A RESTAURANT CLAIMING TO BE RATED NO1.

FOR MARBELLA ROASTS?

THOUGHT WE’D INVESTIGATE….!

Built in 1985, Aloha Pueblo is a lovely urbanisation a few minutes to the north of Puerto Banus designed in the style of a classic Spanish Andalusian town. It's charming and colourful, featuring buildings, archways, water fountains and cobbled streets that really give it quite a magical feel and a wonderful setting to enjoy a social eating moment.

Within the community of apartments and town houses you will discover some hidden gems frequented by residents and “those in the know” such as, bars, restaurants, as well as a bank and a beauty salon, Well, in fact, there is no longer a bank as the old BBVA bank is now a welcoming, stylish restaurant featuring a vault acting as a wine safe, and a cash machine, so it still is, sort of, a Bank… just this one, El Banco, serves food, drink and hospitality in addition to bank notes.

El Banco, positioned on a prominent corner, boasts two terraces with sea views. As you enter, you discover a unique style of industrial bank, dressed with greenery, and decorated in a fresh, modern, yet vintage look which recalls the hallmarks of the old bank but giving it a welcoming, comfortable and cosy feel. Hospitality is provided in abundance with enthusiastic, energetic and efficient service, a big smile, a big hello and a big welcome really goes a long way and you just know you’re going to enjoy the experience from the get go.

The menu represents the best of both worlds offering a contemporary Tapas menu, although it should really be rationes due to the generous portion sizes, and also some international classics from steaks to fish and chips to roasts. Matched with a well stocked back bar and a solid selection of wines matching the dishes, on first impressions, it’s all quite well rounded and considered.

As it was a Sunday, my dining partner and I opted for a combination of a Tapas and a Roast. Pil Pil is a good test of any restaurant, as they do tend to vary in texture, flavour and spice, so we selected a Prawn Pil Pil to share, and I was drawn to the profound claims of the Argentinian Roast Beef (I’ll come back to that) whilst my comrade opted for the roasted chicken.

Music played unobtrusively, the drink order of a Hendricks Tonic, was served and properly dressed together with my choice of a cold beer. Our food order was taken, and our conversation flowed, even though the TV was showing sport, it didn’t ruin the atmosphere or the ambience.

Opting for a glass of house red to accompany our meal, which was smooth and not heavy, the Pil Pil arrived, sizzling, with some delicious bread. We dunked. The Pil Pil was perfect for two people with varying taste buds for spice… I like it very spicy, my sharer not so much… it balanced so we were both happy, so I guess it’s perfect for flavour over chilli. The prawns were just right, not bullets of rubber as you find so many times.. So a great start…

The roasts arrived brimming on the plates, and accompanied by a surprise extra jug of gravy, Everything was cooked to perfection, beef, soft, plentiful and pink, the chicken succulent, crispy skin and a lot of it, crispy yet fluffy roast potatoes, roasted parsnips was a fave and the Yorkies & cauliflower cheese on the side were perfect too!

I also opted to add a side of mash… and I was delighted it was real, fluffy and seasoned correctly. The only disappointment was that when I finished the plate, I felt moorish!

Booking is recommended, and I can see why, it was busy with a great mix of couples, families and small tables of friends, and it was dog friendly. We shall return again and again. We would give El Banco a HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.