First Restaurant Nerja

If you've ever watched the TV reality show "Masterchef" you'll know what is expected of the aspiring chefs. Over the course of the programme they compete with one another until the final three reach the final programme where they must cook a sublime three course meal using the finest quality ingredients. As well as being judged by famous restauranteurs and food critics they cook for Michelin star chefs. If you've never had the opportunity to experience such fine dining and you're planning a holiday in Nerja then you're in for a treat.

The First Restaurant Nerja is located next to the Hotel Marinas de Nerja on the old N340 road from Nerja to Torrox Costa. It is owned and run by Simona and Tina who are well known locally on the gourmet dining scene thanks to their other highly regarded El Quinto Pino Restaurant in Torrox Costa.

On arrival we made ourselves comfortable at the stylish upstairs bar which overlooks the pool of the Rio Marinas de Nerja Apartments and ordered our pre-dinner drinks from a fine selection of cocktails, spirits and beers. We then had the enviable task of selecting from the mouthwatering array of exquisite sounding dishes available as well as being told that the day's special was a combination of venison, rabbit and duck with a cranberry sauce.

After much deliberation we ordered Ceasar salad with serrano ham and fried chicken, hot melted goats cheese with walnuts on a rocket salad and a prawn dish in a spicy sauce. All were exceptional. All the main courses were so appealing that making a decision wasn't easy. Between the four of us we decided on one of the specials plus a dish of scallops with beluga lentils, a fillet of lamb with potato gratin and a fillet of sea bass with a spinach and potato puree. The wine list wasn't extensive but offered a fine selection of quality options which our bar waitress was able to explain to us.

We were escorted downstairs by Simoni to the impeccable dining area with its spotless white table cloths and shown to our table. Our waiter from Lanzarote was exceptionally friendly and professional throughout our meal. Every dish was beautifully cooked, immaculately presented and was served with its own well planned sauce individual to that particular dish. The sweet menu provided more mouthwatering options including crepe with hot raspberries and ice cream, home made white and brown chocolate mousse on a warm sauce of raspberries and baked strawberries filled with marzipan, ice cream and cream. Sweet tooth heaven was rounded off with with coffees and liqueurs.

First Restaurant Nerja is a truly fine dining experience which is highly recommended for visitors looking for something a little special. Prices of main courses are fractionally higher than in local Spanish restaurants (up to €20 each) but are a fraction of what you'd pay for comparable quality in better known city restaurants. The restaurant is open from 6pm until late everyday except Mondays. It also opens for Sunday lunch at 1pm. Bookings can be made by phone on 693 520 069 or via the website at http://www.nerjafirstrestaurant.com/