We’re sitting at Restaurante Vino Mio with a frontline view of the Cervantes Theatre, floodlit and showcasing the Jazz Festival. The temperature’s positively balmy for October and, in our glasses, the crispest verdejo we’ve tasted this summer.
All a very promising start to dinner at this classic on the Malaga restaurant dining scene. Restaurante Vino Mio has been serving contemporary cuisine since 2003 and has gained a well-deserved reputation for quality.
What’s on the menu
An eclectic range of dishes as it turns out and this is one of the few restaurants in Malaga that encompasses worldwide cuisine. As well as nods to the city – the Pâté Picasso and the Brownie Cervantes – the Vino Mio menu goes truly global.
To whet your appetite
The starters include the house special, bolsitas crujientes. AKA delicate filo pastry ‘bags’, filled with langoustines and vegetables. We loved the tomato jam condiment, just the right sharpness of taste. The pâté lived up to its artistic name, with the blueberry sauce providing the perfect avant-garde touch.
On the next-door table, an American couple tucked into the daily special that included a very generous portion of provolone. They were completely silent as they dug into the cheese and couldn’t stop licking their fingers.
All the starters and salads are sharing plates, a good option if you want to try several.
Next up on the menu
The truly global bit because the menu at Restaurante Vino Mio literally goes everywhere. The Boda Arabe sounded super tempting as did the lamb tagine. But what about the Canguro Sydney (yes, that is kangaroo) and the Cocodrilo Vino Mio (yep, that one’s crocodile)? Judging by the number of plates coming out with these meats, both are obviously popular dishes.
But in the end, we went for the fillet steak (solomillo de ternera) and Bacalao San Marino cod. The fish came baked to perfection and we loved the stuffed piquillo pepper side and cava sauce. A match made in heaven.
Now, about that meat. The menu says (and we quote) “first-class fillet steak”, and although any restaurant could put that on their menu, few can actually claim to serve the best. Restaurante Vino Mio is one of them and believe us when we say that this steak melted in our mouths.
Sweet finish
We were both pretty full by now, but research needs must, and we can’t do a Malaga restaurant review without a full tasting!
The Restaurante Vino Mio dessert menu is short but sweet (literally) and we chose the house special, Tarta Guinness. You’d perhaps expect a cake to be heavy, but this Guinness sponge comes light and with a delicate frosting that went down a treat.
Other options include mango mousse made (of course) with local fruit, a blackberry sorbet with cava and a chocolate coolant. All six desserts have sweet wine pairing suggestions (more about the wine below).
And now to the vino
From its name, you’d expect this restaurant to know a thing or two about wine. And they certainly do. The wine list isn’t too long, but there’s everything you’d expect on there, including a Cloe Brut Nature cava from Malaga (now on our must-try list).
The options for reds and white include several wines from Malaga and there’s a good choice of wine by the glass. Prices start at €4 for a generous glass and at €18 for a bottle. Most come in the range of €20 to €30, but if you fancy a splurge, treat yourselves to the Vega Sicilia at €150.
Good for vegetarians?
Unlike a lot of restaurants in Malaga the answer is yes. Non-fish and meat eaters have a choice of five main dishes. We liked the sound of the courgette pancakes and would have tried the. But hey, that steak got in first.
The restaurant can also cater for vegans – just be sure to mention your requirements to the staff when you arrive.
Location
Couldn’t be better because Restaurante Vino Mio is in the heart of the city centre, moments from Calle Larios and Plaza de la Merced. And if you’re going to the theatre, this is the perfect spot for a pre- or post-concert dinner.
Ambience
Inside, Restaurante Vino Mio is light and airy, with funky art work on the walls. The outside terrace is equally spacious and has lovely views of the square including the theatre. Soft lighting inside and out creates an intimate space, so this is great for a romantic dinner for two as well as a larger group.
Service
Excellent and always with a smile. It isn’t often that every single member of the wait staff is as attentive as this. They’re multi-lingual too, so there’s someone on hand to explain the menu in languages other than Spanish and English.
We also found their enthusiasm contagious. And every waiter is more than happy to walk you through each dish and explain their ingredients. We were particularly impressed by the time one waiter took to explain the differences between beef, crocodile and kangaroo steak, so our neighbour diner could choose. He went for the roo in the end and judging from his clean plate at the end, he wasn’t disappointed!
Prices
Restaurante Vino Mio prides itself on quality products and a high ratio of wait staff to diners (if only all restaurants in Malaga would do the same!). This tandem is reflected in the prices, so this isn’t a venue for a cheap eat. However, you do get value for money, which we think ultimately makes a good restaurant.
- Starters and sharing plates €7.95-18.50
- Mains €12.95-24.95
- Desserts €6.95
Extras
Restaurante Vino Mio has a regular flamenco show. This fun event is put on by a local group who, like the Restaurante Vino Mio waiters, couldn’t be more enthusiastic about what they do.
Expect 90 minutes of foot-stomping, finger-clicking entertainment with the possibility of joining in yourself at the end. You might need a couple more glasses of vino for that, but your waiter will be more than happy to suggest the appropriate Dutch courage.
The flamenco show is available Wednesday to Sunday; the lunchtime show costs €15 and includes two drinks, while the evening one is free with your meal and takes place from 8 to 9.30pm.
Good for kids?
Restaurante Vino Mio is family friendly and if you dine outside, your kids can run about in the pedestrian square while you kick back and relax to truly enjoy your meal.
Accessible?
Yes, inside and outside. To access the restaurant, take the ramp on the left-hand side of the square.
Why put Restaurante Vino Mio on your list of restaurants in Malaga
- Fragrant, flavour in all dishes.
- Eclectic choice on the menu.
- Delicious quality for money.
- Professional service with a smile.
- Kitchen open all day.
Opening hours
Wednesday 7pm to late.
Thursday-Sunday 1pm to late.
Contact
Tel: 952 609 093
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