Restaurant Albert and Simon

by Morris Bishop
(San Pedro de Alcantara)

A MENU OF THE DAY AT ALBERT & SIMON’S!!

We were lunching at El Rincon de La Sala one Sunday, where, by chance, who should be there but Albert Benesty, chef ‘extraordinaire’ of restaurant Albert and Simon. Whilst we were catching up on old times, he mentioned that they have just started serving a fixed price 3 course lunch menu for under 28€, and I said that we would come along and try it.

I first wrote a review about their original restaurant in Nueva Atalay back in July 1994 when I was writing for the Sunday Sun. Before then Albert was chef in his fathers restaurant Le Soufflé in Estapona, where he was awarded one of the first Michelin stars on the Costa de Sol. Since then, their establishment has been recognized as amongst the best eateries in Andalucía

Albert describes his style of cuisine as ‘French creative’, I would add that he now combines this with the most innovative of modern techniques to produce dishes that are not only delicious, but in their presentation, are tantamount to being a work of art If you think that my waxing is OTT – go along and try, then tell me that I’m wrong!

We were a party of four, one of which was vegetarian, and although there wasn’t a veggie dish on the menu, Simon, the Maître’d, soon concocted a dish on paper that filled the bill. The carnivorous’ three others ordered for starters Aubergine & Cod Mille Follies, Goats cheese with Quince and nuts, and Black pudding toast with Pears & Rocket, and to follow, Monkfish with wild mushrooms, Hake fillet in a green curry sauce, and Lamb with raisons & nuts. All sounding to be simple plates of food, but the accompaniments and sauces raise them to Haut Cuisine’
on a budget.

Their A’la carte menu is no less deceptively simple in its description of some 15 starters, 10 meat, 8 fish mains and lots of desserts, including one of Albert’s specialties, Soufflés. Besides this they offer a 55€ tasting menu, providing everybody at the table participates. The wine cellar here is unsurpassed, but includes many reasonable priced wines.

The V/Stats for Albert & Simon

They open for lunch and dinner Monday to Saturday, and are in the Mirador building in Avnda. Salamanca, Urb. Nueva Alcantara, San Pedro de Alcatara, Marbella, 29670

Parking on the wasteland above the tunnel opposite the restaurant. Reservations on 952783714 or email albert@albertysimon.com

Their website is www.albertysimon.com Average A’La Carte 3 course with the house wine 60€

Bishlin marks out 5

ambience 5
food 5
menu 5
service 5
value 5 O/A 5

Bottom line – we will return

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Check out Morris' other reviews:


MARBELLA

Ta-Kumi Marbella center

La Sala Nueva Andalucia Marbella

La Navilla Marbella

Wok San Pedro

Resturant Nueva Campana Marbella/La Campana

El Medioevo San Pedro


OUTSIDE MARBELLA

Peggotty's fish and chips Estepona/El Pilar

Arroyo Hondo Casares

Thapa Thai Estepona port

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What makes a restaurant's good 'Bottom Line'