Restaurante El Serbal — Restaurant in Santander

What a great experience we had at El Serbal. The staff were exceptional - friendly, attentive, and enthusiastic.

We were there for lunch with a table by the floor to ceiling window - which opens fully to have a complete open space out to the sunny beach. It really was quite surreal, like having a movie screen as there was nothing between you and the sea.

Excellent wine list. Lots of champagne, but I don't visit Spain to drink French wine. Many bottles of great cava were available.

We had the tasting menu, and for the large part it was worthy of the Michelin star. The fish in Bordeaux sauce was cooked to perfection with lovely crispy skin outside and melt in the mouth fat underneath.

I felt the Red prawns, pumpkin and gazpachuelo was flawed, as the gazpachuelo (looked like single cream) added nothing. Likewise, the charcoal pork was amazing but the blackened 'wooden' board with the embedded flashing lights to suggest fire it was served on was repulsive. Not sure if it was meant as Spanish humour but I was not laughing. I discarded the plank and ate the meat off a side plate.

The obvious humour behind the 'tongue' the pre-dessert was served on left me equally nonplussed. And believe me I do enjoy a joke!

One final observation relates to the large dark brown wooden cabinets that are pushed around the room. It makes for great theatre when the cover is rolled back and several different types of bread are revealed, but ultimately all the back and forth made me think a furniture removal company had arrived.

Overall we had a happy and relaxing lunch. Yes, the pace of serving the different courses was brisk but we felt like were not being bugged all the time.

Highly...

Our afternoon lunch at El Serbal was unforgettable. This one Michelin star restaurant delivers everything you hope for in a world class meal: creative cooking, flawless technique and service that makes you feel genuinely cared for.

The setting alone is worth the visit. The dining room offers a perfect view of the beach and the water and creates a relaxed yet elegant atmosphere from the moment you sit down.

We enjoyed the tasting menu with two bottles of the Finca Hortanza Riesling 2024, and finished with coffees alongside the last course. Every dish was balanced, perfect and truly unique. From the earthy mushrooms with Guriezo beans to the charcoal grilled Iberian pork with carrots and kimchi, each plate offered bold flavor without ever feeling heavy. The cheese ice cream with quince and spiced biscuit closed the meal on a playful and elegant note.

Service matched the brilliance of the kitchen. Mia and her team , to include a fantastic young woman from Venezuela, guided us through the afternoon with warmth and precision. When one of our party casually mentioned she was left handed, they quietly moved her silverware for every course there after. That small gesture captured the care and attention of the entire team.

Although the meal lasted two and a half hours, it never felt long. The pacing was seamless and the courses flowed naturally. El Serbal combines Michelin level artistry with breathtaking views and genuine hospitality. It is a must go if you are...

One of the best afternoons of my life. I don't know why it's taken me 4 months to leave a review. Perhaps just still processing the experience! I know that may sound dramatic, but it's also true.

I have had some great meals in my life, but this was the best. Why? 1) The location: bright, spacious, literally on the beach, and smart enough but not at all pretentious. 2) The welcome: I'm not necessarily a typical "michelin star diner", but we made a good effort with our Spanish and the staff all made a good effort with their English, and we had great fun even just talking about what was coming next. 3) The food: 7 courses with the maredaje de vinos, all accompanied with context, and clearly prepared with love and expertise.

But even that description seems dry. What did it mean? It was the most fabulous 3 hours: warm, welcoming, smiling, crying with laughter/pleasure tres veces, sobremesa, oh why not a little coffee? Petit fours? Yes, come on then. OK part of it is the company (nice to see you Steve), but a great time needs the scene to be set. If you are planning to be anywhere near here and you like being looked after, having fun, and eating superb food, then check out El Serbal. We didn't meet the chefs, but the front of house team were absolutely brilliant. Muchas gracias al...