La Marina

La Marina
Plaza La Marina
Nerja

La Marina is a very popular bar/restaurant looking out over Plaza de la Marina and gets exceptionally busy at lunchtimes and evenings, and I mean packed!

The outside terrace is reasonably sized but expect to have to wait for a table during the busy, holiday periods.

Tapas, of course, are inside at the bar and, as you might expect from the name of the place, fish are the speciality. They do also have meat dishes, though, for those who are not great fish eaters.

Being located right next to a play area, ideal place to go if you have young children. A nice, safe area for them to play while you enjoy your meal.

Finding a space at the (large) bar in La Marina in Plaza La Marina on a Saturday lunchtime in August was not easy, but where there is a will there’s a way, and I eventually managed to squeeze in next to a narrow ledge occupied by a vase of plastic flowers. The flowers just had to go.

I quite enjoy the occasional pulpo (octopus), my favourite places being Los Pescaitos (fried, no sauce) and Los Bilbainos (with sauce). So how did it compare?

The pulpo came in a dark sauce, not too rich, and was served with bread sticks. I must say, I have never tasted such tender, melt in the mouth octopus, not even the merest hint of chewiness or rubbery texture as is all too common. The same applies to calimares,

My only comment would be that, personally, I would have preferred bread to bread sticks to mop up the sauce! Bread sticks, although nice, are not up to the job – I tried.

La Marina has now moved to the top of my list for pulpo with sauce. The choice of tapas in La Marina, by the way, is extensive to say the least and if you like fish then you should definitely give it a try.