Delicious cuisine in charming surroundings
Words by Sam Jones 09/05/2008
Estepona Port has undergone some impressive developments recently and to accompany them… the arrival of fashionable Italian eatery La Pappardella. Already extremely popular in Puerto Banús and established in London for over 20 years, La Pappardella’s winning formula is proving equally enticing along the frontline of Estepona’s attractive port. Tastefully decorated in a simple yet elegant contemporary style, both the interior and al fresco terrace make an attractive setting to enjoy delicious food and great service. In a nutshell, owners Franco, Angelo and Mario successfully set out to create a restaurant which offers delicious food, great service and a pleasant setting – while retaining good prices. Having been invited to try out a selection of dishes at La Pappardella, it has to be said the menu does not disappoint. Authentic Italian ingredients are used to infuse a true taste of Italy into the extensive list of dishes, which ranges from colourful salads and antipasti to freshly made pizzas and pasta, and chef’s suggestions of the day − which are made using fine seasonal produce. The smell which flows from the traditional pizza oven is irresistible and, whether you’re a pizza person or not, you really can’t go wrong with one of the freshly homemade pizzas. Classic dishes such as the carpaccio di manzo topped with parmesan shavings and a drizzle of the finest olive oil, or the lasagne della Norra (which comes with the description “No need for an explanation, suffice to say it’s brilliant!”) are definite musts. More inventive pasta dishes such as the butterfly pasta in a rich creamy salmon sauce or the linguine with fresh clams or king prawns also make excellent choices. We were treated to a sumptuous seafood spaghetti expertly prepared with mussels, clams, parsley and authentic San Marzano tomatoes − the combination of fresh shellfish with a hint of garlic and white wine was perfect but left us longing for more! As is traditional with Italian cuisine, a tempting list of second courses (or “secondi” as it’s referred to in Italy) is also available so we rounded off our La Pappardella dining experience by choosing from the menus delicious risottos, succulent meat and fresh fish dishes, and a Mediterranean seafood platter.
