(12/11/2016) We got into Torremolinos on the late side, Mare was the closest place and luckily open (especially during the low season). Since it's a beach town, it's absolutely dead in the winter. Place was very welcoming, quaint, candlelit, red and white checked tablecloths, decked out for the holidays with Christmas trees and twinkling lights. What really drew me in was the Espeto de Sardinas (salt-rubbed, skewered, cooked over hot coals) cavalierly stuck into a charcoal pit on display for all to see. A great way to get people to come it, and that's exactly what we ordered, they were delicious. Skin was blistered, well-salted, flesh was oily and moist, fresh lemon juice was just the right condiment. The Caprese Salad with Prawns and Anchovies was a sweet and savory mix of flavors, only detractor was the wan winter tomato. The sweet, poached prawns and salty anchovies were really set off by basil pesto and a reduced balsamic drizzle and creamy fresh mozzarella. The Galician-style Octopus tender chunks of octopus with a warming mix of potatoes and onions with sweet Spanish paprika.
(12/13/2016) Came back on a second night (after a let down at a different restaurant the previous night) because this was the best place near our hotel, the Melia Costa del Sol. Had another delicious meal, got the Mussels a la Muniere, steamed perfectly, very tender, not overcooked at all, in a savory broth, well worth sopping up with bread. A simple bruschetta with tomatoes and anchovies would've been better with tomatoes in-season, was still worth getting, and don't worry about vampires afterwards (it was super-garlicky). Rounded out the meal with a lovely saute of artichokes with Iberian ham, raisins, and pine nuts, and a piquantly mixed with finely diced red onion and basil chiffonade. A surprising and refreshing dessert was the Olive Oil Frozen Yogurt with Crystallized Honey, was tart, smooth textured, contrasted with the crunchy, earthy sweet honey bits. Def this place is worth a visit, or two. read more