I met up with a friend for lunch the other day at the elegant yet relaxing Harbour restaurant on the port in Marbella. Under the auspices of my colleague Marc Quinlan, who also has the Playwright in Elviria and the highly popular Becketts in Marbella, this eatery is destined for the same success. Associated with the yacht club, but completely independent, the restaurant has views out to sea and is surrounded by glass including the covered terrace which is a great place to sit in the summer months. There is a comprehensive a la carte menu mixing some traditional Spanish dishes and Modern Mediterranean. We opted for the menu del día which at 20€ for two courses (25€ for three) is good value. My host went for a main course as she wanted a sweet and I kicked off with a ceviche of mixed fish. Fresh, with lime and coriander and a little chilli, it may not be a suitable dish for a wet and windy day, but I love it. I was stuck for the main course as there was nothing I really fancied having had chicken for dinner the day before and although tempted by the Salmon or the Cod Pil Pil I really wanted to drink some red wine. The manager Hugo — he and I had worked together some time ago — was more than happy to change the chicken dish for a pork dish which although regretfully overcooked, tasted of the Mediterranean. My friend had the Salmon which was excellent and plentiful, so much so that  she had to refuse the dessert. The house wines are excellent — one of my favourite suppliers — and the service under the guidance of the charming Hugo was as it should be.

In keeping with the trend, there are lots of ‘healthy options’ with once again the abundance of Quinoa — which in my non PC approach, tastes like sawdust with the same texture —  and other vegetarian and meat free options!

They have live jazz and on Sunday serve a three course traditional Sunday Lunch for 25€

Parking very nearby or underground in the Alameda.

Reserve on 952 865 534

E mail: info@theharbourmarbella.com www.theharbourmarbella.com