Southern Spain still promises balmy evenings for dining under the stars, and for the most elegant experience, consider La Veranda restaurant Marbella, the enchanting all-year restaurant of Anatara Villa Padierna, with its stunning terrace.
The outdoor setting of this iconic restaurant is ideal for enjoying La Veranda’s classic recipes and signature service, offering some of the most iconic dishes and guests’ all-time favourites from the past 20 years.
A visit to La Veranda is to savour both classic and innovative dishes created by chef Santiago Altuna, paired with a new wine menu featuring new Champagnes and Burgundies, as well as local favourites.
The ambiance
Andalucia’s most renowned Mediterranean coast, the emblematic Costa del Sol has remerged as one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations, a sun-soaked favourite with an exceptional choice of resorts, hotels and restaurants. Yet few places can compare to the refined elegance and sophistication of Anantara Villa Padierna Palace Resort, found between Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona. Evocative of a Renaissance palace, this wellness, golf and gastronomic resort is surrounded by towering cypress, palms and manicured sub-tropical gardens.
The menu
Chef Santiago Altuna’s dishes emphasise local ingredients and recipes.
Starters include local Almadraba tuna tartare on toasted brioche with light cherry dressing.
Classic dishes include the lobster salad with lamb’s lettuce, blue tomatoes and raspberry vinaigrette.
Vegans are also looked after with grilled spiced white asparagus with a fennel, grapefruit and cashew vinaigrette; Thai aubergine with balsamic reduction and Kalamata olives; or sweet potato, carrots and tomato with red cabbage and pear purée, yoghurt sauce, lime and cilantro.
For the main courses, the menu offers fish dishes, including wild sea bass loin on baby leeks with pumpkin purée, and red mullet with green banana curry and grilled Dutch onions.
The giant Huelva scarlet shrimp (Carabinero) with asparagus and fried roe foam is spectacular and beautifully presented.
Among the meats are roast suckling lamb shoulder with its grilled sweetbreads and pickled aubergines; crispy duck magret with kumquat and mini roasted potatoes; and roasted Iberian pork with mashed potato and rocket, pistachio sponge and truffle and Parmesan sauce.
Desserts include Grand Marnier soufflé with a delicious crème Anglaise; chocolate cream with a hazelnut praline centre and cocoa and coffee ‘sand’; and caramelised apple with crunchy puff pastry and vanilla cream. The classic crêpe suzette is prepared by the table with flair.
The terrace
The terrace is a magnificent outdoor space surrounded by the lush greenery of the gardens. Tables are set around an elegant stone fountain, shaded below a twisted wisteria, creating a truly magical setting for dinner.
Live music is from Friday to Sunday, further enhancing the unique ambience.
The Restaurant
La Veranda stands out for its artful decoration with centuries-old tapestries on the walls, and radiant golden lamps, creating an intimate ambience. The centrepiece is “La Merienda” by local photographer Jesús Chacón, which crowns the fireplace in the living room. This endearing image of three Marbellero neighbours sharing a snack at home sets the tone for memorable meals.
The Cellar
The dishes at La Veranda may be accompanied by excellent local and international wines from the cellar of more than 300 bottles, and sommelier José Luis Morales – a passionate advocate for Jerez wines – is on hand to advise diners. The wine list includes more than 16 finos and manzanillas, the perfect accompaniment to so many different dishes.
La Veranda’s wine list changes every season and this summer’s new additions include a truly diverse selection of Champagnes including some exciting vintages like the Salon Blanc de Blancs 2007 and Dom Perignon 2012, as well as the Krug Grande Cuvee EME Edition. There is also a new selection of Burgundies as well as local wines from all over Andalusia.
We were guests at La Veranda in its first season, and you can read about The Luxury Editor La Veranda experience here.
Information
La Veranda is open from Friday to Tuesday, 7.00 pm to 11.30 pm (closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays), with live music from Friday to Sunday.
Contact Details
Website: www.anantara.com
Address: Carr. de Benahavis, 29679 Benahavís, Málaga, Spain
