I was taken out for lunch the other day by an old friend who suggested that we should try a restaurant in Puerto Banus being run by a familiar face in that area, Eladio. The Port is not my first choice to eat, especially in the summer but then apart from the perennial Los Bandidos and the phenomena that is Picasso’s there’s very little good food around. But sitting on a ‘terrace’ table overlooking the yachts it was very pleasant and I did feel like a tourist. The restaurant is owned by the Blue Bay Gourmet Group, which will mean little to many people, but suffice to say that with Eladio at the front you get the impression that it is his and you are welcome in his eatery.

We had a bottle of very acceptable Sauvignon Blanc as we looked at the ample menu. I was going to have Carpaccio of Sea Bass, but Eladio suggested that I try the Carpaccio of King Prawns. My colleague selected his staple starter of Smoked Salmon. The Carpaccio came on a large plate: the plate was very warm: This is something that you have to do as the Carpaccio comes out of the freezer and in order to bring it up to room temperature this is a trick we all use. But unfortunately the plate was so hot it started almost cooking the prawns. This did not distract from the dish however and I ate the lot! I followed with Pan fried Foie Gras, my liver doctor will give me a bollocking but — hey ho!! It was delicious. My friend had the Lobster Fettuccini: creamy sauce with half lobster perched on top. Decadent! Another bottle of Sauvignon, and watch the world go by, but no room for puds although they were tempting. I nearly chose the Camembert as it looked so attractive, but I had no room.

The menu is ample and will cater for golfers and visitors alike. Whether it be a pizza or a pasta or top quality Galician meat or Wild Sea Bass en Sal you won’t be disappointed neither will vegetarians as the kitchen will always find something interesting: Prices Puerto Banus, but not as heavy as some. But the real draw is Eladio and his team. A consummate professional with a warm welcome from him and his staff makes this a more personal place and is ideal for us residents who rarely but occasionally say, “Shall we go to the Port for lunch?”

Golf’s Restaurant, by the tower, Puerto Banus. Tel: 952 90 88 08