Bodeguita St. Maria | Cancelada

by Morris Bishop
(San Pedro de Alcantara)

There are quite a few restaurants in the village of Cancelada , and in one of the pedestrianized back streets is the quaint eating house of Bodeguita Santa Maria, tastefully decorated and equipped with pleasant table settings and typical upright chairs, the 36 cover dining room has a small bar area and a minuscule kitchen where Juan, the owner and chef creates his USP – ‘very good food’. We lunched at one of further 6 tables outside under a Gazebo and sun shades with arguably the more comfortable plastic chairs, it was nice just to watch the world go by without having to tolerate breathing in car fumes.

From the 2 dozen starters we chose Boquerónes and a Gratinated Avocado and Prawns, and from the 30 odd mains, of which roughly half were Fish and half for the carnivores we opted for Baby Lamb Chops and a Beef sirloin, both accompanied by French fries, green Pimentos and a lovely piquant Red Pepper Sauce. Every one of the dishes were flavoursome, cooked as ordered, served on hot plates, and massive in size such that neither of us could finish our mains.

Juan is a friendly, very much hands on, and pretty much a ‘one man band’ helped by English speaking waitress Danella. He opened in 2013 and going by the T.A score line which is almost universally 5 stars, they will be around for a long time to come. We for sure will be going back, so here’s to the next time!

The V.S. Bodeguita M. S. can be found in Calle Purisimo Corazon, 18. Leave the N340 at Bell Air and at the roundabout on the north side coming from Mabella direction take the second exit (more or less straight on) and from Estapona direction, after crossing the N340 take the third exit (turn left) into Cancelada, and at the next roundabout turn right, ignore all turnings until the ‘T’ junction at the top of the road is in view then take the last turning to the right 40 mt. before the ‘T’ junction, and after an ‘S’ bend at the next ‘T’ junction, to the right is the pedestrian street where the restaurant is in. So turn left and park. They open for Lunch and Dinner Tuesday to Sunday which means that their day of rest is Monday. Average 3 course meal with wine 25€. Plus a 2 course 10€ menu del Dia that changes every day. Street parking.
Reservations on 677153446 or stmariabodega@gmail.com

Bishlin Guide marks out of 5
Ambience:4
Food:4.5
Menu:5
Service:4.5
Value:5
O/A::4.7

Please mention to the restaurateur that the restaurant was recommended in the "MarbellaFamilyFun.com" Newsletter. To see even more reviews on the best restaurants in Marbella, check out The Bishlin Guide.

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