The new Kala Kalua San Pedro Beach, March 2018
by Morris Bishop
(San Pedro de Alcantara)
El Patron Pepe & manager Patricia
Beach dining for up to 100
the only part of the old Kala Kalua left
bi-fold door make 30 covers inside
For the last 15 years or so, ever since we came to live in San Pedro, we occasionally ate at the only Chiringuito, that was truly on the beach near the eastern end of the paseo Maritima. Then it was a pretty basic building with an outside Loo and an ever expanding dining room made of sand. Last October whilst promenading the length of the paseo, we were surprised to find that Kala Kalua had been reduced to a pile of rubble!
Over the next 6 months we watched as the NEW Kala Kalua’s construction got under way, starting with an enormous basement area which I’m guessing is partly for a water deposit and partly for storage. The substantial building that was emerging was as far from your common beach bar as a shed is to a luxury house! The High-Tec kitchen and pass area adjacent to the modern Bar area leave little to be desired, and the bi-fold glass doors running the full length of the dining room encloses about 30 covers, with a further 100 on the beach., Gone are the outside Loos, but in its place is a much a more civilised set of conveniences’
El Patron is Pepe Romero affectionally known as Pepe Blanco, because he is always dressed in white. He occasionally parks one of his collection of 6 beautifully maintained vintage American cars by the restaurant which is a sight to behold. The family owned business was started 1957 and is now into its third generation.
The menu reflects the fact that this is principally a fish eatery, there being only 5 items for meet lovers and a further 7 rice and pasta dishes, 20 of the most popular starters you would expect to find, and 0ver 30 Fish and Shellfish options. We chose starters of their mixed salad and Aubergine fritters (drizzled with Miel de Cano) and these were followed by Sole Meunier with French fries and a half and half dish of Boquerones and Chiperones. All were served without pretention, were delicious, generous and their house white was quite pleasant. As for service under the watchful eye of Patricia (Pepe’s Daughter in law) she is ‘hands on’ and leads by example , there was a misunderstanding in taking the order which caused a slight delay But they made no fuss in sorting it. ‘Yes’ is the answer to the question ‘will we return’
The V.S.
Kala Kalua can be found half way between the Ballerina statue and the river Guadaliza on the San Pedro de Alcantara Paseo Marittima. Parking in any of the many roads that surround the area, mainly 300m. to the west. Their day of rest is Monday and they are open for lunch and dinner. Reservation are not normally necessary, but you can contact them on 952787558 or at info@kalakalua.com. See their menu on the website www.kalakalua.com. Average 3 course meal with wine 30€ They have a take-away service
Bishlin Guide marks out of 5 Ambience:4.5 Food:4.5 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.