The culinary highlight of our Spain vacation. There's no weak link: The food is superb, the service highly professional, warm and friendly, and the ambiance is like nothing else.
Albacara is the restaurant for the Hotel Montelirio, which inhabits the former villa of Count Montelirio. The dining room is not large, perhaps only 15 tables or so, but with one of the most breathtaking views anywhere in the world--overlooking El Tajo close to Puente Nuevo of historic Ronda.
You'll enjoy a 180 degree view of the countryside looking out toward the mountains in the close distance, the mouth of El Tajo, the bridge, and the "new" town across the gorge. It's incredible, morning, midday and sunset. But it's not all about the view. The room is lovely, with classic Spanish arches, and tastefully appointed.
The manager is a terrific fellow, who clearly is proud of the restaurant and genuinely seems to enjoy interacting with his patrons, and is fluent in both Spanish and English. The waiter is also highly trained and professional, but is primarily a Spanish speaker. But that's fine, hey--it's their country.
Best sangria in the world here. And I don't say that lightly. It's knock-your-socks-off fabulous. In the warm weather, you can order a few glasses, and perhaps an appetiser and enjoy their outdoor terrace with the view.
We ate at Albacara for dinner and lunch. For dinner, mi esposa bonita and I shared the Sea Bass baked in salt. Some of the best fish I've ever had and the presentation where the waiter chips away at the salt to debone the fish tableside is worth the price of admission. Some of the most flavorful and moist fish. For an amuse bouche, they brought pate with quince, pistachio and fras gras. I usually don't eat fras gras for various reasons, but made an exception, and was amazed at how delicious this pate was on simple toasts and drizzled with a Pedro Ximenez wine reduction. Sublime. It's been several days, but I can still visualize how good it tasted.
Excellent desserts-- don't pass it up. I had stewed banana in passion fruit and white chocolate soup. Oh yes! And the missus had the liquored figs, cream and vanilla ice cream, which was equally as transcendant.
If you don't come here for at least one meal while you're in Ronda, you're cheating yourself. read more