
Sal de Mar is one of downtown Marbella´s latest additions to its restaurant scene. Located on the west side of Marbella, just below Marbella´s main street (Ricardo Soriano), Sal de Mar offers stunning views of La Concha from its spacious and comfortable outdoor patio.
(Please see map below).
Owners and operators of Sal de Mar, Bianca and Arthur have put a lot of thought into the design and layout of the restaurant as well as the menu. Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a lovely, warm afternoon sampling some of their delicate dishes, and I have to say that I thoroughly enjoyed my visit there.
I chose to sit outside on the patio, drenched in sunshine. The servers were both helpful and accommodating. The setting could not be more apt for a well-deserved break from my hectic schedule. The service was prompt and attentive throughout the meal.
I was torn by the many options that were available on their vast lunch menu. I asked Bianca to recommend some of their signature dishes and we eventually decided that Chef Arthur would prepare a sampling of some of their favourite dishes.
The first dish to arrive was the Scallops “Sal De Mar” with spinach, giant asparagus tips, bean sprouts, fresh ginger, a sweet oriental dressing and topped with sesame seeds. The presentation was quite spectacular (see the images below). The combination of the moist giant scallop with the ginger and sweet oriental dressing was incredible. The vegetables were perfectly prepared, al dente, and what came through were the freshness and the delicate flavours of this dish.
Next came the lamb cutlets and cous-cous, with a raisin and cinnamon sauce. The aroma of the cinnamon was sweet and inviting. The cutlets were perfectly seared, pink on the inside and full of flavour. The accompanying root vegetables, chick peas and sweet raisin and cinnamon sauce were delightful, but the best was yet to come.
The next dish was by far my favourite, Prawns in a curry sauce with fresh ginger. My words cannot do this dish justice. Suffice it to say that the distinct flavours of the peanut curry sauce, fresh ginger (one of my all time favourite ingredients), and fresh lime juice atop seared prawns was an absolute delight.
My final dish of the day was a Filet of Turbot in a mustard sauce, served with crunchy vegetables with “langoustines” atop. The dish was quite spectacular. The turbot was delicate in flavour and the grain mustard sauce was a fantastic accompaniment to the dish. Again, what stands out of Arthur´s delicate composition was the freshness of the ingredients and the delivery of robust flavours in such delicate dishes. In the words of one of my favourite artists and teachers: subtle yet significant.
Sal De Mar offers an elegant and affordable option for both lunch and dinner in the downtown Marbella area. Its location offers some of the best views of La Concha available in Marbella. Without doubt, the freshness and innovation behind the menu is inspiring. The patio is the obvious choice to enjoy your meal, but there is also ample seating indoors, in a well designed, comfortable and modern decor which lends itself to an inviting atmosphere. Stop in and say hello to Bianca and Arthur – you will find yourself wanting to come back very soon.