Welcome to Key to Mijas Costa’s Restaurant Guide and Review. We are privileged to have such a variety of good quality restaurants in our area to suit all tastes and budgets. Restaurants in this magazine have been tried and tested where possible so this is an honest report from our own experience. If a restaurant does not measure up, it does not get to be in our magazine and for this reason as well as being so comprehensive, we believe this is the best restaurant guide in the area.

There are plenty of restaurants in this section which are holding events for New Year’s Eve. Also, don’t forget to book your favourite restaurant for Valentine’s Day in good time to avoid disappointment.

Altitude Open every day from 5pm serving delicious food and drinks, Altitude is a hidden gem located in La Mairena, on the mountain behind Elviria with amazing views of the Mediterranean and Africa. Set over two floors, Altitude boasts a large sun kissed terrace, spacious lounge bar and a separate restaurant area on the upper floor. Their international drinks range includes Peroni and Pear Kopperburg on draught, a fine selection of wine as well as a variety of freshly made cocktails. These, amongst others, can all be enjoyed for half price during ALTITUDE´S HAPPY HOUR (5pm-7pm daily). Altitude has become renowned for its authentic stone-baked pizzas. The dough is made daily on the premises using the finest Italian ingredients which are imported direct. In addition to pizzas, their international menu includes Altitude’s famous burger range, fresh pasta selection and tasty salads. Other home-made delights include the secret recipe Chilli con Carne, Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry, Pan Fried Sole with Ginger and Chilli and much more. Children and families are welcome with a special children’s menu including half size pizzas. Close up bar magic with the amazing Kian John Paterson on Saturday nights which is absolutely fantastic. Altitude is available for private hire for birthdays, anniversaries, community meetings etc. For more details on upcoming events or to make a reservation please call 952 852 050. Alternatively, follow “ALTITUDE” on Facebook. Altitude’s owners, Nick and Sam, always greet new and returning customers with a warm welcome. Their top notch service ensures you will return time and time again! For NEW YEAR’S EVE the fabulous Quike Navarro, the coast’s no 1 electric violinist will be performing from 8.30 pm. Enjoy his performance plus a fantastic 4-course meal, live music from 11 pm with New Year’s countdown AND Close-up table magic all for only 45 Euros per head. Also, from 9th January, Altitude will be starting their “ALTITUDE SALE” to include 50% off All Steaks, Burgers and Pizzas...Every day until the middle of Feb (the duration of this issue). “The shops are at it and now Altitude are pleased to announce their Winter Sale. Come and take advantage of 50% off our Steak meals (including all the trimmings), 50% off our fantastic stone-baked pizzas (with 20 different combinations to choose from) and 50% off our gourmet burgers. Please see main ad.

Asia Food is located at CC Pinares de Elviria. See map at the back of this magazine for exact location. Asia Food has plenty of space, is tastefully decorated, some tables now having comfortable banquette seats. Asia Food has two outside terraces with seating up to 100 people. Manolo, the Manager, is very attentive and will explain all the dishes to you. Asia Food do an excellent menu del dia weekdays and apart from the delicious food, the other thing I really like about it is that there are four choices each of starters and main courses and these change every week. An example of choices for starters are Prawns Pil Pil, Hot and Sour Soup, Mixed Salad with Chicken or Cantonese Spring Rolls. Choices for main course on this particular menu are Beef with Curry Sauce, Roast Spare Ribs with Salt and Pepper, Chicken with Vegetables and Almonds, Sauteed Lamb with Szechuan Sauce. Main course comes with either rice or noodles and the menu includes dessert or coffee and either a glass of wine, beer or soft drink, all for only 10.95 Euros. I am sure that having tried the menu of the day, you will be tempted to return to try more dishes from the a la carte menu. Asia Food is, as its name suggests, a restaurant specialising in foods from Asia, not just Chinese, but what many people do not already know is that it is fast gaining a reputation for fine quality international food such as prime Argentine Beef Chateaubriand (with pepper sauce, or flambee with Whisky prepared by Manolo at your table), Beef Sirloin with Mushroom and Brandy Sauce or Bernaise Sauce, Beef Stroganoff, Steak Tartar etc. Oriental food includes Tuna and Salmon Sashimi, starters of both Thai and Chinese Soups, Spring Rolls, Dumplings and all the usual favourites. King Prawn Dishes include Kom Bao or Thai Red Curry just to mention a couple, Lobster with Ginger and Spring Onions, Whole Cantonese Duck Carved at your table, Duck with Five Flavours which is one of my particular favourites, Beef with Curry and Coconut Sauce or Crispy Beef with Honey and Chilli, Chicken Green Curry, Chicken with Sweet and Sour Sauce etc. Don’t forget that you can also choose fresh Lobster or Oysters straight from the tank. Asia Food has a selection of fine wines to suit every taste and pocket. There are vegetarian choices and a selection of Rice and Noodle dishes. Asia Food also offers an excellent home-made dessert menu. The Crepes Suzettes and Strawberries Flambee are prepared by Manolo at your table and are absolutely delicious desserts as is the home-made Chocolate Mousse. Asia Food has been established for many years now and has many regular clients from the local area. Asia food also offers a take-away service with a 10% discount except on the menu of the day. Asia Food also offers a full outside catering service. A top quality restaurant with reasonable prices. Asia Food’s outdoor terrace is buzzing in high season, so we recommend you make a reservation for dinner. Asia Food is proud to present the renowned Norwegian Pianist, Olava Bratli, who will be playing live on NEW YEAR’S EVE. A special menu at only 40 euros per head will be available to include Maki and Sushi, Marinated Trout, Slices of Peking Duck, Argentine Solomillo with a sauce of Chanterelle Mushrooms and rice noodles with vegetables plus dessert, special New Year’s Eve cake, 12 lucky grapes and fireworks. A limited alternative from the a la carte menu will be available. Please note that Asia Food will be closed on Tuesdays until the beginning of March. Please see main ad.

Battuta can be found in Jardin Botanico opposite the BP garage 3 doors from Snack Attack in La Cala. Battuta is open every day from 4.30 p.m. Battuta has a large, airy terrace and a fully air-conditioned bar for the warmer months and a cosy and inviting indoor bar for when it is a lit bit cooler. You can while away your evenings with a choice of cocktails or whatever drink you may fancy as Battuta has an impressive selection of alcoholic drinks. We recommend either a pre or post dinner drink or just have some fun with friends, family or locals. Easy parking right outside. Please see main ad.

Bunkers Bar is now under complete new ownership. Adrian & Karen welcome you to Bunkers Bar to enjoy home cooked food, Breakfast and Lunches from 10am, Evening Meals from 7pm with homemade specials available. Situated at the Miraflores Golf Academy, come and see our large, newly refurbished sunny terrace overlooking the Golf Course, now totally weatherproof, and also our lovely decorated Bar area. We show all live sports on 2 large TV screens and have Wi-Fi and internet point available for your emails, face book and boarding cards. Always playing great music to create a friendly family atmosphere. We hold regular popular Quiz Nights on Tuesday at 9.00pm and Bingo and Quiz Nights on Wednesday & Sunday Nights at 9.00pm. Our ever popular Sunday Lunch is back at 6.95 Euros for Main course or 9.95 Euros for 2 courses, always using home roasted meats and fresh vegetables all served with traditional Yorkshire Pudding. Karaoke & Live Music is held on a regular basis and we always have special deals on food & drinks. Why not book our lovely Terrace for your own party or get together, free of charge, we can arrange catering and/or entertainment for you. A weekly Golf Society and League Darts team complete the line up to make this a true locals’ Bar. Tel. 952 93 93 81 / 619 56 16 20. New Years Eve Party, Free Bar, Food, Cava, Party Bags & Music. Tickets 35 Euros only in advance. Please see main ad.

Cake Creations By Bettina As you are all aware, Spanish cakes are a little bit like a blind date – they sound great on the phone...! Now you can have your cake and eat it! Bettina bakes exceedingly good home-made cakes with fresh ingredients made the traditional way from recipes handed down through generations in her family. Perfect for bars, restaurants, birthdays, anniversaries, or just to treat yourself. Carrot Cake, Baked Cheese Cake, Coffee Cake with Amaretto Frosting, Chocolate Fudge Cake plus many other favourites. Bettina also offers a great selection of cakes and cupcakes for your special day or any celebration. All birthday cakes and celebration cakes are unique and made to your specifications with prices to suit everyone. Taste it to believe it. We are often asked where to get a good cake for a birthday etc. – now you have the answer. We have test driven the American Cheese Cake and the Carrot Cake and they are yummy!! See her Facebook page to give you some idea of what she is capable. Don’t forget to order heart shaped cakes for Valentine’s Day. Please see main ad.

Cravings is now established in their new and bigger front-line premises near Barclays Bank in Nueva Andalucia so you can enjoy Cravings most delicious deli and Greek food in spacious comfort or on their large terrace. On the menu Hot Salt Beef (the picture in the ad was taken at Cravings on a recent visit) either with Latkes or in a sandwich (great flavour and generous portion), New Green Cucumber, Various Salads including Coleslaw, Fish Balls (THE BEST), Chicken Soup, Chopped Liver etc. If available, do have a plateful of the delicious Bean and Barley Soup. Cravings also offer a Greek menu to include Kleftico, Houmous, Taramasalata, Mousaka, Salads. For dessert try either the Cheese Cakes, the renowned Apple Strudel or Lockshen Pudding. To take the pain out of entertaining at home, Cravings specialize in take away. Cravings is really worth a visit. You will be pleased to know that Cravings is now open daytimes including Sundays when roast dinner is also on the menu. NEW at Cravings, three course Greek menu of the day for only 10 euros. There is something for all tastes at Cravings. Please see main ad.

Indian Ocean Henry and the staff at Indian Ocean made us extremely welcome from the offset. Henry has a great sense of humour, is mild mannered and I notice how his customers greet him fondly – a good sign as he has regulars. Firstly I must comment on how reasonable the price is, particularly in relationship to the quality of the food served. Too many local Indian restaurants are not at all shy in charging an enormous amount for quite a mediocre meal. Indian Ocean is at Playa Marina and is tastefully decorated. Papadoms were very fresh. I was delighted to see Prawn Puri on the menu and this and the Chicken Tikka for starters went down very well. The other half went for the Bhuna which he thoroughly enjoyed. I decided to go for one of the many specials on the menu, Galina Cafreal, a very tasty Goan curry cooked with toasted coconut, green chillies, ginger, tomato and fresh coriander which was superb. Whilst I really enjoy the traditional Indian favourites, it is nice to see such a good selection of different dishes if you would like a change. Indian Ocean also does it hot if you like to add a bit of spice to your life. Indian Ocean does a free home delivery service in the local area, so if you fancy a night in with a curry, you can have something really tasty delivered to your door. This now arrives punctually with a happy delivery man. I would still advise that you make sure your address and directions are clear and that you leave your phone number. We continue to enjoy our meals from Indian Ocean. Delivery is always with a smile. Indian Ocean is Key recommended. Enjoy al fresco dining during the warmer months. Please see main ad.

Japanese Restaurant Ginza can be found in Jardin Botanico, La Cala. Japanese Restaurant Ginza has been decorated to a high standard and offers a wide range of authentic Japanese food to include Sushi and Sashimi plus much more in its sophisticated surrounds. The highlight of eating at Ginza is the Teppanyaki show where exotic food using the best quality ingredients is masterfully prepared on a hot steel plate right in the middle of the table and the chef will show you the unforgettable cooking display called “Teppanyaki”. Pepper pots etc are expertly thrown in the air and you must watch the trick with the eggs. Try to catch a bit of the omelette in your mouth when cooked! This is great fun to experience for something a bit different or particularly if there are a few of you. Try one of the specially selected Teppanyaki menus which are great value for money. Ginza is open from 12.00 to 24.00. Places around the Teppanyaki spectacle are limited, so it is advisable to book. A video can be seen on www.keytomijascosta.com/videos/ginza/. Please see main ad.

La Despensa has been established in the picturesque port of Cabopino since 1980, a truly well-established Italian restaurant overlooking the boats. Over the last few months we have got to know owners Vincente and Dominque quite well – and the food at La Despensa even better! Chef’s suggestion of Entrecote on the Stone is now tried and tested, absolutely delicious and highly recommend. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Veal Milanese, nice and thin with plenty of flavour. On the menu you can for example choose The Pope’s Linguine which comprises Linguine Pasta, Mushrooms, Fresh Spinach and White Truffle Oil. Soups include Lobster Bisque plus there is a very good selection of salads and other starters. Pizzas include a Gourmet option, the Pepelu, consisting of Cream, Mozzarella, Salmon, King Prawn and Caviar. On the Pasta menu are several that would be suitable for vegetarians plus Tagliatelle Mamamia which is fresh homemade pasta with beef, garlic and chillies as hot as you like! I note that Spaghetti alla Vongole is on the menu, one of my particular favourites. Owners, Vincente and Dominique, boast the best Steaks, and apart from the chef’s suggestion of the Entrecote on the Stone mentioned above, there is both Entrecote and Fillet on the menu and Oxtail Stew Ronda Style – which I opted for from the Halloween menu and is now also a firm favourite. We would like to thank Vincent and Dominique for their kind hospitality at the Halloweeen Evening. For those of you who prefer fish, there is again plenty to choose from including Mussels Marinera Style and Grilled King Prawns with Salad and Avocado. Another specialty of La Despensa is the wonderful Pancake menu so make sure you save some room perhaps for the Crepe La Despensa which is with Strawberries, Cream, Grand Marnier and Almonds (this one had done the test drive and DEFINITELY got the thumbs up – lovely and light, full of flavour and plenty of it)! There is also a good selection of cold desserts, Melba Cup and Homemade Cake, Apple Pie and “Sacher” Chocolate Cake to name but a few. Great location, friendly, helpful staff, best steaks and pancakes to die for! Don’t forget you can still make your New Year bookings by using the number shown in the advertisement or alternative please visit their new showcase website, www.restaurante-ladespensa.com. La Despensa is now taking bookings for Valentine’s Day. We are loving La Despensa. Please see main ads.

L’Oriental next to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Benamara for the finest Lebanese food on the coast. Meze unbeatable with many dishes to include humus, kibbe, stuffed vine leaves, tabouleh, falafel, arayes, Lebanese style sausages and many, many more, all delicious and really fresh and this is just for starters. We can’t normally manage anything else but if you still have room, please try Kharouf Mashwi, which is lamb with rice, almonds and pine nuts, simply delicious! There are many dishes suitable for vegetarians. To finish off we always enjoy Baklawa washed down with a nice pot of mint tea. The food is always consistently fresh. Beautiful décor, lovely extensive outdoor terrace with fountain in the summer months. Pop in, you will not be disappointed. Well worth the drive. Belly dancing at weekends. Please ring for details. We love it! Ideal if there is a big group of you and it is a vegetarian’s paradise! Key Recommended. Please see main ad.

Miraflores Golf Club Restaurant forming part of the Miraflores Golf Club, is beautifully located in a lush environment with spectacular scenery, just a short drive from the N-340 at Riviera del Sol into the hills behind Mijas Costa. The views from the Spikes Bar Terrace and the first-floor Restaurant are stunning. The facilities are open 365 days a year for golfers and visitors. Breakfast and Light Snacks are served at the Spikes Bar & outdoor terrace from 08:00 (9.00 on Sunday) until late. The Restaurant on the first floor opens at 13:00 for the 3-Course Menu del Dia or a choice from the extensive a la carte menu. The Sunday Carvery is available from 13.00 until 16.30. From 19:00 the Restaurant is open for dinner, with delicious specialities from the a la carte menu, or for a gastronomic feast, try the Gourmet Menu. There is live music for dancing on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays. The Miraflores Golf Restaurant offers excellent food, served by friendly staff in a lively atmosphere and the experience is sure to make visitors pleased to return. Although Miraflores Golf is a members’ club, visitors are most welcome and local residents are encouraged to become Social Members, which entitles them to a 10% discount on food and beverages. Information or application forms are available from the Club. Reservations are recommended so call 952 931 941 or 952 932 545. Please see main ad.

Mumtaz is an Indian restaurant in Fuengirola opposite the entrance to the Hotel Angela and has been on the Coast now for over 25 years. Ash, the owner, is always on hand to explain the preparation of all the dishes. He never writes down any order and has not got it wrong yet even when we have had a party of 20! No gimmicks here, just excellent food. Ash is from London and we would say Mumtaz serves the nearest thing to what we would call an “Essex Curry”. The standard has always been maintained since we were first introduced to Mumtaz twelve years ago. Ash explains his secret which is due to the extra time and expense that is taken to ensure that he only buys the best quality cuts of meat available which is reflected particularly in all the lamb dishes, which are as tender as butter. Also recommended are Tikkas, Kormas, Chicken Tikka Masala and Prawn Dansak. For me, Mumtaz nan breads are the best on the coast. This is a simple restaurant, no frills and reasonable prices. Please mention to Ash that you come on recommendation from the Key to Mijas Costa. Please see main ad.

Our Bar opened in 2010 and is a really nice friendly place. They have regular events throughout the month and you can find out what is going on from their Facebook page which is well worth a visit. They cater for private parties and are open for lunch and dinner with afternoon snacks. Our Bar has excellent deals on drinks and food and a fabulous Sunday Lunch, daily specials, Karaoke etc. Global Radio broadcasts sport live on Saturdays. They have two comfortable terraces for smokers and several plasma screens where they show some sporting events daily. Local businesses can advertise on their screens. For more information don’t hesitate to give them a ring or pop in. Our Bar will be open all over the festive season and bookings are now being taken for New Year’s Eve, 4 course dinner with Live Entertainment at only 39.99 Euros per head. Party time will continue on New Year’s Day with live entertainment from Monkey Tennis. Now taking bookings for Valentine’s Day. See Facebook for details. Please see main ad.

Peppers top floor El Zoco has been well known for many years and has recently been taken over by Big Dave and the family. Big Dave is a real friendly face and is well known amongst the boxing fraternity especially due to fighting the famous Lenny McLean, so the bar is boxing orientated and pay per view boxing is always shown as well as other sports on the plasma screens. Dave and the family are hearty eaters so you will always get a generous portion at Peppers. Lunch, dinner and snacks are always available and late at night too if Dave is still there. His Kebabs are excellent and he also serves Pie, Mash and Liquor - pies are home-made. Nice, friendly Londoners. Families are welcome. Peppers is now taking bookings for New year’s Eve Live Music and Karaoke. Everyone welcome. Please see main ad.

Restaurante Asiatico Bangkok Now in its 11th year. Restaurante Asiatico Bangkok is located at the next exit after the Casino and H10 hotel which is a cambio de sentido. This leads up to Nueva Andalucia and you will find Restaurante Asiatico Bangkok on the next roundabout on your right. Their fabulous chef creates superb Chinese food, and also specialises in Thai food. The menu has numerous Chinese and Thai delicacies with an excellent list of starters, main courses using prawns, pork, chicken, beef, duck etc. Fresh produce is bought daily as well as using authentic Chinese and Thai spices. For the winter period Restaurante Asiatico Bangkok once again offers its two excellent value for money deals. The first is for just 19.95 Euros per head and this enables you to choose virtually any of the dishes from the a la carte menu so that you can mix and match Thai and Chinese, which makes an absolute eating extravaganza. This is not to be confused with your average buffet as each dish is of the highest a la carte standard and is individually cooked to order and the portions are large to say the least! For only another five Euros at 24.95 Euros a head you can elect to have the special menu together with unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, water, coffee and tea. Please note that the special menu deals will only be available for a limited period so please check first. Hurry, so that you don’t miss this! We recommend for starters maybe one of the many soups either Thai or Chinese – Won Ton is excellent as is the Thai Chicken and Coconut. Other starters such as the chopped chicken with Thai dressing wrapped in lettuce leaf is one that you will order again and again, or there is a good choice of ribs, spring rolls and other favourite Chinese starters, or maybe try the best Thai Fish Cakes we have had since we were last in Thailand. Please check out their starters and enjoy. For main course we recommend Salt and Pepper Squid (now our favourite dish), any of the Duck Dishes (especially the Masaman if you like it spicy), Red and Green Curries, Chicken and Cashew Nuts and many of your other favourite Thai and Chinese delicacies. Sarah, the owner, is always on hand in the evenings and along with her staff, they are all very helpful and courteous, speak perfect English and Dutch and are on hand to explain the fragrant dishes if you so wish. This is without doubt the best quality and service on the coast for both Thai and Chinese cuisine. A true eating experience. We can’t recommend Restaurante Asiatico Bankok enough. Five star food. The restaurant itself has a lovely atmosphere with oriental décor throughout, has a large seating capacity, is fully air-conditioned and has an enormous covered terrace for those warmer nights. Booking is recommended to be on the safe side so call to reserve a table. The restaurant is open from 13.00 – 16.00 and 18.30 – 24.00. All parties are catered for. Please do not hesitate to tell Sarah that you saw Bangkok in the Key. You will be well looked after. Please see main ad.

Snack Attack is in Jardin Botanico, La Cala. Along with their selection of breakfast combinations, sandwiches and baguettes with a variety of fillings (changes daily), main meals, daily specials and Super Saver Meals, you may be interested to know that there are many healthy eating options available at Snack Attack. An assortment of different salads, brown bread, jacket potatoes, an extensive choice of fruit juices, freshly squeezed orange juice and numerous flavoured teas, smoothies and health drinks, they are more than happy to accommodate you with your healthy eating option. Suggestions are poached or scrambled eggs instead of fried, jacket potato with tuna to name a small selection. Please do not hesitate to ask a member of staff to help you eat more healthily. Some of you that know us will know that we are taking advantage of these healthier options and recommend them and the service at Snack Attack, which is second to none. Super Saver Meal and a drink, 5 Euros only, changes daily. We also enjoy the specials – there is a very large selection and this changes daily, including the sandwich fillings. Everything is available as take away for days out. Why not take a baguette of your choice to the airport? Snack Attack is now open weekdays from 7.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. weekdays. Saturday’s opening hours are 7.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. and Sundays from 9.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. for breakfast and of course their wonderful Sunday Roast, two courses only 10 Euros. Snack Attack now had full cyber-café facilities including 4 stations of high-speed internet, faxes, photocopying and all phone top-ups. If you would like to advertise on the screens at Snack Attack, please ask a member of staff. Snack Attack has once again introduced winter warmers for the cooler months with comfort foods such as Soups, Roasts and Casseroles with Dumplings on the Menu which changes daily. Key Recommended. Please see main ad.

Streets of London can be found at Los Claveles opposite La Cala. We asked Nick the secret of the continued success of Streets and he told us Streets is as good as it always was and serves typical London Pub Grub. Streets of London is open all day, every day from 12 until 12 for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a credit-crunch busting lunch at great value of only 5 Euros (changes daily)! Wednesday Nights we are loving Curry Night. Indian Starters include crispy Papadoms with home-made salads, chutney and relish, Tandoori Chicken, best ever Onion Bhajis and Sheik Kebab. There are four choices of curry for main course plus vegetarian and a selection of rice and naan bread. This is a buffet so you can help yourself to as much as you want and all this for just 10 euros per person!!! NEW menu and Salad Bar. We love the Sunday Roast. We had the whole three courses which were very reasonably priced, cooked to perfection and there was plenty of it. Service was also very attentive. Main course includes a choice of five meats plus every trimming at only 9.50 per head. Steak night on Fridays is also tried and tested and comprises succulent Sirloin Steak plus all the extras and a glass of wine or beer for only 10 Euros. New to Streets, Saturday Night is now Pie Night Buffet to include several different home-made pies including Pie, Mash & Liquor plus selection of fresh vegetables all for only 10 Euros including 1 drink. Tried four pies so far and they definitely come highly recommended! There is an attractive beer garden, pool table and Kid’s Play area with Bouncy Castle and now a separate terrace and restaurant for families. The restaurant itself faces the ocean and is fully air-conditioned. Food and service are as you would expect from a restaurant with several years experience under its belt. An ideal place for kids, kid’s parties and indeed any type of function. Great value for money. Nick is so full of ideas and enthusiasm. He is always looking for different ways to entertain his customers, whether they are kids, families or sports enthusiasts. Nick strives for quality at affordable prices, but most of all – fun. Please see main ad.

The Boat House Fish & Chip Restaurant and Take-Away is in El Zoco, Calahonda and is open from Monday to Saturday 6.00 to10.30 for the best fish and chips on the coast. Large portions, peas, pies and a slice. Skate now available. As well as being the best chippie in the area, The Boat House now has on the menu suet puddings, Steak and Kidney, Chicken and Leek and also Roast Chicken. Vegetarian options include Brie Wedges, Spinach and Ricotta Cannelloni and Lasagne. A large selection of yummy desserts are also available. Eat al fresco by the fountain in the square, weather permitting, or in the large air-conditioned/heated restaurant. Take-away service available. Friendly atmosphere. Key recommended. Please see main ad.

The Garden Bar This little gem can be found at Rocas del Mar, the first turn off after Riviera del Sol in the direction of Fuengirola. Please see map at the back of this magazine. The Garden Bar is so named as the outdoor area is a lovely garden, beachside. It is quite a unique location which also makes it a lovely venue for weddings. The menu is served every day from 10 am. Breakfast is served all day and a regular breakfast is only 4.50 Euros. Toasties are also available, all served with a fresh salad. For a main meal starters include Deep Fried Crab Claws and Corn on the Cob. There is a selection of four soups all of which are vegetarian, plenty of salads to choose from as well as Fish, Steaks, Burgers, Omelettes, Pasta and Rice dishes and plenty on the kids menu as well. During the warmer months The Garden Bar does it best with gourmet BBQ’s and live entertainment in a stunning setting. Sunday lunch is very popular indeed and again is enjoyed in the garden. Please ask staff for forthcoming events or check us out on Facebook. As events get full up pretty quickly, it is advisable to book in advance. A stunning location with good food and service and superb entertainment. We know it is a place you will enjoy. The Garden Bar is now offering a bargain 2 meals for just 10 Euros lunch time and evening meals for 20 Euros including bottle of wine (except Sundays). The bar has been recently repainted, inside and out, and the gardens are having a major transformation. Unlike ALL other beach bars/restaurants, in this area, The Garden Bar remains open through the winter months but is closed on Tuesdays. Please see main ad.

Venta El Jinete is situated on the La Cala Golf road just 4.5 kms from La Cala. The summer has now faded and Karen and Roque would like to thank all their guests for their supportduring the year!! With winter now upon us we have Christmas and New Year to look forward to. The cosy inside restaurant is ideal for that lunch or dinner on those winter days. The terrace is of course open to enjoy on the warm days! They have special Christmas and New Year menus. The Christmas Day menu is priced at 39 euros for a five course menu with cocktails on arrival. The New Year’s Eve menu offers fantastic value at 69 euros that includes cocktails on arrival followed by a menu prepared by Roque including scallop salad or spicy green pea soup with goat’s cheese. A sorbet is then served before the main course consisting of a Gourmet Filet Steak with Sesame Crust or Sole Veronique. The meal is rounded off by chocolate fondant, coffee or tea and to celebrate the New Year champagne and grapes !! Live music to entertain you during the evening. For our special evenings booking is essential!! Please phone 952 119 170 or 636 165 438. For 2012 we will be open for lunch and dinner every day except Friday. Our set meal is 17 euros with an extensive a la carte option. Our music nights are Thursday with a jazz group and Saturday with a fantastic singer, Rocio. The music night menu is priced at 22 euros. We look forward to welcoming old and new guests in the New Year.

RESTAURANT REVIEWS

SMILE BAR can be found at the Castle end of the Paseo in Fuengirola and is open for an adult-themed routine from Bunny and his guests. Bunny has recently returned from Australia but many of you will have known him when he had his own club in the Benalmadena area and will know what a great night’s entertainment this is. Please see main ad for times etc. Bunny’s guests vary so Smile Bar is a place you will want to go back to time and again. The evening is compered by Colin Campbell. Drinks are at normal prices. You will have great fun if you go in a group! We recommend that you eat first at Suave to guarantee your seating on the night. So come on folks, get down there and go to the Smile Bar and come out smiling. This venue is part of the Suave group. See main ad, website and Facebook. Don’t forget that both Suave and Smile can be hired out for private parties and functions. Suave is open all day every day and the food is excellent. Booking to see Bunny at Smile bar or to eat at Suave is recommended to avoid disappointment. We went to the opening night of Bunny at Smile – what a scream! Key recommended.

WOK COSTA DEL SOL can be found at Urb La Noria behind the market in La Cala and is open every day for lunch and dinner and has now become a favourite eating haunt. You can eat either inside which is air conditioned or on the impressive terrace, weather permitting. Wok Costa Del Sol offers unlimited Asian Buffet, Teppanyaki, Wok, Sushi, Seafood and Chinese dishes with ready made starters and shellfish dishes as well as traditional Chinese dishes. For main course just select what you would like from the fresh meat, fish and vegetable areas and take it to the wok or grill area for the chefs to cook to your liking and with a sauce of your choice. Lobster and Crab are also available at the weekend. These have been tried and tested and are really delicious. There is also a good selection of meats etc to put on the BBQ so look out for that as it may be outside. The staff are very friendly and helpful, food is fresh and of good quality with a nice variety of what is on offer. We loved the dessert table, which offered fruit, crème caramel, tiramisu, profiteroles and a large selection of ice cream including a lovely digestive lemon sorbet. Included in the dessert area for kids was not just a great selection of ice cream but bowls of sweets which included marshmallows and jelly sweets.

RETRO EATERIE AND BAR It is with pleasure that we welcome Dave and Jayne Baldwin (formerly of Playa Miraflores) back into the magazine. They are an extremely hard working and dedicated couple and after having insurmountable problems at their last venue, have now bravely moved on to open Retro Eaterie and Bar in La Cala. This can be found on the left hand side of the road behind the petrol station in the direction of the post office. Renowned Chef, Nigel Mellors, also joins the team, so you know that the quality of the food will be up to scratch as sampled by us on opening night. As the name suggests, style of the venue is retro which is fast becoming all the rage, with banquette seating at some tables and décor which will bring back some memories! We have been “guided” over the years into all sorts of weird concoctions as far as food is concerned but I know there are many of us who still also long for the comfort food of an era gone by. To whet your appetite here is but a small selection from the menu. For starters why not try Egg Mayonnaise, Corn on the Cob or Coquille St Jacques. Salad selections include Waldorf and Nicoise. For main course you will find the like of Chicken Maryland, Beef Bourginon and Beef Wellington and fish dishes such as Rainbow Trout and Toasted Almonds or Dover Sole Meunier. On Sundays you can look forward to Spit Roast Carvery for only 11.50 Euros including soup and Thursdays is Notalgia night with a 3 course Retro meal and Movie for only 18 Euros. Retro are still taking bookings for Xmas Lunch, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. For their determination, moving forward no matter what is thrown at them and a willingness to try out new and innovative ideas as well as the superb cooking of Nigel Mellors, we are proud to vote Retro Eaterie and Bar restaurant of issue 80.