Lunch at La Rada, Estepona, May 2018

by morris Bishop
(san Pedro de Alcantara)

We first dined at this most emblematic of fish restaurants over 20 years ago. Starting from small café nearly 3 decades ago, it has grown in size though the years and now seats over 100 inside in 3 adjacent areas, one of which used to be for smokers with its own air circulation system that has now been absorbed into the main eating area, and a further 80 in the covered forecourt, where smoking is allowed, plus a few tables in the passageway come bar area. The main dining area is broken up with quirky furniture and wall decorations, and has nicely spaced tables and comfortable chairs, little things like linen serviettes help make this a pleasant dining experience.

The manageable menu is dominated with all things from the sea as you would expect, but there are sufficient dishes to satisfy the carnivores amongst us and some rice plates as well. Our starters of Beef Carpaccio, Pil Pil, and Sopa de Marasco’s (shell fish soup) were followed by three fish plates of Gallo (san Pedro), Urta, and Sole Meunier. Every one of their offerings were well presented, generous in size, and delicious in taste, and save for the bones, ended up with 4 clean plates! The restaurant was just about full (It was the May day fiesta) but the staff coped well and with good humour. Our waiters of Pedro and Rodi were both helpful and knowledgeable people which only served to enhance the ‘smile factor’ Our one disappointment was that we had pre ordered 3 Crabs that did not materialise because of storms, the boats couldn’t go out.

The V.s.
Approaching from the east (Marbella) on the N340 La Rada is at the beginning of the town proper in Aveneda Espana (the main road) and from the underground park that you can enter from the roundabout that is the start of the ring road, park somewhere near the second pedestrian exit (marked La Rada) and you will emerge just a few meters away. They open for Lunch and dinner with Monday being their day of rest. Average price of a 3 course mela with wine 35€. They are also are a Pikoteo ( finger food) that we plan to try next time. See their menu on www.laradaestepona.com Reservations on info@laradaestepona.com or 952791036

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

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.