In Marbella we are spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants. With every kind of cuisine on offer from Sushi to Mexican or French gastronomy to Indian takeaways, there is no shortage of options whatever your taste or budget. Whether you are visiting or are a new resident, you will no doubt already have seen the vast array of restaurants in the marina of Puerto Banús and the great variety of cafés and eateries dotted about Marbella and Elviria in particular. Perhaps you have already visited some of the well-established tapas bars and restaurants in the old town…but have you ever been to a venta?
Ventas are country roadside cafés, restaurants or bars. Often rather rustic in build and décor, they are a long-established feature of the Spanish culture and usually family run businesses that have been passed down from generation to generation. As such they have remained relatively unchanged in years, retaining a distinctly Spanish feel about them. Look out for them on larger country roads between towns and villages. Stopping off for a bite to eat or drink at a venta is an excellent way to experience the traditional Spanish way of life.
In the mornings, one can expect a busy and bustling atmosphere as workers come for their morning breaks or for a pit stop before work. Not the most tranquil spot, there will often be a clamour of Spanish radio, the whirring of the coffee grinder and the sound of hissing milk heating as coffee is in high demand and it is not uncommon to see long lines of coffee glasses being lined up along the bar. Breakfast most typically consists of toasted bread or mollete served very simply with olive oil and salt, and occasionally garlic and pureed tomato. Don’t be surprised to witness the older Spanish men enjoying their brandy chasers, or carajillo, before ten in the morning, and in some old-school ventas they may even still allow smoking inside.
Throughout the day, there will usually be a selection of both hot and cold tapas displayed along the bar where you can go up and choose a mix of your favourite snacks. At lunchtime, most ventas will offer a set menu, comprising of a starter of salad or soup, a choice of meat or fish with vegetables and a dessert and/or
coffee. In the evenings, the menu veers towards traditional Spanish country fare, which usually involves a great choice of meat dishes, including stews and casseroles. Although it is not nouvelle cuisine, this is true country cooking with hearty portions and fresh, honest ingredients presented in a traditional way.
One of the other notable qualities of ventas is the price. There are no other establishments where one can have home-cooked meals for such reasonable prices, and their lunchtime deals make them both very popular and a time-honoured tradition.
For authentic cuisine in a friendly and family atmosphere, a Spanish venta is the perfect place to stop for a quick snack, a languid meal or for a coffee and a rest whilst on the road or exploring the beautiful Andalusian mountains and countryside. So next time you pass one, pull up, order a coffee and take a moment to sit back and soak up the charm, appeal and charisma that epitomise the real Spain.