Restaurant Review - Zafferano
Zafferano
Calle Gloria 11,Marbella Old Town
t. 952 863 125
Zafferano Zafferano
Marbella Old Town is arguably one of the most pleasant places to dine on the Coast, and the cobbled streets which intertwine between tapas bars, boutiques, craft shops and an excellent choice of restaurants are particularly attractive around this time of year − especially for the Semana Santa fiesta. A recent addition to the Old Town’s reputable restaurant scene is Zafferano – a beautifully refurbished town house which combines rustic Tuscan style with classic Italian elegance. Zafferano is the creation of father-son duo Adriano and Davide Farina, whose vision is to bring high-calibre Italian cuisine to Marbella. As a graduate of the prestigious Alma institute in Parma (considered one of the best in Europe), Davide has worked for several Michelin-star restaurants and leading establishments in Italy, London and Spain. The menu at Zafferano is designed around regional specialities, made using the freshest seasonal ingredients and fine Italian produce. Dishes are beautifully presented and portions are not too large, allowing clients to enjoy the authentic Italian dining experience − which must include one of Zafferano’s legendary desserts. The launch of the new spring menu, which also celebrates the restaurant’s first anniversary, includes creative antipasti, home-made pastas, risottos and delicately prepared meat or fish dishes. Starters are light and, accompanied by a selection of home-made daily-baked bread, served with the finest Italian olive oil, make the perfect entrée to what’s yet to come. To begin with, we chose delightful gratinated scallops with sweet paprika and passion fruit vinaigrette; and foie gras terrine with pear mustard, escalope and port sauce and fig jam. The rice and pasta dishes really do taste as good as they sound − the choice includes ravioli filled with lobster in bisque and basil-scented extra-virgin olive oil; risotto carnaroli with champagne, beluga caviar and saffron, for the more indulgent customer; and the eye-catching creamy risotto with red beetroot and fresh caprino cheese. Another star attraction at Zafferano is the main course, which includes classic dishes with local inspiration such as Bresse pigeon with wild sour cabbage and caramelisd apple; fillet of beef with foie gras, Pedro Ximénez sauce, spinach and roast potatoes; and red Tarifa tuna fillet with black and white sesame seeds and seasonal vegetables. We’d heard that the desserts at Zafferano were a masterpiece, so rounded off this fabulous meal with a refreshing liquorice mousse with lime jelly and mint sorbet, and a delicious Sicilian cannolo filled with fresh ricotta cheese cream, and served with mouth-watering marsala parfait.
