Max Beach, Riviera del Sol – Part II

After reading some positive feedback about Max Beach in response to the first post, I decided to give this restaurant another chance and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. For one, Max Beach changed its menu since the last time I was there. What a difference, so much better! The menu really has ample choice for everyone and it was offered in various languages (not just in English).  The setting was also much more relaxed and elegant.  I tried their mussels and garlic shrimps (gambas pil-pil) and both were absolutely delicious. I definitely give Max Beach two thumbs up for the changes it has made and I look forward to the next time!

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

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

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