Restaurant Reviews - Customer Comments

It's apt that this idyllic restaurant is named after Spanish writer Alberti's poem of the same name. Cradled in the fishing village of Villaricos at the foot of the Sierra Almagrera, its surroundings are punctuated by sand and pebble beaches, a picturesque promenade and tropical-style gardens. There are several indoor and outdoor dining areas, including covered terraces and a glazed gallery.

From a menu studded with simply prepared seafood and barbecue dishes, start with tapas and raciones (bigger plates), then move on to the signature soupy rice with lobster, or local speciality griddled John Dory with fried head and tail. El Mar La Mar feels not so much a restaurant, as a way of life.

Ryanair Magazine - Taste Test Restaurant Review August 2008

On the road from Garrucha to Águilas, just before the right hand turn into Villaricos, you will find restaurante “El Mar La Mar” on the left hand side of the road. The restaurant is English owned and has a fairly large menu which includes Spanish dishes. There is a large terrace area where most people tend to eat during the summer months and if you pop your head round the trees, you will have a nice sea view. If you choose not to eat outside there is also a large indoor dining area and bar. My partner and I have eaten here on many occasions and have never been disappointed with either the service, the food or the price. We made our last visit a couple of weeks ago with our friends and their two children.

On our arrival we were shown to our table outside and were immediately given the menus and offered drinks, which when they came, were accompanied by two plates of bread and a very nice alioli dip. The menu has a fairly good choice of starters which include scallops a la Gallega (scallops with spinach and a sauce) priced at €9, cazuela El Mar La Mar at €8, pimientos (peppers) stuffed with cheese at €4.50 and an assortment of salads. We eventually made up our minds and went ahead with ordering. I decided to have the melon with ham priced at €6, my friend chose the pimientos with cheese at €4.50 and the two men both chose the Pate de la casa at €4.50 each. For a change, we decided not to have the house wine and to select from the wine list. We chose a rose Gran Feudo priced at €9 and a white Marqués de Riscal at €12. Both bottles were really nice wines and came at a perfect temperature.

Main courses are very varied and offer a good selection of meat, fish and also rice dishes including paella, pre ordering advisable but not essential. There is also an alternative menu called El Mar La Mar where you can find pizza, pasta, bbq ribs…. and it can be ideal if you have children with you.

For the main course my friend and her husband both chose the duck breast with a seville orange sauce for €18 each. My partner and I ordered a Parillada de pescado which is a platter of mixed fish and seafood and has to be ordered for a minimum of two people and its priced at €21 per person. The children both chose a margarita pizza at €4.50. The main courses arrived and the parillada was fantastic with four whole fish and a mound of mussels, prawns, calamares and clams. Our friends were equally impressed with the duck breast which was served with fresh vegetables and new potatoes. The pizzas also went down very well with the children. On previous visits, my partner and I have had the shoulder of lamb, which is for two people, and is served on a platter of fresh vegetables with the lamb sitting on top. It is superb and at €25 for two people is excellent value for money.

The desert menu is substantial and includes things such as tiramisu, knickerbockers glory and several Spanish dishes. We finished the meal with a shared plate of cheese, one desert and four coffees. El Mar La Mar is a very clean, tidy restaurant (spotless loos) and well worth a visit.

89.8 Magazine Review

Just a quick note to say thanks again for Mum's party. The food was fantastic !!
See you soon.

Regards
Sara-Jane

Chef Richard Shepherd

We were just considering going to your place, to dine. I guess if we leave now, could make it in about 38 hours. Miss your good company, sharp satirical wit and great food and drink. Thanks for taking the time to converse with us and prepare meals, that are still remembered,because we truly enjoyed them and the chef. I have some great recipes I would like to send to you. If this email works I will follow up with the recipes.

Is this EL MAR LA MAR/CUATRO BOMBAS? Richard, will be back soon, 2008 after las fallas in valencia, and will make if a point to live to dine at your place. Have any snails that glow, in garlic??

Jose and Mike Cervantes
Honolulu Hawaii

As always not only does your restaurant meet all our needs with great service and food and a team that can not be more abliging. Your continued investment has surely made El Mar La Mar the nicest restaurant to eat in and a must visit location always on top of our list. Fondest regards to you and the whole team.

Louisa Duggie

Hi Richard Regarding the write up of your restaurant,its in the advertiser early november .Not under restaurant review but on page 24. Thanks for a great meal tonight we had a nice time. See you when we are back in spain.

byeeee Bridget

Delicious food with a very good “vino de la casa”! Nice location with good parking facility and a very neat bathroom! And last but not least good staff and a friendly host; Ricardo Pastor.

Ericlovesmarny

Great staff! Great food! Best place to eat in Villaricos.

Imc