The Garden by La Rosa — Restaurant in Estepona

What a disappointing evening! We haven’t been back for 18 months as we were let down with the food when we visited with friends, but it’s a local restaurant so we wanted to give it another go. We waited for over 30 minutes for a menu. The owner finally took our order. I asked about the house Rioja and he said “well it’s ok but I only drink Rioja if it’s €100+” - doesn’t say much for the house wine choice!! After an hour we got our starters. We’d order 2 empanadas each; 2 spicy beef each for 2 of us and 2 veggie. We received 3 spicy beef! We explained what we had ordered and we had to wait another 20 minutes to get what we ordered (but still only got one each!) The main course steaks were good but there was 3 of us and despite ordering 3 baked potatoes we only got two. The sea bass, minus it’s baked potatoe, when it finally arrived was plain. The menu said it came with tomato, onion and chilli pepper. When we asked why it had been served plain we were told by the owners son that “it’s been cooked like that for over a year, people don’t like the sauce”!!’ I suggested that perhaps it’s worth telling guests that when they order so they know it’s not as per the menu, or to update the menu. His response…. “Why would we change 60 menus just for that”!!!!! Then he said “well at least you know for next time”, I said “if there is a next time” and he said “well probably not” and walked away!!! They never poured our wine and my husband asked for a beer that never arrived! What a shame! I’d avoid at...

Im hugely fussy when it comes to dining out and 90% of the time resent paying for what I can cook better at home. My experience at La Rosa was exceptional. The wine list is well thought out and the Luigi Bosca Malbec I chose was served at the correct temperature and had huge depth of flavours.

The Empanada I had as a starter was perfectly cooked with lots of flavour. Crisp on the outside with meat juices flowing out after cutting into it. People have moaned on here about the size of them. To them I say its about quality not quantity and they cost just 3 euros so ask for 2.

For the main I opted for the Ribeye which was cooked to perfection (medium/rare) the outside was charred but the inside was still red. Its amazing the number of places that can't get this right. It had tonnes of flavour, was tender, lean, and was 300 grams (can't complain there about size). You can tell this is not locally sourced meat (which in Spain is a good thing as they don't hang or age meat like we do which results in rubbery, flavourless steaks usually).

Do try one one of the desserts they are all home made and the Bannoffee pie with Dulce de Leche was seriously good yet not overly heavy.

I will go as far as saying this is the best steak I have had since visiting Gaucho in London and that cost over twice as much! You are a fool if you try anywhere else. I just wish I had found this place when they opened...

This restaurant was on my list to try and to write a review. Everything was great from start to finish. From the warm welcome by the friendly staff opening the door, to the limoncello from the house at the end. We tried 3 starter dishes to share. The sweetbreads from the grill were full of flavour and tender. The crispy rolls with beef, bolletus and blue cheese with truffle sauce, very yummy! The grilled octopus with baby potatoes, so soft and just fantastic. The staff is so friendly and very well trained. Very professional, making sure their guests have a good time. It was such a nice experience, dining here at this beautiful restaurant. Will be back to try more from the menu and to try a cocktail made with love from the bartender.

Tip: better to make a reservation, because they are often...