Gastro Restaurante Benisty

by Morris Bishop
(San Pedro de Alcantara)

Open for barely 2 months, Benisty is the new kid on the block. I say kid, because this is the third generation of the Benisty family to enter into the ‘fine dining’ profession.

Vanessa and David are the offspring’s of Simon, from the renowned restaurant run by brothers, Albert & Simon, whose father was the patron of La Soufflé In Estapona many years ago.

With such a pedigree, our expectations were very high. David, who studied to become a sommelier, is the Maitre'd, and Vanessa is the chef de cuisine; together with their young staff and an innovative menu they plan to make their mark in this very demanding occupation.

A beautifully conceived room seating about 80 with a further 30 covers for al fresco dining. One can sense Simon’s influence in the comfort and attractiveness of all the furnishings, table settings, and lighting, that are all to a high standard, complemented with a walk in, climate controlled, glass wine store at one end, and a folding glass wall at the other.

There were so many dishes on offer, that all four of us wanted to try, that selection was difficult. For starters we chose Crispy Prawns with a sweet chilly dip, and Tataki Scallops with roasted cherry tomatoes and mango. Then mains of Sea Bass, Turbot, and an Entrecote Beef Steak with trimmings served on a piping hot slate slab.

In both presentation and taste, the whole meal was faultless. Some small hiccups in service by the new, trainee staff, didn’t diminish our enjoyment. I found the room quite noisy, mainly because of two groups of people, whose conversation I could discern, at the cost of not understanding the other diners at our table! But no way would this put any of us off from returning to work our way through the rest of the interesting menu, and that, dear reader, says it all.

The vital Stats:

Benisty can be found in Ave del Mediterraneo local 7, about 50 mt. south of the central round about in San Pedro de Alcantara Reservations on 951899938

Average 3 course meal with wine 43$
Street parking, or in the underground car park in Avnda. Marques del Duero (the other side of the round about)

Their day of rest is Wednesday. For those of us with allergies, the menu contains ingredient codes that indicate what is in each plate.

Bishlin Guide marks out of 5:
Ambience: 4.5
Food: 5
Service: 4
Menu 4.5
Value 4.5
O/A: 4.5

DATE: October 2015


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