Restaurante La Viborilla — Restaurant in Benalmádena

We went to Viborilla for a special treat as we hadn't had a paella for a long time, we pre-ordered it and were really looking forward a delicious paella next to the sea . When we got there the young guy on the car park was very friendly and kind, the table was beautifully set with the most stunning view over the beach and cliffs. The waiter was very funny and really friendly. The paella was the worst we had ever eaten in our lives!! We had ordered a mixed paella, seafood and chicken. However there was not a prawn, mussel or clam in sight. Only squid, a little white fish, with no taste, and some bony chicken which tasted very strange, not exactly bad, but very weird, I can describe as perhaps old? The paella was dry, and had absolutely no flavour at all. Nothing! It could almost have been plain boiled rice. Completely tasteless. Such a lovely place, and a massive disappointment. In addition close by there was obviously a hornets nest as we had to jump up and down during our meal as they kept flying under our table and around us. There were a lot near the entrance of the kitchen. Viborilla, please sort out your paella, you're letting down such a lovely chiringuito and sort out...

AVOID!!! we called in here for a quick drink and advised this to the waiter on arrival, he told us that was fine and to sit in the area just to the right, which we did. After a couple of minutes a waiter come over and plonked two menus down with a packet of bread and took our drink order! a large beer and a Sangria, my beer came in a wine glass which I found strange but assumed language barrier etc and i let it slide as we were only staying for one drink. The waiter who originally directed us where to sit then came over to ask what food we wanted to order. Again i told him we only wanted a quick drink and he became aggressive saying we cannot sit here as this was for diners only. i then reminded him that he told us to sit here and he said its fine to sit where we were! When we came to pay the bill i had been charged for a large beer which we challenged and said wasn't right but all of a sudden be couldn't speak a word of English anymore! i actually don't care about 2 euros and paid the bill, but if you are planning a visit expect a little bit of robbery! a beautiful location but ill never go...

This is a 3.5 really but didn’t want to give 4 stars.

Raised sea views across a small bay make for a beautiful setting in this lovely and very lively spot located in what can be classed as a somewhat bland/samey/tourist area on Costa del Sol.

First the good bits. The staff, friendly and attentive. The views. The food - the freshly cooked food was delicious and cooked well.

The bad bits. The main outside service area is away from the main restaurant and was a dumping place for plates, cutlery, glasses, food remains etc. a real eyesore and not pleasant to witness. They really do their best to clear the area but as restaurant is so busy, this is very difficult. Perhaps a bamboo screen might be beneficial.

Use of pre-made/packaged products for bread/tinto de verano/ desserts. Would be a nice touch if these were all homemade/prepared. Again, appreciate that there are a lot of covers but this would elevate the restaurant to...