Escuela De Hosteleria Castillo Del Marques

It's a catering college offering good value meals served and cooked by students so you would not expect perfection! They open once a week to the public for a 4 course lunch for €23, so potentially good value. The food was very regional, which it should be and was cooked well but not exceptional. Service should have been good as there were at least 12 waiting staff for about 60 diners. Sadly the service did not live up to expectations. It was very disorganised and the two or three training staff did not seem to offer much direction at all. To sum it up, it took 3 and a half hours to serve our lunch. OK, we were not in a hurry and the surroundings are fabulous but I think they could do better. As I said, it's difficult to rate as it may have been their very first service to real customers. We will try again at the end of their term in the summer to see if they are any better. So, if you have plenty of time to have a good lunch in an old castle, go for it, but don't complain if it is not up to your expectations- they are trying hard!

OK, so it is a cookery school you expect the students to make the odd mistake or two. However, we had a great time with a lovely menu and really enjoyed the whole experience. Worth 4 stars but not quite 5! The place looks great from the outside it really is an old castle and looks the part. However, someone needs to pay attention to the outside space too. Inside was immaculate but there was rubbish and empty cigarette packets on outside windowsills etc. This needs to be sorted out 1st impressions count and it is a lesson all the students need to learn. You get a five course menu for €23 (just open on Thursdays). I thought we got good value for money. We also added the wine deal with a different wine with each course so take a taxi! The waitress who served our wine so so nervous at the start that her hand was shaking! But we tried to put her at ease and she was great after that. The starter was a lovely spiced cream of vegetable soup, with three wonderful parcels of apple purée giving it a special touch. I also loved the sole perfectly cooked. The menu changes every week and you get no choices. But I would not hesitate to go back.

If you are not already aware and want somewhere to blow the myth that Spanish cuisine is just a variation of traditional paella and tapas, this is just the place to put those ideas to rest. The grand dining area compliments the modern stylish food presentation which is only available Wednesday and Thursday lunchtimes Mid October to 3rd week of December they then reopen Mid January to the 3rd. week of May reservation therefore are essential. They offer a 5 course set menu which changes every week. It is somewhat of a lottery as to exactly what you are likely to get on the day but based on our party's experience and comments, I think there should be no problem with whatever choice of dish they serve. Tasty innovative flavour combinations made the whole dining experience an occasion to savour. Our party of six was regaled with Poached egg Florentina for starter, we continued with a potage comprising of cod, chickpeas, spinach chard, the actual fish course was local Dorada (gilt head) described as being served with a citrus aroma in a vermouth sauce, our main of cheese encrusted solomillo of pork with seasonal vegetables and finally for dessert a very rich cheese cake with nuts. There were two choices for the wine pairings, either local Andalucian or National plus a local Malaga dessert wine to top the feast off. Good food in very grand surroundings at a reasonable price, which means we will be definitely returning for another sampling in the near future.

Booked four of us in for the 'tasting menu ' in this unusual but beautiful Castillo. The interior was bright and airy and the pleasant staff were well presented in their uniforms. The menú included everything from fish, vegetables, cheese, meat, fruits, etc etc . The wine matched very well with each course and the food was amazing.... we all agreed that this was a memorable occasion and we would definitely return. So well done to all involed in this Escuela de Hosteleria!!

This was our third visit to this cookery school restaurant. It can only be described as a wonderful experience in so many ways.Quality of ingredients,superb dishes,and very attentive staff,combined within an historical architectural masterpiece. If this is typical of the standard of student the school is producing then it bodes well for the area. We shall return many times for a truly outstanding gastronomic delight. Reservations only.