Join me on an exciting culinary journey through Puerto Mogan, where we'll explore one of its 71 restaurants each week, starting with Maria's Bar.
1. Introduction:
Maria's Bar Restaurante , nestled in the heart of port in Puerto de Mogan next to the fishing boats, offers more than just a dining experience. It's a unique pool bar where guests staying in Billy's La Venezia apartments or LIVVO's Puerto de Mogan Apartments enjoy complimentary pool access. For others, the bar/ restaurant offers a delightful twist: a 20-euro deposit for a pool bed, redeemable against their delectable breakfasts, lunches, and drinks. Spend the day lounging by the pool, indulging in their offerings, with a minimum spend of 20 euros per person. This setup makes it an inclusive spot for visitors staying elsewhere. A relaxed and layer back feeling is waiting for you spening a day by the pool . Having your meal in your beach wear is common in the restaurant terrace or if you prefer being served their fab drinks, cocktails or even meal at your pool bed. It gives the whole experience an ekstra dimension of relaxing holiday vibe .
Opningshours from 9.00-18.00 (closed Tuesdays )
2. Menu Highlight:
Breakfast (served till 11 AM):
• Traditional British items like Full Irish Breakfast and Poached eggs with Iberian Bellota ham.
• Lighter options include muesli and scrambled eggs with smoked salmon.
Tapas to Share:
• Spanish-inspired items like Canarian potatoes with two mojos and a selection of Canarian cheeses.
• Seafood options like carpaccio of swordfish and calamares served with garlic mayo.
Main Courses:
• A variety of salads, including Caesar salad and smoked salmon with dill sauce.
• Pasta dishes like homemade lasagna and seafood linguine.
• Meat options including baby pork ribs in barbecue sauce and grilled fillet steak.
Pizzas:
• Classic choices like Margarita and Hawaiian, along with unique creations like Pizza Nicole and Surf ‘n’ Turf.
Children’s Menu:
• Kid-friendly options like chicken nuggets and fish fingers.
Others:
• Homemade burgers, sandwiches, and a mixed tapas option for two persons.
The menu is quite diverse, offering a range of flavors and cuisines, with a notable influence from Spanish and British culinary traditions. It seems designed to cater to a wide array of tastes, perhaps in a tourist-friendly or cosmopolitan area given the variety and the inclusion of a children’s menu.
Desserts:
The dessert menu presents a range of sweet treats that cater to various tastes and Maria is an excellent baker so don't leave without trying one of their homemade cakes
- Crepe Selection: A variety of crepes with fillings like Nutella, banana, ice cream, strawberries, and meringue, providing a good balance between fruit and chocolate flavors.
- Cakes and Bakes: Options include homemade brownie, lemon cream cake, and a selection of cheesecakes, like Oreo and white chocolate, and Irish Baileys, which suggest rich and indulgent choices.
- Flambé and Ice Cream: The Grand Marnier banana and strawberry flambé options show a flair for dramatic presentation, while a simple banana split and mixed ice cream offer classic dessert comfort.
Overall, the menu balances classic comfort and contains all tourist and locals preferences for lunch
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The menu includes various international wines, with a strong emphasis on Spanish wines, which is not surprising given Gran Canaria is a part of Spain. Italian, French, and Portuguese wines are also represented. And they have an nice selection of popular international cocktails.
3. Taste and presentation
On every visits to Maria's Bar Restaurante , the breakfast has been a delightful experience. They offer what is labeled an 'Irish breakfast', but in essence, it's the hearty English breakfast familiar across Europe, likely a nod to the Irish heritage of the owner. The sausages and black pudding were particularly notable for their taste and quality. Eggs come as you like them, whether you prefer them flipped, runny, or poached. The scrambled eggs deserve a special mention for their buttery flavor and perfectly tender texture, suggesting the use of real butter. It's a breakfast that truly sets you up for the day.
My review of the breakfast at Maria's Bar lands a solid 9 out of 10. It's not quite perfect due to the absence of the complimentary glass of cava that used to be a delightful start to the holiday mornings, a tradition I've savored since the days of El Varadero and Marina Pool Bar. The cava added a touch of indulgence, a little morning mischief that now, when not included, feels awkward to order separately. Despite this, the breakfast comes highly recommended for its quality and please excuse me for my weak spot for cava in the morning.
For a true taste of local culture at Maria's Bar Restaurante , embrace the Spanish way of sharing tapas. It's a communal dining experience that brings the table together, allowing everyone to sample a variety of dishes. From the classic Canarian potatoes to croquettes and Billys famous fish cakes, the selection is diverse. The chicken burger I had, on my last visit complete with egg and bacon, was a delightful twist on the classic. And let's not forget their perfectly crispy skinny fries. Maria's offers a solid, fuss-free meal, ensuring that every lunch is a satisfying experience without any pretense. Over the years I have had so many meals and never had a bad meal.
4. Service:
The service at Maria's Bar receives high marks, particularly due to Tracy, an English staff member who has been with them for over a decade. Her warmth and professionalism significantly enhance the dining experience, offering an almost exclusive service by the pool. However, there's a language barrier with some staff, as not all are fluent in English, which can lead to misunderstandings.. Overall, the staff's friendliness and efficiency make a big difference, truly embodying the essence of the place. After all, it's the people that make a place memorable, complementing the good food with excellent service.
5. Atmosphere:
The ambiance at Maria's Bar, while functional, doesn't quite capture the essence of a poolside bar. It's practical, yes, but it misses that beachy, inviting touch that makes a place special. The setting is somewhat plain, lacking elements that would make it stand out. It's satisfactory, but there's a distinct absence of someone curating an atmosphere that transcends beyond just serving food. It's in these subtle details that a good venue becomes great, where the environment resonates with the visitors, creating a memorable experience rather than just a place to dine.
6. Price Range:
Maria's Bar offers a price range that reflects value for money. With a variety of options catering to different tastes and budgets, diners can enjoy a range of dishes without feeling the pinch on their wallets. The balance between cost and quality seems to be well-maintained, ensuring that guests can have a satisfying dining experience at a reasonable price point.
7. Unique Features:
Maria's Bar Restaurante truly shines with its inviting pool and the views from the terrace. The exclusive adult-only double canopy beds on the upper level, available for hire, enhance the luxurious feel. The rooftop boasts two jacuzzis and showers, offering a slice of paradise, though this gem is somewhat of a well-kept secret due to subtle marketing. Tracy's presence adds a personal touch, elevating the overall experience. Coupled with their renowned breakfast and delightful red sangria , these features make Maria's Bar a standout destination.
8. Overall Experience:
Menu 8
Taste and Presentation 7
Service 9
Atmosphere 5
Price Range 8
Unique Features 9
Overall Experience : 8
9. Audience Feedback:
Follow along, engage with comments, and share your experiences and reviews. While using TripAdvisor and Google for guidance, remember that reviews often reflect extreme satisfaction or dissatisfaction. So, there's always a spectrum of experiences. Stay tuned for honest, comprehensive reviews that dive beyond the black and white of online ratings. Your input will enrich this series, and together, we'll discover the diverse flavors of Puerto Mogan. Let's embark on this delicious adventure. Have you been to Maria`s Bar Restaurante ?
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