Located in the charming Aloha Pueblo area, El Banco Restaurant & Bar was opened two years ago by vivacious restaurateur Laura De Luca. She and her husband had been running the successful La Red beach restaurant in Marbella but Laura felt it was time to open something for herself, so she chose the old BBVA bank at the entrance to Aloha Pueblo and set up a beautiful establishment.
When designing the restaurant, Laura wanted to keep some of the original features of the bank. She hired two Italian interior designers who let their creative ideas flow. The decoration is contemporary and eclectic with a state-of-the-art open kitchen situated behind the bar area. The chairs inside the restaurant are a mix-match of different styles but somehow work together to create a playful dining area around elegant tables with white tablecloths.
Look out for the funny ditties on the wall, as well as an original safe from the bank which is now used to store wine and is lit up with different coloured LED lights. There is also an outdoor dining area that wraps its way around the two sides of the restaurant – enabling you to bask in the midday sun or sit out in the buzz of Aloha Pueblo at night.
There is a lot going on at El Banco. It is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and every Thursday evening you can enjoy live music. Coming up there will be a special Christmas lunch on 25 December when traditional Christmas dishes such as turkey with all the trimmings will be on offer (fish and meat dishes are also available if turkey is not your preference).
For New Year’s Eve El Banco will be offering a special set menu, with guests able to celebrate in a fun and cosy atmosphere while dining on sumptuous dishes specially chosen by the chef. If you are thinking of holding a corporate Christmas party, El Banco is the ideal location. The menu is varied to suit all tastes and, with their fun décor and extremely accommodating staff, the ambience is wonderfully warm and relaxed.
Popular dishes from their international menu, to name just a few, include ceviche, Argentinean steak, tuna tartare and linguine El Banco served with beef strips, cherry tomatoes, garlic, brandy, parmesan and rocket leaves. It goes without saying that all the desserts are homemade, and there is also a large selection of wines on offer.
El Banco Restaurant & Bar
Urb. Aloha Pueblo 35, Nueva Andalucía (Marbella)
Tel: (+34) 952 907 570 / 605 247 367
