La Veranda, Marbella: Where Dinner Feels Like an Experience

Elegant surroundings, beautifully crafted dishes and mocktails worth returning for

Set within the elegant Anantara Villa Padierna Benahavís Marbella Resort, La Veranda is the kind of restaurant that makes dinner feel like an occasion. With its elegant terrace overlooking lush gardens, pretty fountains and beautifully surroundings, it strikes the right balance between sophisticated and relaxed. The restaurant’s terrace is particularly enchanting in the evening when it is lit up with soft lighting.

Under the guidance of chef José Carlos Delgado, the menu brings together international influences with vibrant flavours and a modern interpretation of classic dishes. There is plenty of choice, from seafood and meat to vegetarian and vegan options, with local ingredients playing an important role.

I started with the country-style egg, served with truffled mashed potato and artichoke, a wonderfully comforting dish elevated by the earthy richness of truffle - following the starter, I proceeded to quiz the waiter on exactly how it was made so I could try to recreate it at home. It was indulgent without feeling overly heavy, and a perfect introduction to the style of cooking at La Veranda. My main dish was a juicy steak with little potato puffs, before I finished with a bowl of ice-cream. It was all really delicious and perfectly executed.

One of the highlights was extensive selection of non-alcoholic mocktails. As someone who enjoys keeping things healthy while travelling, I was delighted to discover alcohol-free menu. The standout was The Mixture, made with roasted pineapple, cinnamon, pineapple juice, yuzu juice, coconut purée and honey. The combination was utterly delicious: tropical, creamy, subtly spiced and incredibly smooth.

La Veranda combines beautifully presented food with attentive service and an inviting ambience. The restaurant also offers an impressive wine selection, while live music on selected evenings adds another layer to the experience.