Metro Pizza & Pasta

In the marina of Benalmádena you’ll find Metro… you know, the pizza and pasta restaurant belonging to the Metro group. Now, I must say that normally I’m not such a fan of chain restaurants but this particular Metro is really nice. However, you have to sit outside. Inside as far as I’m concerned is nothing special. It’s quite modern with an open plan design but it does give you the feeling that you are in a chain restaurant. But outside is a completely different story. They have a large terrace which overlooks the marina and has some great views. You could just sit there for hours simply watching the people go by. Even if you live on the coast, just sitting there for an hour or two gives you the feeling that you’re on vacation. So what about the actual food? Well, I can certainly vouch for their pizzas. The truth is that I have come to worship the pizza at Metro, with its fresh ingredients and crispy thin crust! I like it so much that I’ve never even tried any of their pastas dishes, which I must say look really good. So for those of you in the mood for a nice pizza or pasta, I can highly recommend Metro in Benalmadena marina. Now for dessert I suggest you head over to the Australian Ice-cream parlor in Fuengirola. I know Metro serves some great desserts, including Ben & Jerry’s ice-cream but the truth is, that even Ben & Jerry’s can’t top Fuengirola’s ice-cream!

Metro Pizza & Pasta, La Dársena, Local A20-21, Benalmádena, Málaga, Tel: 952 446 460

Passion Café, San Pedro

Passion Café is one of those restaurants which is always open whether it’ s for breakfast, lunch, dinner or any other time for that matter . It’s trendy, hip and definitely a place where you can just relax, grab a magazine or two and enjoy a healthy, delicious meal. I haven’t had the opportunity to have breakfast there yet but I’ve heard it’s really good. They serve American style pancakes, full Irish breakfast and smoked salmon bagel, just to name a few… I would love to try their pancakes! As far as their lunch and dinner menu goes, I can definitely vouch for how good it is as I have tried many of their dishes on several occasions. Their lunch and dinner menu includes a selection of tasty dishes such as a variety of wraps and salads, lovely creamy soups, quesadillas, hamburgers, and fish & chips, which by the way, I can highly recommend. Each day Passion café also creates a separate small menu with specialties of the day which are definitely worth trying! And for those of you with a sweet tooth, well then Passion Café is definitely the place for you. They have a large variety of home-made desserts including, brownies, chocolate fudge cake, apple crumble, banoffi pie and cheesecake. In addition to all that, you can now also buy some of their pastries and bread to take home including, scones, bagels, homemade brown bread and some other goodies. Mmmm it all sounds very good. Last but not least, I must mention and give credit to Passion Cafe's friendly staff. After all what is a restaurant without friendly staff? They truely are fabulous (well, all except one… you know who you are… grumpy!).

Passion Café, Centro Comercial La Colonia, San Pedro, Málaga, Tel. 952 781 538

Rosmarino della Piazza, Elvira

Heeellooo everybody! I know I haven’t posted anything for quite some time. But it’s been a busy summer, what can I say? Just working off those kilos I gained while trying out all those new restaurants… but some were definitely worth the calories. The men reading this post are probably thinking “what on earth is she talking about?” but you ladies know what I mean. The point is if you’re going to “sin” then the calories better be worth it! So today’s post is all about the Italian restaurant, “Rosmarino della Piazza” in Elviria. And I am happy to say that the food at this restaurant is spectacular! It’s located in the shopping centre of “Pinares de Elvira”, next to the highway. Now I must confess that when we first sat down outside on their terrace, I thought to myself, “ugg I can hear the highway… I don’t think I’ll come back here again”. But oh boy was I wrong. Not only did the presentation of the food leave me speechless (which believe me doesn’t happen often) but the taste was so fabulous that I forgot all about the highway. With every bite, the noise just faded away. So let me tell you what I had. For starters, a mixed green salad with avocado and crunchy salmon, which I’m not sure how to describe, perhaps tempura salmon can give you an idea of what it was like. Then as a main course I had lasagna with courgette and aubergine, gratinated and aromatized with a touch of pesto… simply delicious. And for dessert, I had a thin layer of crispy biscuit with mascarpone and poached pear… sweet, light and yummy. So how much do you think this meal cost including a glass of wine and bread? Did I hear someone say €45? WRONG. This three course menu was just €16.50! It’s hard to believe but it’s true! They offer a different daily fixed menu but only for lunch. For dinner you can choose some really amazing looking dishes from their a la carte menu. I haven’t had the chance to try their a la carte menu yet but I’m really looking forward to it. Ah my husband just walked through the door… “Honey, I’m afraid I couldn’t prepare dinner tonight… the stove is ehh… broken… go out for dinner? … Well if you insist!”

Restaurant Rosmarino della Paizza, Centro Comercial Pinares de Elviria s/n, Malaga, Tel. 952 85 01 48

La Finca, Hotel La Bobadilla

I know this blog is all about restaurants on the Costa del Sol but today I feel I must let you all know about a fabulous restaurant which, as you might have guest already, is not on the Costa del Sol. The restaurant is called La Finca and is part of La Bobadilla Hotel, a stunning, luxurious, rural hotel, located near “Villa Nueva de Tapia” (Granada province). During the summer you can enjoy dinner outside on their picturesque courtyard and throughout the winter months you can sit inside their warm, cozy restaurant. If you want to be romantic ask for a table next to the fireplace. Their menu is international with a Spanish touch and it’s spectacular to say the least. For starters, I suggest you definitely try one of their pasta dishes, ravioli with wild mushrooms and black truffle sauce or homemade cannelloni filled with spinach and “Taracon” cheese and dressed with a white truffle sauce. As a main course their lobster gratin with spinach and a sparkling cava sauce is a must. And for those of you who like meat, beef tenderloin with a black truffle sauce which my meat-eating husband described as “meat lover’s paradise”… I think that means he loved it. For dessert I recommend their chocolate cake with white chocolate ice-cream or their chocolate soufflé, perfect for any chocoholic. La Finca is stunning in every sense of the word. As far as price is concerned, well it’s a luxurious, elegant restaurant so be prepared. La Bobadilla Hotel (La Finca) is only one hour from Malaga, so whether you live on the coast or simply spend your vacation days there, take some time out and spoil yourself to a magnificent dinner at La Finca and a romantic weekend at La Bobadilla.

La Finca, Hotel La Bobadilla, Carretera Salinas-Villanueva de Tapia (A-333), Km. 65,5. 18300.
Loja - Granada, Tel.: 958 321 861

La Tabenna Del Puerto, Marbella

Located in the fishers harbor of Marbella is La Tabenna Del Puerto. I have eaten here a number of times and I can honestly say that they serve some of the best sea food. If you decide to eat at this restaurant you must try their “pulpo a la Gallega” , Galician octopus, it is so good that I now no longer order this dish in any other restaurant. Another mouth-watering dish is their “pimientos al piquillo”, fire roasted peppers stuffed with a seafood mousse and accompanied by the most delicious, smooth, creamy sauce. If you’re on a low-carb diet then I say don’t order this dish because I can guarantee that you’ll be ordering extra bread simply to dip into that sauce. And for those of you who aren’t planning on kissing anyone, try their “gambas pil-pil", a hot sizzling prawn dish with lots and lots and lots of garlic. And I also highly recommend their “puntillitas”, battered and fried baby squid, so crispy, so delicious and probably so fattening but worth the calories. These are just some of the dishes they have to offer. I suggest you start by sharing a number of dishes with your friends and family and then as a main course order some fresh fish such as sea bass or sea bream. When it comes to sea food, other restaurants could really learn a thing or two from La Tabenna Del Puerto. But in terms of décor… ouch, this place is an eye soar. Luckily the restaurant is set on the beach so on a beautiful day you can sort of overlook the ugly décor or maybe I should be saying the lack of décor. The place is somewhat run down and not much thought has been given into creating a warm atmosphere. As a matter of fact, you definitely do not want to sit inside; it’s cold and darn ugly. But like I said, outside on their terrace it’s not too bad. This restaurant might not score high in a beauty contest and might be in need of a facelift but what it lacks in beauty it makes up for with friendly staff and fabulous food. Proofing that real beauty really does come from the inside!

La Tabenna Del Puerto, Purto Pesquero, Local 6, Marbella, Málaga, Tel.: 952 82 83 25

Australian Ice-cream, Fuengirola

I know that this blog is all about restaurants on the Costa del Sol but I find it absolutely crucial for the survival of human species to know about the best ice-cream parlor on the Costa del Sol. Whether you have a sweet tooth or not this ice-cream is a must! Just ditch dessert elsewhere and go for what I guarantee will be your new obsession. I have travelled miles just to have an ice-cream here and I know for a fact that I’m not the only one. Who cares about the extra money you have to spend on gas, the expensive toll road or the speeding ticket you’ll get rushing over here… it’s all worth it when you taste that creamy, smooth, rich ice-cream. This ice-cream is God’s gift to ice-cream cones. I know I’m starting to sound like an advertorial but this ice-cream really is the best. The actual ice-cream parlor is nothing facy, there are no chairs, no tables, just a hole in the wall. Clearly this ice-cream parlor is for ice-cream eating purposes only. Last but not least, I have to mention that the actual ice-cream cone that goes with the ice-cream deserves to be nominated as well. It’s crispy, always fresh and for the final touch they dip the top part of the cone in fresh hot chocolate. If you’re not drooling for an ice-cream by now then there’s something seriously wrong with you. Forget your diet for a day and treat yourself to that ice-cream… go on, you know you want to.

Australian Ice Cream, Jacinto Benavente, 829640 Fuengirola, Malaga Tel. 952 46 51 87

Restaurant Azúl Marino, Puerto Banús

I have never eaten in this restaurant and I never will. Keep reading and you’ll understand why. The following is based on a true story: In the land of Gucci, Prada, Lamborghinis and Ferraris also known as Puerto Banús, there is a restaurant called Azúl Marino. One day my friend decided to have lunch there with her friend. They sat outside on their cozy terrace, watching the parade of people go by, “oh look a Ferrari… oh look another Ferrari… Is that another Ferrari?”… I guess if you want to be unique you should drive by in a Seat Ibiza. Anyway, back to matters at hand. My friend wanted to treat herself so she ordered their overpriced lobster …. So here’s my question Azúl Marino, since when is the inside of a lobster brown? I mean was this a lobster with a tan? I really don’t understand why, but my friend didn’t want to ruin the atmosphere and so she said nothing about the damn lobster. To all you people who are always too nice, I say “don’t be so nice and tell the cook to stick it!” After all, you are paying for it, so you should expect something in return. But this is not where the story ends. To make matters worse, when my friend was about to leave the restaurant, the maître asked her if everything was ok. This is when my friend confessed that her lobster was indeed not so fresh, and that was putting it nicely. As a result, my friend was “fired” from the restaurant. The maître literally told her never to come back. Honestly people, this is not a joke. This really did happen. My friend spoke-out and now she is a “persona non grata” in this restaurant. Ouch… I wonder what the maître will do when he reads this blog?

Azúl Marino, Muelle Ribera, 14 E, Puerto Banús, Marbella, Málaga, Tel.: 952 81 10 44

El Oceano Hotel Restaurant, Miraflores

I recently had lunch here again and I must say I find it spectacular every time. The décor is warm and elegant with spectacular views overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, simply mesmerizing. The restaurant almost feels like it’s suspended over the sea, making you feel like you’re on a luxurious cruise ship. If you want to relax, THIS is the place to be. Whether you sit inside or outside on their “Water Front Terrace”, chances are you’ll be impressed. Their food is spectacular to say the least and it’s the type of food you can eat everyday either for lunch or dinner. I mention this because at first sight, when you walk into the restaurant the views and the décor are quite overwhelming giving the impression that the food might be a little pompous. But that’s not the case at all. They have a lunch and dinner menu offering dishes such as: shrimp cocktail, warm goats cheese salad, crispy Thai fishcakes, fish ‘n’ chips, Butterfly King Prawns just to name a few. The food is delicious, impeccably presented and affordable. They also offer a daily fixed menu, including a starter and main course at a very reasonable price. During the weekends they also have live music. I personally prefer listening to the sound of the sea but in all fairness the music sounds good so you can leave your earplugs at home. You can find El Oceano Restaurant inside El Oceano Beach Hotel, a cute little exclusive, privately owned hotel situated on the beach at Miraflores. As far as I’m concerned El Oceano Hotel Restaurant is definitely worth trying out, but beware, chances are you’ll probably be coming back for more!

El Oceano Hotel Restaurant, Open all day every day (closed during the winter months except during Christmas) - Miraflores Playa (next to Riviera del Sol), Costa del Sol, Málaga, Tel.: 952 587 550

Pizzeria Picasso, Puerto Banus

First of all, I must confess that I haven’t been here in ages, basically because I’m not so impressed by the place. I mean let’s face it, this pizzeria is like flying with Easy-Jet: it’s always overcrowded, your jam packed into the place like sardines in a can and you have to wait in line to “check-in”. I mean, I know Picasso is probably the only front line restaurant in Puerto Banús that doesn’t leave your wallet empty but people please, this is not McDonalds, you shouldn’t have to wait in line for a pizza! However, having said all that, I must say that when my nephews are here on vacation they seem to live off Picasso’s pizzas. Kids just seem to love the place. Is the pizza really that good or do kids just love the place because they serve pizza? I mean which kid doesn’t love pizza? Honestly, I really don’t get what all the hype is about. At the end of the day, Picasso is just a fast food pizzeria. Just because it’s in Puerto Banús doesn’t make the pizza extra tasty. Sorry Picasso, I’m sticking to my verdict. So ladies and gentlemen, for those of going to Picasso I would like to wish you a pleasant flight… I mean meal!

Pizzeria Picasso C/ Muelle Ribera, Local 48 / 49 H, Puerto Banús, Marbella, Málaga, Tel: 952 81 36 69

Venta Victoria, Casares

For some real “mamma’s food” Venta Victoria is the place to be. This is a quaint little “venta” set on the road to Casares. Inside you’ll find two separate rooms where you can have lunch, one is small and cosy with a fireplace and the other is just a simple room with views towards the countryside. Personally, I find this room a little smoky at times. Anyway, no doubt the BEST place to be is outside on their picturesque terrace overlooking the countryside. As far as I’m concerned, nothing can beat that. But let’s talk about the food: “gazpacho”, “pollo al ajillo” (chicken in garlic), "albondigas" (meat balls), chorizo, cheese from Casares... and the BEST homemade fries EVER... these are just some example of what they have to offer. Like I said, this is a real Spanish “venta”, with real Andalucian food. A great place to enjoy a simple, wholesome meal! So I say try Venta Victoria and make a day trip out of it by visiting Casares as well; a picture postcard village! It’s only five minutes drive from the venta and definitely worth the trip even if you’ve already been there before. So next weekend get off that couch and treat yourself to a good old fashioned cooked meal and a day out in Casares... all in favour?

Ctra. MA-546 Km 7,5, Casares, Málaga, Tel. 952 89 41 99 (Open from 09:00 – 21:00 during the summer and only open for lunch during the winter months)

Da Bruno, San Pedro

Once upon a time, I had lunch at Da Bruno San Pedro. I remember having a “risotto al fungi”: rice, onions, mushrooms and a looong, black hair! Yuck, never, EVER again! I’m sorry Da Bruno, your food might be good but a long, black hair is a deal breaker for me… “arrivederci”… goodbye!

Avenida del Mar, Urb. San Pedro del Mar, local 1E San Pedro de Alcántara, Málaga, Tel: 952 786 860

Venta Garcia, Casares

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner… Venta Garcia! This restaurant as far as I’m concerned has all the right ingredients: good food, panoramic views, friendly staff and well priced. What more do we want? I've been there several times, which is always a good sign and more importantly it’s been good every single time. From the outside Venta Garcia looks like a typical little Spanish venta but don’t judge a book by its cover because inside you’ll find a fresh and modern interior, with huge windows overlooking the countryside. The food is simply delicious… I've tried their grilled vegetables, simple, fresh and healthy but for those of you who don’t mind the extra calories, their homemade pâté is “extraordinary”. I must confess I haven’t actually tried the pate myself because I don’t eat meat. That’s right people, I’m a vegetarian… but mind you, I have a VERY reliable source about anything meat related… my meat eating husband, and he really, REALLY loves Venta Garcia’s homemade pâté. As a main course, I can highly recommend their sea bass with pine nuts and capers, the combination of these three ingredients give this dish a very distinct taste. And for those of you who prefer meat, the fillet steak with foie gras, juicy, tender and tasty! And for dessert, you simply have to try their homemade apple crumble with vanilla ice-cream and whip cream… mmm I’m getting hungry just writing about it. So I say try Venta Garcia, just remember to make a reservation, that's right people, you need to reserve, especially if you want to eat there on a Sunday!

Share your opinions about Venta Garcia, don't be shy!

Road to Casares, MA-546, Tel: 952 89 41 91

Max Beach, Riviera del Sol

I had a wonderful lunch... but this wasn't it! Sorry Max Beach. Your restaurant looks fab both inside and out... but being squashed in between dozens of others tables like sardines in a can, is NOT my idea of a "chillax" lunch on the beach. And what about the menu? Since when did Spanish become the second language in Spain? Oh yes, I forgot we were in "Little England" a.k.a Riviera del Sol. The menu as far as I'm concerned is a little limited. We are on the beach and there are only two fish dishes? Fish & chips and salmon? Don't get me wrong, I love fish & chips and salmon. It's just that I expected something a little more creative. Anyway, I decided to try one of the salads, after all I wanted to be healthy and watch my waistline. It looked superb, no doubt about that... but I REALLY felt the million calories which were camouflaged into the salad with that heavy dressing. Why don't you offer us a selection of dressings? And your portions are HUMONGOUS! Seeing all those heavily loaded plates go by as I waited for my food made feel full before I even started. Careful Max Beach, quantity does not equal quality! The food is not bad but as far as I'm concerned it's just not all that...

Good, bad or neutral, post your comments and let us know what you think of Max Beach.

Riviera del Sol, KM 198, Tel: 952 932 780

Calima, Marbella

Why am I starting with Calima? After all, I've only been there once and that was last year. Was it that memorable? Well, I must be honest, it is definitely worth going to, especially during the summer if you can get a table outside on their terrace which overlooks the beautiful Mediterranean sea, I mean that setting just screams romance. So gentlemen, if you want to get lucky definitely take your lady for a nice romantic dinner at Calima. But what about the food? Well, I'm sure we all know by now that Calima was awarded with a Michelin Star, so that should give you an indication of what the food is like...edible art. It's beautiful... However, I must be totally honest, I remember I had Sea Bass as a main course but I don't remember what my starter was or my dessert... ouch.... that's not cool, I know. The question is "is that my fault or was the food just not that memorable?". .. I might not remember what I had to eat but do remember liking it, so I say definitely try out Calima and decide for yourself. Oh just one more thing... Remember to take your wallet because you'll be needing it!

People, don't be shy and post your comments about Calima! Just be honest!

Calima, Hotel Melia Don Pepe, C Jose Melia, S.N., Marbella, Tel. 952 764 252

So What's this Blog All About?

So what's THIS blog all about? I mean lets face it... have we gone blog crazy? Is everybody writing a blog nowadays? My dear friends, I think the answer is yes because I'm about to start a blog on restaurants on the Costa del Sol. .... Boring, right? Wrong! The fact of the matter is that this is not just another food or restaurant guide. Consider me the insider, your new mystery guest. Yes, that's right people, I will be visiting restaurants and tell you everything about them, the good, the bad or if necessary the dirty, nitty, gritty details. I'm simply going to tell the truth. Naturally, you are ALL welcome to post your experiences at any restaurant. BUT dear people, this is NOT a "bitch and run" blog. I know we all love to vent but lets also remember to share our good experiences. Oh one more thing... if you happen to be a restaurant owner don't start posting about how great your restaurant is... you are not objective! I might even check out your restaurant and I WILL tell it like it is. That's all for now folks... xxx Mystery Guest.