A meal fit for a birthday girl - Leonardo sul Mare, Mazarrón

 

Well I have to say I don't really know where to start with this blog, after such a wonderful all round experience I have so much to share on this restaurant and even with a slightly 'too much wine' head on this morning I really want to get this written and out there. 

This is my second experience of eating here and on both occasions we have had friends over from the UK and wanted to take them somewhere with the wow factor for special birthdays and wow is the optimal word when talking about this venue - from food, location and views to atmosphere and service wow covers it all. 

Situated in the old port of Mazarron, Leonardo Sul Mare is a beautiful Italian restaurant with the most spectacular views of the med by day, a sensational sunset in the evening and the terrace is beautifully laid out, with the smell of a traditional outdoor pizza oven and a wonderfully diverse clientele providing a friendly Spanish/Italian vibe I've not come across anywhere else. 

I popped into the restaurant on Friday after work to book a table. The staff were incredibly professional, efficient and helpful.  They were accommodating of my limited Spanish whilst booking and I was able to book a table right on the edge of the terrace overlooking the sea for the following evening. 

When we arrived at the restaurant, a party of 6 and the maximum number currently allowed to socialise together, our guests from the UK had no idea where we were going. On arrival they probably thought where the hell have they bought us as we pulled up outside, with a working marina and car park the outside of this venue is, shall we say, not the prettiest but don't let first impressions deceive you!

On entering the restaurant itself there is a very calm but cosmopolitan feel. With a minimalist, modern and fresh feel inside, as you walk through there really is little to distract your from the view that awaits. 

Once everyone recovered from the wow factor of the view we were taken to our table and seated next the sea, with the perfect backdrop for a couple of special birthday photos and we relaxed immediately to the lapping of the med beside us. 

Drinks were ordered and we all promptly got our phones out and downloaded the menu, using the QR code printed very subtly on the corner of our table. This is a really good example of how businesses have adapted to the Covid regulations, as hard-copy menus are seen as a transmission hazard and provide a lot of extra work for the staff having to fully sanitise them after each use.  The use of modern technology is an effective way of eliminating these problems and Leonardo Sul Mare is a perfect example of this working incredibly well. On scanning the QR code the menu opens on your mobile and can be selected in Spanish or English. 

Orders placed we sat chatting, taking in the relaxed but vibrant atmosphere and enjoyed ourselves as the sun set and the dark night sky enveloped the terrace from across the sea. 

As our starters came out there was certainly another wow moment.  Three of us had ordered the Tabla Mixta to share - a selection of 5 aperitivos italianos and at 6.80€ per person were absolutely delicious and beautifully presented to the table. 

For our main courses we had a selection of pastas and pizzas ranging from around 10 to 16€ per head. several of us had seafood here and it really is worth the few extra euros for those dishes.  With great portion sizes, freshness and taste this really is a place for seafood lovers to try.  If you are not a seafood lover don't be put off though, with many pizzas, pastas, steaks and other things to chose nobody will be left disappointed. 

As far as dessert and coffee went we were all stuffed and unable to eat another thing but the diverse choice on the menu would certainly fulfill any sweet tooth craving. Although we didn't eat dessert there there was temptation and ohs and ahs from our table as food envy set in when were saw the waiters serving the tables next to us.

With our drinks reasonably priced and good measures, we all left very full, content and a little squiffy! With a final bill of 130€ for 6, we all came away feeling we had experienced exceptional food, service, value and created great memories for the Birthday Girl.

On a final note, but one important to mention during these strange times, the staff covered all covid regulations exceptionally well. With distancing of tables, masks and hygiene standards kept to the maximum standard and a smoking area well away from all diners we felt safe and relaxed to enjoy our evening.

So, in summary if you want a bit of wow for a special occasion, a romantic setting for date night or just enjoy your food in a vibrant, friendly, stunning environment I would highly recommend this place and we will certainly be visiting again, a lot, in the future. 

Un Saludo 

Chica de Mazarron xx

For more information, opening times and menus please visit their webpage here or click this link to to their facebook page.