EL BANCO

Set in the picturesque Aloha Pueblo with panoramic views of Marbella, El Banco serves some of the finest, freshly prepared dishes with international influences and a fusion style. El Banco ́s head chef Sergio is inspired by his Argentinian roots and is passionate about great quality produce which ensures every dish at El Banco is packed full of flavour. As well as all the usual international dishes you would expect to see on the menu, El Banco serves Ceviche and various Peruvian delicacies, fresh local fish and meat dishes cooked to perfection and homemade pudding and cakes. On sampling the menu, we were inundated by choice, deciding on just a handful of dishes was a tough order as everything sounded so appetising. On recommendation of the waiter we went for the traditional Ceviche dish which contained white fish, prawns, octopus, red onion, corn, sweet potato and fried banana. The flavour of the seafood was enhanced by the tanginess of the lime and a little kick from the chillies made it extra special. Next up was a bright, colourful and intense Asian inspired starter dish of Tuna Tartare with soy sauce and wasabi. The dish was deliciously offset with an avocado base served with wheat bread and a sprinkling of black sesame seeds. Also on offer for starters are more traditional Spanish options of Prawns Pil-Pil, Iberian ham with toast and gratedtomato and Gazpacho soup. There is also a great selection of salads and homemade pastas for those feeling less adventurous on the spice and seafood side. Moving onto the mains, we opted for the Rossini Beef Fillet with mushrooms, potato gratin and Pedro Ximenez Sauce. The beef was cooked medium rare as requested to perfection and was succulent and melt in the mouth. The sauce too was delicious. Pedro Ximenez Sauce is made from a local Andalucian grape, it is a sweet wine or sherry that goes fantastically well with beef or pork meat dishes. The Grilled Seabass served with sautéed vegetables, garlic oil and chillis was totally on point. Pan-fried lightly and slowly you could taste the spice and garlic perfectly throughout the well-sized fillet. The wine is also fantastic and not overpriced at El Banco. As the majority of our dishes were on the seafood, lighter scale a dry crisp Sauvignon was recommended. Served ice-cold (please other restaurants in Spain – do this – there ́s nothing worse than room temperature or worse still warm wine!) it perfectly suited our meal choices and wallets. When the dessert menu came we had to opt for a Lemon Pie to share after filling up too much on the first two courses! It was light, zingy and actually not too filling. All the desserts, including the Brownie, Crème Brulee and Tiramisu, are homemade which is a great testament to the chef. After dessert we were lucky enough to catch up with Laura De Luca the charismatic owner of El Banco. Having known her for a few years now I can honestly she is one of the nicest people I ́ve met here in Spain. She is always smiling and talking to the guests and makes them feel completely at ease. Her husband Gustavo also happens to own the famous La Red on the Paseo Maritimo in Central Marbella and is also a true gent! You can tell the couple, who have three children together, relish the restaurant businesses they have built up and run and that ́s another reason why you have to go….as well as phenomenal food, atmosphere and scenery you know you will be totally relaxed and totally enjoy your evening surrounded by the friendly locals and ever-attentive staff. El Banco are also known for themed nights such as Thursday ́s Tango Classes and regular guest singers and DJ ́s –check Marbella Rocks monthly calendars for full details.