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If you are a lover of good Italian food, you can find some excellent restaurants in Marbella which specialise in pizzas, pastas and some of the most delicious Italian meat and fish dishes available in the region.

Pasta da Bruno is undoubtedly one of the best brands around, and the husband and wife team, Giuseppina and Bruno Filippone whose first restaurant opened in C/Ricardo Soriano, Marbella over 15 years ago, have gone from strength to strength over the years. There are now five Pasta da Bruno restaurants, in Marbella, Cabopino and San Pedro, plus a takeaway and delicatessen in Cabopino.

The name ´Da Bruno´ has become synonymous with superb food and service in a relaxed atmosphere, and they combine traditional recipes with trendy culinary know-how and great hospitality.

Last time we visited, we chose the home made Spaghetti Vongole (with fresh seafood), the Veal Escalope with Lemon and White Wine Sauce, the Prime Fillet Steak with Foie Gras and Madeira Wine Sauce and the Chicken Cordon Bleu – stuffed with Italian cheese and ham and served with a side order of fresh tomato sauce, plus Fresh Sole Meuniere with lemon and fresh herbs. Vegetables included sauteé potatoes and wilted spinach, courgettes and mange tout. Everything was absolutely delicious and cooked to perfection. After a twenty minute break, we decided to take a tentative look at the dessert menu and decided to share a couple of home made puddings between us.

Keeping to an Italian theme we went for the home made Tiramisu – to call this just an Italian Trifle would be an injustice – it was light, creamy and drenched in Marsala Wine – a must for boozy dessert lovers. We also shared the Pannacotta with Raspberry Coulis – a delicious creation of subtle vanilla mousse combined with a fresh fruit sauce reduced with sugar. All in all – Pasta Da Bruno works because of three reasons. The food is excellent, the waiters are probably the best in Marbella and the owners are always very much in evidence.

The Da Bruno restaurant group began operating in Marbella in 1994 with the launch of Pasta Da Bruno this was followed by the opening of Da Bruno a Casa (1999), Da Bruno a Cabopino (2001), Da Bruno sul Mare (2002), Da Bruno a San Pedro (2005) and recently Da Bruno Cabopino Take Away and Delicatessen (2008).

Some of the house specialities we would recommend, include: Foie Gras, with caramelised apple and honey, Beef carpaccio with parmesan, Veal with tuna sauce, Endives with gorgonzola, pear and walnuts to start and Linguini with prawns, Fettucine with lobster, Beef cordon bleu with ham and cheese and double entrecote with bernaise sauce are also a delight.

For bookings or more information call: 952831918 or check out: www.dabruno.com

Rosmarino de La Piazza, Elviria is another force to be reckoned with when it comes to superb Italian and international cuisine. This family run restaurant offers  a choice of delicious dishes with Andalucian and Italian influences, combined with an excellent wine list and a superb location.

Some of the most delicious dishes we have tried here include: warm goat´s cheese with spinach and honey, perfumed with truffles, tagliatelle with king prawns, fresh tomato and rocket, foie gras lasagne, tournedos rossini with black truffles, foie gras and marsala wine sauce and roasted rack of lamb with provence herbs. For special occasions, try the fresh lobster salad. Home made pannacotta and tiramisu are just some of the delights that await you if you still have room after your main course.

For more information or to make a reservation at Rosmarino, call: 952 850148 or check out: www.rosmarinodellapiazza.com

Staying in Elviria, Da Carlo Restaurant opened in April, 2010 to rave reviews. Situated on the second slip road from the main Elviria turn off, towards Marbella at KM 191, this elegant restaurant serves a range of delicious dishes, including a full a la carte menu and weekly specials. Situated in Avenida Las Cumbres, and open from 5pm, Monday to Saturday, Da Carlo offers luxurious surroundings and gourmet food at incredible prices. From lobster and chateaubriand to the very best pasta and pizza, Da Carlo also offers plenty of street parking nearby.

For more information or to book a table, call:  952 835195 or contact: dacarlorestauranteelviria@yahoo.com

Puerto Banus is home to some of the coast´s best restaurants, but one of the most popular eateries in the port is Pizzeria Picasso. Situated on the water´s edge with a large terrace and great views of the Marina, this popular eaterie ranks amongst one of the busiest in Banus.

Although Picasso´s specialises in Pizzas, which also prove to be a great favourite with the younger diners, there are many more dishes to choose from – all of which are equally delicious.

Our favourites include the Spaghetti Vongole, prepared with home made pasta and fresh seafood, Veal Al Limon, pan fried with white wine and shallots, Pepperoni, Onion and Mozzarella Pizza, baked to crispy perfection in the stone oven, and Fillet Steak Pizzaola, served with spaghetti and a fresh tomato and cheese sauce.

If you still have room for a dessert, the choice is amazing.  Try the Tipsy Tiramisu with Marsala Wine or the Pannacotta with Raspberry Coulis.  Also on offer is a fabulous choice of Italian Ice Cream and Fresh Seasonal Fruit.

I always believe people vote with their feet where restaurants are concerned and the biggest recommendation for me is to see a place continually busy throughout the year.  This is definitely the case at Picasso´s, and the food is always fresh and plentiful.  Service is efficient and the food arrives quickly, which is a refreshing change!

Prices are more than reasonable, and this is a great family venue in an unbeatable location. For more information, phone: 95 281 3669 or check out: www.pizzeriapicasso.com If you are looking for an alternative to Spanish cuisine in Marbella and Puerto Banus, try one of the excellent Italian restaurants on your doorstep. Whether you fancy a quick pizza or a full dinner with lobster, fresh seafood, Italian wines and the very best meat dishes, you will find a restaurant near you to suit all budgets and tastes. Cin Cin!

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