My Review of Novellis Puerto Banus Marbella - Novelli Restaurant Puerto Banus

My husband treated me and my cousin to a night out and he surprised us with Novellis which we were both very happy with.

So we arrived at Locrimar Hotel where Novellis Puerto Banus is. We were greated very nicely and shown to our table outside.

There were a few other people also sitting outside, which was quite nice, but also a little strange as its right by the swimming pool.

Also as its a hotel, you have other guests and there was a group of youngish males all sitting just a little further away but in my view all with their baggy jeans so I had the lovely sight of their pants. This was a little weird as going to "Novellis" you feel it should be a little special.

Anyway, service was good and got seen straight away for drinks etc. The wind really started to get up and was a little uncomfortable so we decided to sit inside - as its Saturday Night I didnt want to be lumbered sitting outside as inside was full.

So we moved inside where there was one other table occupied.

For starters I had Foie Gras which I never eat. For Main Course I chose the Fillet Steak which had been poached for 50 minutes. Both courses were delicious and presented beautifully. My cousin very much enjoyed her goats cheese to start and had a fish dish to follow which she enjoyed but said was a little crunchy.

We were so busy talking that when we eventually stopped we realised we were the only ones inside the restaurant and there was no music. We both felt - "Theres no atmosphere"

We asked if music was possible like outside - but got told something about the speaker not working. Then we asked if possible to sit outside. We got told shouldnt be a problem - but then was told no - no tables by Head Waiter and Mátre d (novellis brother).

We felt rather disappointed as we were certain there was some space outside. Sitting inside we also picked up some of the "Waiter / Waitress" conversations about orders, people etc etc which wasnt great as we could hear every word as there was no music.

Eventually a lovely lady who did work there saw that we looked rather peed off and asked if we would like to sit outside....we said "Yes Please"....and funnily enough she came back to us with a choice of 2 tables in the bar area outside.

Then we were happy again and ready to order desert. We had to wait quite a while before a waiter came and then the lovely lady came to our rescue again. I said Ill have the Banana Tart Tatin - she told me it will be min 25 minutes - for me the fact that its so fresh, its worth the wait.

So we sat outside for another hour or so enjoying the coloured water fountain and music. The banana tart tatin was AMAZING!

We were both rather disappointed that neither Matre´d or other waiter came up to us to say anything about us being able to sit outside.

Had it not have been for the lady (big blond hair) we probably would have left there feeling rather peed off and deflated that they were so unaccommodating.

However - for

The Food I have to give 10 out of 10 - I thought it was very good.

Value for Money I was very happy, I was expecting it to come to around 175 - 200 and it came to 135€. That was for 3 courses each (2people) 3 glasses of wine, 2 gin & tonics and 2 bottles of water.

Atmosphere Many comments I have heard is about the atmosphere and I completely agree. Inside was empty and not good for a Saturday Night - there was no music and no atmosphere.

Decor
The restuarant inside is really nice and modern. There is a private room for up to 12 people and also a special tasting room in the kitchen which is around 120€uros per person.

During the day there is also food on the Sisu Menu by Novellis (I think)....now this menu was fantastic! I could eat every single thing on it, fish & chips, burgers, thai green curry, sandwiches, salads and all very good price. Infact I think the fish & chips was cheaper here in Novellis than Pegottys!

Final Thought - For some good food at a good price I will go back. The service could be better and like some other restaurants, waiters could mark who has ordered what so doesnt need to ask when serving. Also, as its a hotel too - expect other people to be around - not dressed up.

Will definately go back and try the day menu as all looks and sounds great at good price too and on Sundays they do a Barbecue which I have heard is fantastic!