Marabierta, San Pedro de Alcantara

by Morris Bishop
(San Pedro de Alcantara)

Little did our party of four realize that behind the green screens shrouding what was a small commercial area behind the San Pedro paseo, an exciting new restaurant was being created that opened its doors just a few days ago.

The building itself deserves some mention as its construction is to the very highest quality, and really is a work of art in its own right, with much use of giant pebbles and marble embedded into the structure to form a most pleasing dining area that is divided into about 70 covers for alfresco eating, and a convertible inside-outside dining room for 36 that has an elaborate retractable roof.

Adjoining this is the main structure in which there is a bar area, wine store, and an ‘open to view’ kitchen. Even the ‘his and hers’ have been lavished with many design features that stand it apart from the rest.

The attention to detail extends to the lighting and furnishings, as an example there are quirky chain supports under some of the tables! All together a wow factor of 5 for this one!

Having said all that, on a very chilly evening we were in the convertible area that one smoking customer considered to be ‘outside’, but in truth there was only the bar area that was truly ‘inside’ so we decamp to there, only for owner Michael to intervene and declare the dining room to be non-smoking and so we promptly moved back.

The extensive menu has many old favourites and staples in, but includes some interesting, and innovative dishes such as the cheese croquette starter that was presented looking like toffy apples, others had the fish soup inappropriately named ‘reused’ and a goat’s cheese salad.

For mains, Beef sirloin, Lamb chops, and a Sea Bream in salt. In presentation, flavour, texture, and quantity, every single dish was faultless.

So chef Juan Antonio and Juan David and their team of Jhon and Susana should be proud of their creations. Our waiters Manola and Hermes were exemplary but a little more schooling for others would be in order.

A great addition for fine dining in San Pedro and a most enjoyable evening, peppered with highs and lows, but definitely one to be repeated – and repeated!

The VS: Marabierta can be found at the junction of Avda. de la Coruna and C/ Alvares Quintero, about 50 metres west of the Ballerina statue on the Paseo Maritima. Street parking.

They open for lunch and dinner every day. Average 3 course meal with wine 30€

No Menu del Dia.

All parts of the restaurant are wheelchair accessible including a dedicated toilet facility.

No email address or website yet.
Reservations on: +34 952799837

Bishlin Guide marks out of 5

Ambience: 5
Food: 5
Menu: 4.5
Service: 4.5
Value: 5
O/A: 4.8

As this is only their third day open, I anticipate that the few failings indicated by the menu and service figures will improve.

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.