La Cozzeria — Restaurant in Estepona

On facebook some people recommended this restaurant, so we went to check it out.

The fresh bread you get is really nice and the service is really friendly. But the website and the menu on there, suggests a different atmosphere/environment. The expectations were higher unfortunately. Their focus is mainly on fish dishes, but in an Italian way.

I had the Fettucine with drunken octopus. It was ok, not really my thing. I love octopus normally, but this flavor was not really my thing. My friends had the Fettucine con bogavante (lobster), that was ok, lacked a bit of flavor, maybe a bit too 'au naturel' she said. The other dish was Pulpo parilla, that pulpo was reaalllyy tender! Could have had a little more flavor too, but the tenderness was really nice.

As a dessert, I had the Tiramisu, a classic. On facebook someone mentioned it was the best one she ever had. It was very fluffy, but again unfortunately, this too lacked flavor. Namely coffee and the licor. They make it last minute, so it's really fresh, you can taste that. The waiter mentioned it's a Sardinian version and that's without licor and that there was coffee in it. (I tried google-ing it, couldn't find anything backing that up). I didn't even finish it, and that's rare for me! I've had many different Tiramisu's in my life (in Treviso, Tiramisu city, Rome etc), and the only one, before this one, without licor in it, was at Ikea, and that had a lot more flavor :-)

So their intentions are good, and they serve quality food, but their flavors need some work ;-) Especially for these prices in such a setting...

The Pizza's looked and smelled...

Bit disappointing. Just missing all The little touches of a good place. Sea Mist rolled in. Outside venue. No little throws for customers when it’s chilly. Handed two menus but didn’t explain them so we had to ask what the paper and plastic ones were. Eventually we got told the specials. We asked for bread . One plate. Between two. No olive oil or butter just bread. We asked for a second plate and olive oil. This region is full of great olive oils. This was seemingly cheap supermarket stuff he brought. Salt in a little rip open bag like a cafe! Took a long time for our food (pasta and mussels). No bowl brought for mussel shells for about 5 minutes after food brought or bowl to wash fingers in… which I would expect. Food was tasty. Just lacked any real care for what they are doing in customer journey. Waiter was charming though. Having run a restaurant I think if the customer has to constantly ask for the basics then...

Finding a restaurant that pleases our entire family of six can be a challenge, but La Cozzeria truly exceeded our expectations! Every single dish was a hit – a testament to the incredible talent of Chef Renato, who is clearly a master in the kitchen. This is the only restaurant we truly trust to serve real food made with high-quality ingredients. You can taste the authentic homemade flavors of Italy in every bite! The restaurant created such a warm and welcoming atmosphere that made our family feel completely at ease. We also have to commend the service; our waiter was absolutely outstanding, the best we've experienced in the area – so attentive and genuinely friendly. From the amazing food to the wonderful ambiance, La Cozzeria has quickly become a firm favorite for us. We will definitely be returning time and time again! A huge thank you to the entire La Cozzeria team for such a fantastic and trustworthy...