The Travels Blog

A €1 Tapas Feast in Marbella: My Honest Review of 100 Montaditos

Is there really budget restaurants in Marbella? Yes! I found a cheap tapas restaurant on th beach front in the old town of Marvella. If you’ve ever travelled to Marbella, you’ll know that it’s often associated with luxury beach clubs, designer boutiques, and glamorous restaurants along the Costa del Sol. But here’s the thing many travellers don’t realise: Marbella also has some incredible budget food spots, and one of the most surprising places I discovered was 100 Montaditos (100 tapas).

Yes, you read that correctly.

Tapas starting from just €1.

In a destination where a single cocktail can easily cost €15–€20, finding a place where you can try multiple Spanish dishes for a few euros feels almost unbelievable. As a travel blogger who loves discovering hidden food gems, I couldn’t resist giving it a try.

In this review, I’ll share:

  • What 100 Montaditos in Marbella is really like
  • The €1 tapas deal and how it works
  • The dishes I personally tried (including mussels, calamari, and a €1 aioli sandwich)
  • What to expect from the atmosphere and ordering system
  • Whether it’s worth visiting if you’re travelling in Marbella

Prices may vary depending on promotions or location, but one thing is certain: this place offers one of the cheapest tapas experiences you’ll find in Spain.


What Is 100 Montaditos?

Before diving into my experience, it’s helpful to understand the concept behind the restaurant.

100 Montaditos is a Spanish beer and tapas bar chain famous for its menu of 100 different “montaditos.”

A montadito is essentially a small sandwich served on a mini baguette, filled with various toppings like cheese, meats, seafood, vegetables, or sauces.

The brand started in Spain in 2001 in Islantilla, Huelva, and has since expanded to hundreds of locations across Spain and internationally.

The concept is simple:

  • Small tapas-sized sandwiches
  • Extremely affordable prices
  • Casual beer hall atmosphere
  • Quick counter service

Because the sandwiches are small, you can easily order several and share them, making it perfect for travellers who want to try a variety of flavours.


Where Is 100 Montaditos in Marbella?

The Marbella branch I visited is located on:

Avenida Ricardo Soriano 12, 29601 Marbella

This street is one of the main arteries running through the city centre, connecting the historic old town with the seafront.

It’s a very convenient location if you’re exploring:

  • Marbella Old Town
  • Orange Square (Plaza de los Naranjos)
  • Marbella promenade and beaches
  • Local shops and cafés

Because it sits on a busy street, the atmosphere is lively and very casual, attracting a mix of:

  • locals
  • students
  • tourists
  • families

The restaurant specialises in Mediterranean and Spanish-style tapas, typically served as small sharing portions.


The Famous €1 Tapas Deal

The main reason travellers flock to 100 Montaditos is the incredibly low prices.

Many menu items cost around €1–€2.50, which is almost unheard of in Marbella.

There are also special promotions such as “Euromanía” days, where many montaditos cost €1 each, usually on certain days of the week depending on the location.

This allows you to try several dishes without spending much money.

For example, for around €5–€10, you can easily order:

  • multiple tapas
  • a drink
  • a side dish

That’s a bargain compared to many restaurants along the Costa del Sol.


What I Ordered: My €1 Tapas Experience

When I visited, I wanted to try a mix of traditional flavours and seafood tapas.

Here’s what I ordered.

Mussels – €1

First up were the mussels, and honestly, I wasn’t expecting much considering the price.

But they were surprisingly good.

They arrived in a small portion, lightly seasoned and served warm. While not gourmet, they were perfectly enjoyable and great for a quick snack.

For just €1, it felt like incredible value.


Calamari Sandwich– €1

Seafood lovers visiting Spain always want to try calamari, and this was one of the dishes that caught my eye.

The portion was small, but the calamari had a nice crispy coating and a soft texture inside.

It paired perfectly with a cold drink and felt like a classic seaside tapas option.

Again, €1 for calamari in Marbella is almost unheard of.


Aioli Sandwich (Montadito) – €1

Of course, you can’t visit 100 Montaditos without trying an actual montadito sandwich.

I chose a simple aioli sandwich, served in a mini toasted baguette.

The bread was warm and slightly crispy, and the garlic aioli added a creamy flavour that worked really well.

Because the sandwiches are small, they’re perfect for mixing and matching with other dishes.


Snails – €3

One of the more adventurous dishes I tried was snails, which cost around €3.

Snails are a traditional Spanish tapas dish and are commonly served in garlic or herb sauces.

These were cooked in a flavourful sauce and surprisingly tender.

If you’re feeling adventurous while travelling in Spain, this is definitely something worth trying at least once.


How the Ordering System Works

One thing that’s slightly different at 100 Montaditos compared to traditional tapas bars is the ordering system.

Instead of table service, it’s usually counter service.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Look at the menu board and write down the numbers of the dishes you want.
  2. Take your list to the counter.
  3. Pay for your food and drinks.
  4. Wait for your name or number to be called.
  5. Collect your order and enjoy.

This system keeps things fast and efficient, especially during busy periods.


Atmosphere and Vibe

The vibe at 100 Montaditos is casual and relaxed.

It’s not a fancy restaurant — and that’s part of the charm.

Expect:

  • simple wooden tables
  • lively background chatter
  • groups sharing food and drinks
  • students and tourists hanging out together

Because the prices are so low, it’s popular with younger crowds and travellers looking for affordable food.

The atmosphere feels more like a beer hall or casual tapas bar than a traditional sit-down restaurant.


Why This Place Is So Popular

There are several reasons why 100 Montaditos has become so popular across Spain.

1. The Prices

Let’s be honest.

The biggest attraction is the extremely cheap food.

Finding €1 tapas in Marbella is almost impossible elsewhere.


2. Huge Menu Variety

The restaurant offers around 100 different montaditos, giving you plenty of options.

These include fillings like:

  • Spanish ham
  • chorizo
  • tuna
  • chicken
  • cheese
  • vegetables
  • sweet options

Because the portions are small, it’s easy to try several different flavours.


3. Perfect for Sharing

Tapas culture in Spain is all about sharing food with friends.

At 100 Montaditos, you can order several dishes and split them with your group.

This makes it a great place for:

  • casual lunches
  • quick snacks
  • budget dinners
  • drinks with tapas

Is 100 Montaditos Authentic Spanish Tapas?

This is an interesting question.

Technically, the montaditos here are not traditional tapas in the classic sense. Some dishes are adapted versions of Spanish flavours rather than traditional recipes.

However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t enjoyable.

Think of it as fast-food-style tapas with Spanish inspiration.

It’s casual, quick, affordable, and great for travellers.

Snails at 100 tapas Marbella

Who Should Visit 100 Montaditos?

This place is ideal for:

Budget travellers
Backpackers
Students
Families
Groups of friends
Anyone curious about cheap tapas in Spain

If you’re looking for fine dining, this isn’t the place.

But if you want cheap food, quick service, and lots of variety, it’s perfect.


Tips for Visiting

If you’re planning to go, here are a few helpful tips.

Go During Promotions

Some days offer €1 montaditos deals, making it even cheaper to try different dishes.

Order Several Items

Because the portions are small, plan to order 3–4 dishes per person.

Expect a Casual Experience

This is not a quiet romantic restaurant — it’s lively and informal.

Perfect for Lunch

Many people visit for a quick lunch or snack between sightseeing.


FAQs About 100 Montaditos in Marbella


Is 100 Montaditos cheap?

Yes. Many dishes cost between €1 and €3, making it one of the most affordable places to eat in Marbella.


What is a montadito?

A montadito is a small sandwich served on a mini baguette with various fillings like cheese, meats, seafood, or vegetables.


Do they really sell tapas for €1?

Yes, certain items and promotions offer tapas or montaditos starting at €1, though prices may vary depending on the location or special deals.

Is 100 Montaditos good for tourists?

Absolutely. The menu is simple, affordable, and great for trying multiple Spanish flavours.


Final Thoughts: Is 100 Montaditos Worth Visiting?

Marbella is known for luxury, but discovering budget food gems is part of what makes travelling fun.

My visit to 100 Montaditos was exactly that.

For just a few euros, I managed to try:

  • mussels (€1)
  • calamari (€1)
  • aioli sandwich (€1)
  • snails (€3)

Prices may vary depending on promotions or location, but it’s still an incredibly affordable way to experience tapas culture in Spain.

Is it gourmet? No. It’s one of the budget restaurants in Marbella, but on a beach front? perfect view!

But is it fun, cheap, and worth trying while exploring Marbella?

Absolutely.

Sometimes the best travel experiences aren’t the fancy restaurants — they’re the unexpected €1 tapas spots where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the local atmosphere. Definitely a place to go for cheap tapas Marbella!

Calamari and aioli

up to date with our other blog posts:

Trip.com UK

More Articles

Restaurants
Squaremeal – Earn 300 Points on sign up!
San Carlo Fumo Manchester Restaurant Review
Ash Tree Farm Cavery Review
The Alchemist Brunch

FIND OUT HOW TO

How To Save money
How To Make money online
Manage money
How To Eat cheap


Check out more articles and more ways to learn how to earn money online!

Survey App Reviews & Recommendations

Banking Apps – Save & Earn!

How To Earn Articles

Earn money online through your phone, laptop, or iPad/tablet!

These are low-effort strategies where you can sign up and start referring from today!

Earn £30+ Just By Signing Up To The Below:

  • Monzo Promo Code – An online banking app. Get £5 free when you open an account and make a card payment in 30 days.
  • Cafe Nero – Free Coffee On The App
  • OhMyDosh Promo Code –  £1 Free Min
  • Pawns.app Promo Code – up to $3 free cash + make free money
  • PensionBee Promo Code – £50 when you switch your pension.
  • Pick My Postcode Promo Code – Win money for free daily
  • Plum Promo Code – £varies
  • Quidco Promo welcome bonus Code – £5 free welcome bonus
  • Rakuten Promo Code – £15 cashback if your friend makes a first purchase over £20 within 30 days of registration
  • Shopmium Promo Code – Free Chocolate
  • Squaremeal Promo Code– 300 Points of credit on the app. Book your favourite restaurants.
  • The Perfume Shop Promo Code– £10 off the perfume shop
  • Therapie Clinic Promo Discount Code – £50 Off Treatment
  • TopCashback Promo Code – £10 FREE
  • Treatwell Promo Code– £5 Credit. Take £5 off your first massage, hair treatment, facial or many of the other services Treatwell
  • Widilo Promo Code – £5 free welcome bonus
  • Zilch Promo Code £5 free – Create a Zilch account, complete the ID verification and buy a free £5 gift card.

Disclaimers: All reviews on this site reflect my own experiences, tastes, and opinions. They are honest, unbiased, and intended as constructive feedback – not slander or defamation to brands. My goal is to support businesses while holding them accountable to fair standards of service, quality ingredients, and fair wages for all. For full details, please see my [Disclaimer Page].

Journalism Disclaimer: All articles are written independently with curiosity and integrity. As a self-published journalist, I share information and reviews based on my own research, experiences, and observations. Content reflects my honest perspective and is not intended as defamation. For full details, please see my [Disclaimer Page].

lastminute.com

Keep up to date with the latest from Thetravelsblog

Leave a Reply

Discover more from The Travels Blog

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading

The Travels Blog