La Bodega del Cantinero — Restaurant in Marbella

Our friends brought us, and it was an absolutely amazing experience! We let Alberto (owner and wonderful host) serve his own recommendation and had an unforgettable six-ish course meal. Delicious clams, artichokes, a grilled fish (sole, I think), an absolutely perfectly prepared steak, cheese, and a platter of cheese and sherry ice cream(!).

The common denominator was that the chef allowed the natural flavors of the ingredients to speak for themselves: No heavy sauces, overpowering spices, pretentious tweezer work, just good handiwork and good cooking.

Alberto also paired the dishes with amazing wines: A dry sherry, a full-bodied local red, and a white dessert wine, that I won’t do justice to if I try to describe them any further.

My pescatarian wife was taken good care of, and enjoyed herself immensely, even though she steered clear of some of the highlights (IMO). The “kids” (aged 8 through 15) got their own meals served quickly, and happily played under the long portico while we adults spent hours savoring our meal.

Near the end of the night Alberto and a few of his team pulled out the guitar and played an upbeat song, rounding it all off in the best way imaginable.

More than once during the night I pointed out that it represented the very essence of the good life: Good friends, happy family, good food, good wine, and all in all a great atmosphere on a warm summer night.

It really does not get any...

A hidden gem in Marbella. We have been to the top chefs restaurants in Marbella like Dani García, and so… but this little restaurant in San Pedro is just incredible! The products he has are top like fresh tuna, tomatoes the size of a cantaloupe, seafood or the meat. For example they have the first blue cheese from Andalusia and the owner pairs it with his family sweet wine! The staff is super nice and helpful and you can tell they love doing their job. And the owner Alberto makes the experience even more special. We are on holiday at the moment and have returned to this restaurant twice. And it’s one we will keep in the books to remember and come back when we are in Marbella. If you want a true Spanish restaurant with amazing food this...

AVOID! Me and by boyfriend went there for the first time and we didn’t have a reservation. However I wouldn’t have mind to wait a bit. But when we arrived we had bad impression straightaway as while we were trying to get a waiter’s attention they were ignoring us like we were no there at all. We got asked after 10 min standing there!!! When I asked a table for two they were not able to tell me yes, no or how long. All I was said was: let me ask! After 10/15 long min standing there making me feel like a stupid I asked again and they were literally ignoring us. How rude!! We left and I will never go back. They def didn’t want us to be there. I will not recommend this restaurant to anybody. Very...