Ice Restaurant, Marbella

It was JD, poker affecionado and Guiness expert who suggested I go and pay Ice a visit. Ice is new, having only opened a couple of months ago.

It used to  be a coffee shop but now new owners Nick and Helen have sent it to the stratospehere with unbelievable quality food and impeccible service. Let me indulge you.

When I first went to visit Ice to book a table, I noticed the dreaded metal tables outside. More pub grub, I thought. How wrong I was, appearances can be deceptive.

When Barrie and I went back in the evening, the tables had been invitingly laid up with cloths and candles. No wine glasses, though, which is a mistake. A group of Barrie´s old friends from London, Ali, Zalyai and Howard wandered in. A good sign as this was their fourth visit.

Then our menus were presented. Not fussy, but imaginative. Peter, the waiter suggested we try a cocktail while we perused. Good idea – I ordered a Virgin Mary. Barrie chose a glass of house white wine. Both perfect.

It was soon apparent that Ice take their customer care very seriously. Helen came over to discuss the options. She had already spent some time making sure the other diners were happy and being well looked after.

Great warming attention to detail. Rare these days on the Coast. I chose the salt and chilli squid as a starter, while Barrie opted for the king prawn pil pil skewer. My squid, was quite simply, utterly divine. Perfectly preared, crispy on the outside, and not too rubbery. Just wonderful. A good size portion too, and amazing value at 4.95. Barrie loved his prawn skewer, and I tried one. Also fabulous. Both starters scored top marks, and for the price were much, much better than starters I have had in Marbella at triple the price. All going very well so far.

Main course time – I decided to go meat and try the rib eye steak. Helen recommended their pepper sauce. Barrie enquired whether the fish and chips had the fish cooked in breadcrumb or batter. He was assured it was batter.  Ice also have a fresh fish special every night, too. While the mains were being cooked we got chatting to a couple on the next table, Jason and Denise. They noddingly approved their starters, too. They were on holiday, and they too were so happy to have found this gem of a restaurant.

My steak was of excellent quality. Helen was right, the sauce was to die for. Barrie couldn´t get over his fish and chips. The batter, he declared, was the best he had ever tasted on the Coast. And that´s saying something – he´s been here for yonks! I tried some of his fish and had to agree.

Pudding time. We ordered apple tart and ice cream. Next door Jason and Denise went for Creme Brullee and Chocolate Brownie. They let me try some. Overewhelmingly delicious. Nani the Chef came out to say hello. He is from Bulgaria, and quite a find. Peter asked if I would like a latte. He claimed to make the best on the Coast so I gave him a whirl. I fell victim to his coffe cup prank. I won´t spoil it for you, but order a latte from Pete when you go and visit Ice, and see what happens!

This turned out to be an exceptional evening. Terrific food at a very reasonable price. We will be returning soon, and I suggest you book soon before they get overwhelmed.

Possibly one of the best finds on this Coast in recent times. Helen, Nick and all heir staff deserve your full support and accolade for creating a wondeful dining experience. I cannot recommend the food at Ice highly enough, and once they get in full flow and put wine glasses on the tables there is nothing stopping them!

ICE  Urb El Rosario (Mountain Side) by the El Rosario roundabout, Marbella

Tel. 952 835 151

Food 5, others 4, overall 4