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

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

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

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

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