Pravda, contemporary wining and dining in Puerto Banus

A few issues ago I talked about the ‘soft opening’ of Pravda – the super-trendy restaurant and bar in Banus. We promised to go back for a full review, so Barrie and I descended on them again to put their menu to the test.

Upon arriving in Banus I spotted two Pravda girls with menus standing on opposite sides of the road. It was as if they had an invisible barrier across the road, and they were doing a good job of greeting and inviting people in.

Barrie chose a lovely table on the Terrace. We ordered a Bloody and Virgin Mary. Barrie had succumbed the boozier option. Me, Im still plodding away at my alcohol-free regime. Week eight now. Many charities are going to benefit from this one, if I can hold out!

Time to peruse the menus. Very nicely presented. Clear and to the point. Well laid out.  I was very pleasantly surprised at the value – great prices for the Port. For example, 4 x Nigiri and 3 x Maki sushi for €20.

A selection of breads and crackers arrived, together with some cream cheese, dried tomato and salt, very good. All the starters were named after Cities.

Barrie decided to visit Beijing, Pavda speak for deep fried spring rolls filled with chicken, lime leaves and coriander served with a Cham sauce. Being the Master of Understatement I decided to visit the whole World – why mess about with just one City. The World is, of course, Pravda speak for antipasto. Simples!

Chris, the Head waiter who used to do a brilliant job at TikkiTana some time ago moved my cutlery to the centre of the table, and when the antipasti arrived I could see why. It came on a huge tray with three large round legs representing Hammersmith Bridge. The ‘World’ inluded beef carpaccio with rocket salad and roasted pine nuts, duck with guacamole, Tom Kha Gai spicy soup and sushi. A meal in itself. Fabulously tasty and beautifully presented, and only €16. Top marks.

Barrie raved about his Beijing spring rolls, and trying one I had to concur. All going very well indeed, and Marguerita was looking after us well.

Then on to the main courses. A great selection again on the menu. This time Barrie went to Maroc and chose the honey and mustard glazed lamb rack served with couscous cakes, zucchini towers and light mint tea sauce. Totally divine. I loved the zuchini towers. Reminded me of the Carlton towers in the West End!

The lamb rack was pink and cooked perfectly. I went to Sri Lanka and ordered a chicken in yellow curry sauce with mango chutney, peanuts, banana and jasmine rice. Really very, very good. For pudding we chose the key lime pie with rhubarb sorbet and fruit skewer. Also terrific.

Now the restaurant was filling up, and the ambience was buzzing. A great meal indeed. Chef Dennis Wellerfors knows his stuff, and is delivering. A wonderful evening and one we would be very keen to repeat. Pravda has re-launched very successfully indeed. Highly recommended, a smart and trendy venue with a well thought out varied menu.

Pravda
Edf Levante, locales 4 y 5
Puerto Banus 29660 Marbella

www.restaurante-pravda.com

952 811 443

Allow €45-60 per head including house wine