space.

After an awaited renovation, the Mercado de Estepona, built in 1949 and recognised for its services as a traditional market up until 2018, underwent a complete remodel becoming a Gourmet Market. After 2 years of closure, today it reopens its doors with a 20 year license, as a 950 square metre space that brings together the love of local flavours with a selection of international cuisines, under the management of Nation Food, directed by Hazel Gormley-Leahy and Janne Thorstenson. The grand opening had the attendance of the mayor of Estepona, José María García Urbano, and other members of the city council.

“The rebirth of the Mercado de Abastos is a testament to the innovative spirit of Estepona, offering to residents and visitors a culinary experience like no other. As mayor, I am proud that private companies continue to base themselves in Estepona as a city in which to start up and build businesses. I trust that the market will be a space where the community can come together and enjoy the best of our local and international food. The reopening is the beginning of a new era for Estepona, in which tradition and modernity combine in order to create something truly special for our city”, highlighted García Urbano.

“Opening this market again brings me great satisfaction. My passion for gastronomy, as well as my unbeatable entrepreneurial spirit, has brought together this project in order to return to the city of Estepona the place it deserves within the culinary scene of the Costa del Sol”, explains Gormley-Leahy.

Situated in Villa street, the market runs uninterrupted from 12:00pm to 00:00am, orientated as much to locals as to tourists. It has a capacity for 140 guests inside, another 140 on the exterior terrace, plus more at the bar, and an average bill of 35 euros per person, drink included.

The gastronomic options, directed by the executive chef Robin Hall, are composed of the following restaurants: Crú, Cucini da Me, Freds Tapas Bar and Bar de Fuegos, each one with its own identity unique to its culinary combinations. As well, Ikan is highlighted for offering an exclusive experience through prior-reservation for only 24 guests per lunch and dinner service. It is important to point out that all the restaurants will offer a set menu between 17€ and 25€. In the case of the evening, guests that wish to taste the cooking from Ikan will be able to choose from two options: a 2 course menu for 38€ and another option of a 3 course menu for 45€.

Hall’s professional career is highlighted by his running of Michelin star kitchens in different countries, from Belgium to Thailand, obtaining his first star at 24 years old. Inspired by his time spent in Asia, the executive chef has perfected the art of enhancing the natural flavours of each product, committing himself to using the flavours to their fullest in his creative and socially conscious cooking, with a focus on local and seasonal products.

“My mission in the Mercado de Abastos is to introduce high cuisine into the everyday fabric of Estepona. With each restaurant, we seek to delight the senses and nourish the soul, from offering classic dishes to more exotic options. This market is not only a place to eat; it is a live experience, a celebration of diversity and the passion for food that I have honoured throughout my career. Here, each ingredient tells a story and each dish brings together cultures”, states Robin Hall.

The market offers a complete and personalised model of service: if you cannot find a dish you desire on the menus of the five restaurants, guests have the freedom to select ingredients from the produce shop for a custom-made salad, or can pick a wine from the wine cellar to be served at their table. To add to their offers, during the weekends, one of the kitchens prepares fried chicken to take-away, with the additional comfort of a home delivery service through Globo and Uber Eats.

The business concept commits itself to sustainability and quality through purchasing the majority of its products as zero-km products. This way, they assure freshness and support the local economy, with brands such as Calma by Eladio, Virginia Florista and Sabor de Andalucía, in their selection of shops.

The multicultural spirit that represents the Costa del Sol is reflected in the team of 32 employees, which consists of 12 nationalities and speaks 15 languages. This cultural diversity guarantees a comfortable and friendly service for every guest.

For more information about the Mercado de Abastos in Estepona, you can visit their website at www.mercadoestepona.com . To make a reservation: +34 650 23 55 81

For more information: prensa@mncomunicacion.com