Front-row sea views, smoky grilled meats, and a mellow lounge vibe with live music on warm nights.
Front-row Mediterranean views come with a proper food menu here, one that goes far beyond bar snacks. Space Monkey Rooftop Bar sits atop the Essence Boutique Hotel on Avenida del Lido.
I went for sunset drinks and ended up staying for dinner. The grilled meat smelled too good to leave, and a guitarist had started playing across the terrace.
The rooftop is open to everyone, not just hotel guests. It rates 4.8 on Tripadvisor and sits around #15 of 731 Torremolinos restaurants, which is rare for a hotel rooftop.
Here's the honest version: prices sit at the upper end, and it isn't a pool or party spot. This page covers the vibe, the menu and prices, the view and jacuzzi, dress code, reservations and how to get there. For nearby alternatives, see my guide to the best rooftop bars in Torremolinos.
Best For
- Couples on a beach escape
- Foodies who want a real dinner with their rooftop experience
- Groups celebrating something (but not rowdy)
- Sunset cocktail seekers
Not Ideal For
- Anyone looking for rooftop pool access
- Late-night clubbers (vibe is chill, not party)
- Budget-only travelers
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What Do Reviews Say About Space Monkey Torremolinos?
Reviews are strong: 4.8 on Tripadvisor, sitting around #15 of over 700 Torremolinos restaurants for a hotel rooftop. Guests consistently praise the grilled meats, the covered jacuzzi and the live guitar sets on weekend nights. The main criticism is price, since mains run €18-35, well above typical beach-bar rates nearby.
The Vibe
Dinner lingers into cocktails here, and cocktails linger into live guitar sets. Regulars often drop the "Space" and just call it Monkey Bar. The pace is slow on purpose.
The atmosphere is relaxed but intentional. Warm lighting, stylish decor, and staff who genuinely enjoy recommending dishes and drinks.
By 9 pm the tables fill with couples, birthday groups, and hotel guests who clearly booked ahead. The energy stays mellow all evening.
There's no thumping bass or club atmosphere, just good conversation, excellent food, and an acoustic set drifting across the terrace. Live music runs Thursday to Saturday on warm nights.
If you want the same easy rooftop pace with a sharper cocktail focus, Blueside Skybar nearby is the natural second stop. Space Monkey edges it on food.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday – Saturday: evening service from 19:00 (kitchen to ~23:00, bar later)
- Sunday – Monday: check ahead, hours seasonal
Menu & Prices
The Space Monkey menu is grill-led: charcoal meats, a Wagyu burger, and shareable starters, with cocktails around €10-14 and mains €18-35. Come hungry. The kitchen is the point here.
Drinks:
- Classic cocktails: mojitos, daiquiris, gin tonics
- Standout caipirinha (you'll see it on nearby tables)
- Wine and beer selection
- Cocktails approximately €10-14
Food:
- Full menu available
- Grilled entrecote and Iberian pork pluma
- Wagyu burger (a crowd favourite for presentation and flavour)
- Shareable starters
- Generous portions throughout
- Main courses €18-35
The View & Seating

The terrace looks directly over the Mediterranean with no tall buildings blocking the horizon. Even a simple gin tonic feels special with that line of sea in front of you.
A covered rooftop jacuzzi anchors one end of the terrace. It's the centrepiece of every photo of this place, and it sets the loungers-and-parasols mood after dark.
- Glass-edge tables for the best view
- Covered jacuzzi with sun loungers and red parasols
- Cushioned seating toward the back for a more relaxed perch
- Breezy, open layout
- Worlds away from the busy Torremolinos promenade below
- Works for intimate dinners and small group celebrations
Aim for a glass-edge table at sunset. Those go first, so arrive before 8 pm on weekends.
How to Make a Reservation
Walk-ins are welcome at the bar and seating area, but reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends and during sunset hours.
- Bar seating: No reservation needed
- Dinner tables: Book ahead for weekend evenings
- Contact via their website or Instagram for reservations
Arriving early is wise if you want to secure sunset views without a booking.
Dress Code
The dress code shifts through the evening, from casual daytime to something more polished after dark.
What works:
- Swimwear and beachwear until 8 pm
- Relaxed but put-together evening wear after sunset
- Smart casual works perfectly
What doesn't work:
- Shirtless entry after 8 pm
- Overly scruffy or beach-only attire in the evening
Access & Getting There
Space Monkey is located atop the Essence Boutique Hotel on Avenida del Lido. Enter through the hotel lobby and take the elevator to the rooftop.
The hotel is positioned near the beachfront, within walking distance of the promenade and central Torremolinos. Street parking is available nearby.
Age policy: All ages welcome. Early evening hours are family-friendly, while the vibe becomes more mellow and adult-oriented after 10 pm.
Photos of Space Monkey Rooftop Bar
Location & Map
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Av. del Lido, s/n, 29620 Torremolinos, Málaga
Our Verdict
Space Monkey surprised me. I came for a drink but stayed for steak, and ended up staying through the sunset setlist. It's stylish without being try-hard, with food that actually delivers and an atmosphere that makes you want to linger.
Best for: Couples and groups wanting a proper rooftop dinner with quality cocktails and live music on select nights.
Skip if: You're looking for pool access, late-night party vibes, or budget-friendly prices.
This is a rooftop worth planning a whole evening around, and it's even better than its photos suggest. If dinner-with-a-view is the goal, compare it against the rest in my guide to rooftop restaurants in Torremolinos.
Contact Information
What are Space Monkey Rooftop Bar's opening hours?
Space Monkey runs evening service from 7pm, Tuesday to Saturday. The kitchen serves until around 11pm and the bar stays open later. Sunday and Monday hours are seasonal, so check ahead before you travel.
Is there a jacuzzi at Space Monkey?
Yes, a covered jacuzzi anchors one end of the terrace, ringed by sun loungers and red parasols. It's the centrepiece of nearly every photo of the place, including the hero shot, and it sets the loungers-and-parasols mood once the sun goes down. It sits closest to the glass-edge tables, the best seats for sunset.
Does Space Monkey have live music?
Yes. Live music runs Thursday to Saturday on warm nights, usually an acoustic set drifting across the terrace. There's no thumping bass or club atmosphere here, so you can still hold a conversation.
Is Space Monkey open to non-hotel guests?
Yes. Space Monkey sits atop the Essence Boutique Hotel on Avenida del Lido, and you don't need to be staying there. Enter through the hotel lobby and take the lift to the rooftop.
Are children allowed at Space Monkey?
Yes, all ages are welcome, especially earlier in the evening when the terrace still has a family-friendly feel. By 9pm the tables fill with couples and birthday groups rather than kids, and the mood shifts toward mellow, adult-oriented dining as the live guitar sets start. It's not a strict cutoff, just a natural change in crowd.
Is Space Monkey good for dinner?
Yes, it's more of a rooftop restaurant than a snack stop. The menu is grill-led, with charcoal meats, Iberian pork pluma and a Wagyu burger. Book ahead for dinner on weekend evenings, though walk-ins are fine at the bar.

About the Author
Heidi Hein
South African travel writer living in Málaga, Spain. I personally visit and review every rooftop bar and pool featured on this site.
- Based in Málaga since 2020
- Visited 100+ rooftop venues across Andalusia
- All content personally verified and updated seasonally
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you book or purchase through them, we may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend places we genuinely love and believe are worth your time.

Note: I personally visit every rooftop featured on this site, and all opinions are based on my own firsthand experience. If, in the case of private hostels where I can't get access, I will make a note of it. Any external images or details sourced from others are always clearly credited.





