Find out what Chris thought of Marbella’s hidden jewel – Bijou Bar & Bistro – during a little Spanish jaunt

Marbella, a beautiful city in southern Spain, is known for posh accommodation. Celebrities and wealthy travellers visit the resort that is also a major destination for luxury cruise ships and mega yachts that dock in its harbour.

So it’s easy to think that finding a small, elegant restaurant on the Andalucía coast would be relatively easy, if a little hard on the pocketbook. Well fear not, fellow foodies.

Nestled away just off the main N340 road sits the well-named Bijou Bar & Bistro. Finding this jewel can be tricky. Indeed our taxi driver made several calls just to get us within the vicinity of the restaurant. Through a stroke of sheer luck, we met a fellow English couple who happened to be going to the Bijou and they offered to show us the way.

Our table was booked for 8pm. We were among the first to sit and eat, affording us the opportunity to watch the restaurant fill and the atmosphere grow. The staff recommended a bottle of Rioja (while in Spain…), which we happily ordered. Perusing the menu provided us with so many choices my head swirled. Three starters called to me but only one of them could win out – I ordered the Tempura King Prawns. It’s been said many times, but a picture is worth a thousand words, right?  See below and tell me it isn’t true:

In the spirit of fair trade, I bartered with my wife for a taste of her starter. One of my king prawns went for a bite of her Roulade of Duck and Foie Gras. Her starter looked and tasted every bit as good as mine!

My main dish was no slouch, of course. I have eyes for no other any time Beef Wellington appears on a menu, and so, of course, I ordered it, trusting the Beef Wellington to be everything I like so much about it.

My love for this meal can place great pressure on the dish – I have been disappointed before but I always return for more. In this case, the Beef Wellington validated my great affection for it.  Accompanied by homemade french fries and seasonal vegetables, my favorite dish included the most amazing pastry and Irish beef that, for me, was cooked medium rare and was indeed cooked to perfection. I think now that, if anything, my love for Beef Wellington is stronger than ever!

I was positively stuffed and had no room for dessert which was disappointing, but the complimentary coffees and liquors for my wife were a pleasant end to a truly outstanding meal. I highly recommend Bijou Bar & Bistro to you, and if you go, please tell us about your experience.  We want to hear from you!  info@YorkshirePudd.co.uk

Out of 5, here are my scores:

  • Price: 4/5
  • Ambiance: 4/5
  • Food 5/5
  • Overall 4/5

Bijou Bar & Bistro (http://www.bijoumarbella.com) 6 Plaza Juan de la Rosa, Marbella

Read more restaurant reviews here.