Malvarosa - Spanish Tapas, in Portobello

[wangi]

So I walking along the highstreet last saturday and the phantom chalker had been out and about, writing a description of each shop outside it.
Outside the shop that used to be "select" the writing read "(Soon to be) Spanish Food".

I am intrigued and excited.

[Sandra]

"Spanish Food" sounds good

[Mark Cameron]

Seems to be a hive of activity in the old Select unit but still no sign as to what it's going to be or when it'll be open. Does anyone have any confirmed intel.?

[bearcub]

[Porty]

Malvarosa- sound a bit cheesey?

[Bob Jefferson]

Had a quick chat with the owner the other day. If the food is any good at all, then I think it will prove to be very successful. Just what Portobello has been waiting for. He hopes to have it open within the next couple of weeks. Sounds like a Talkporty party waiting to happen?

[Sandra]

yes, noticed they are working hard to get the cafe/restaurant ready.

I'd be up for a talkporty party - its been ages since we've had a get together.

[Bob Jefferson]

Don't know how many covers they are planning but I reckon we could probably fill the whole place. How about it?

[Sandra]

yep I'm up for it.

[Maria]

[Sandra]

menu is now up and restaurant is opening on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to trying, its also a BYOB

[rapunzell]

did someone mention food?

[Puerto bella]

[Sandra]

went for tapas this evening - every table taken. Was really good would recommend (also saw Wangi and Mrs Wangi).

Food good, maybe made a few wrong choices with some dishes but overall delicious. Lovely puddings too.

Who fancies lunch on Saturday 15 or 22 Jan?

[Maria]

[Porty]

I'm in for a do However, POP and I are working 6 days a week at the moment including Saturdays until 3pm...............

[Bob Jefferson]

Can't do Saturday lunchtimes. Currently skint and off to Paris next month. But very keen to try lunch sometime soon and looking fwd to reading more reviews. What did Mr and Mrs Wangi make of it?

[Franck]

Was there last night and thought it was pretty good.The Hake & Prawn dish was my personal favourite.Good food,nice staff and decent prices.Fingers crossed it survives the transient nature of that particular property.

[wangi]

Yup, good service and good food - we enjoyed it.

EDIT: But if I was to be grumpy then it'd be the same grump as I had with "Sizzlers" and "Select" before it - those doors are bloody awful to get in/out and let in one hell of a draft!

[Sandra]

[Puerto bella]

Been there tonight with some friends - it was lovely.
Excellent service and yummy food.

[Mark Cameron]

Was in for lunch at the weekend and food was really good and the staff (and owner) super friendly.

Only downside was the price for lunch. They seem to have the same menu for lunch and dinner with no lunch discount so can make for an expensive lunch. I compare this with Tapa in Leith which offers a chef's selection of 7 tapas for an incredible £10.00 which feeds 2 of us (and they are always busy!).

now it might not be possible to offer similar in Malvarosa as not so many covers but perhaps a fixed deal might draw in the crowds at lunchtime?

[Grunk]

was it busy when you went in?

[Mark Cameron]

I'd say approx. half full (4 or 5 tables - 10 people).

[Porty]

[Makaveli]

Finally got a chance to go for lunch at Malvarosa today - it was very good indeed and the guy was very friendly and helpful.

They are also now doing a three for two at lunchtime which makes the lunch prices much more reasonable.

[Porty]

I've still not been yet and I feel i'm missing out- which I don't like

[magbagpuss]

Passed a couple of times yesterday afternoon and again in the evening and Malvarosa was shut . Must have tuesdays off ??

[Makaveli]

Yeah they are closed all day Tuesday.

[cassiem]

“ 9 out of 10- we were back visiting Portobello at the weekend and ate at the Mal on Saturday night. Very good value and service. May be back there this weekend”

[Porty]

Welcome cassie and glad you enjoyed malvarosa. Are you related to boney?

[cassiem]

No I don't know any Boney but my sis still lives in Porty. Didn't make the Mal but will try to make lunch after the Park event this week. That's if I can find somewhere safe to leave the dogs.

[seanie]

[Mark Cameron]

The lunchtime 3 for 2 deal only operates Monday to Friday unfortunately so won't be any good to me

If they could do same at a weekend (even for early bird bookers or somethng) then I'd definaltely be tempted back.

[rapunzell]

I eat so much garlic that I can barely taste it. Every time, I've got to have more and more garlic just to reach that old high...

I can now confirm that Malvarosa meets my garlic needs