On Camino Sainz Martínez, where the village starts to fade into the scrubland, Casa Lobos works as a tapas bar and a night-time refuge. The kitchen leans on small plates to share and the bar on creative cocktails, that combination that invites you to linger. It is a mid-sized spot, more intimate than the big beach clubs, made for anyone after tasty bites, a toast and a night that stretches out.

It opens Thursday to Sunday at dusk, in tune with the pulse of José Ignacio, where life kicks off as the sun goes down. Between signature drinks and morsels passed from hand to hand, it builds a neighbourhood mood shared by holidaymakers and people who work in the area. If you want to skip the formality of the classic restaurant and set up a warm-up with character, Casa Lobos delivers.