Elena G.
Google
During our Paradores tour through southern Spain, traveling with my husband and our baby, we had lunch at A Mar in Jerez de la Frontera—and this was, without any doubt, one of those meals that reminds you why you love eating out in Andalusia. I gave this restaurant five stars, and I would absolutely return and recommend it wholeheartedly, especially to anyone who appreciates top-quality seafood done with respect, simplicity, and confidence.
A Mar is clearly a restaurant that takes its product very seriously. From the moment you sit down, there is a sense that seafood is the absolute star here, and everything else exists to support it rather than distract from it. The atmosphere is lively but not chaotic, professional yet relaxed, and overall very comfortable—even when dining with a baby. While it’s not a silent place, the energy feels natural and pleasant, and we never felt out of place or like we were disturbing anyone by being there as parents. The pace of service was well judged, which always helps when you’re juggling a meal and a baby at the table.
We started with white prawns from Huelva, and they were absolutely outstanding. Fresh, sweet, perfectly cooked, and served in a way that lets the product speak for itself. These were genuinely memorable—exactly the kind of dish that reminds you how extraordinary simple seafood can be when the quality is there. We also ordered garlic prawns, which were just as impressive: fragrant, well-balanced, not overly oily, and full of flavor without being heavy. Both prawn dishes were exceptional and set the tone for the rest of the meal.
We then ordered a tuna tataki, which was quite good. The tuna itself was of solid quality, nicely seared, and correctly seasoned. It may not have been the most spectacular dish of the meal compared to the prawns, but it was well executed and enjoyable, and it fit nicely into the overall seafood-focused menu.
The fried calamari were another highlight. Light, crisp, and perfectly fried, with no heaviness or greasiness—exactly how this dish should be done. It’s one of those plates that often feels generic elsewhere, but here it was clearly prepared with care and attention to detail. Simple, honest, and very satisfying.
The wine we had was also quite good—more than acceptable, well chosen for the food, and easy to drink. It complemented the seafood nicely without overpowering it, and again reflected a menu that is thoughtfully put together rather than overcomplicated.
From a service point of view, everything worked smoothly. The staff were professional, efficient, and friendly, without being intrusive. Dining with a baby often requires a bit of flexibility and understanding, and here we felt comfortable and well looked after. There was no rush, no tension, and no awkwardness—just a well-run restaurant doing its job properly.
The only weak point of the entire experience was the dessert. We ordered profiteroles with chocolate and vanilla ice cream, and while it was pleasant enough, it didn’t live up to the standard set by the rest of the meal. The vanilla ice cream lacked the characteristic black vanilla seeds that usually indicate real vanilla, and overall the dessert felt generic and uninspired compared to the excellence of the savory dishes. It wasn’t bad, but it was forgettable—and in a restaurant that does so many things right, the desserts clearly lag behind.
That said, this is a very minor criticism in an otherwise excellent experience. A Mar is a restaurant I would happily return to, and one I strongly recommend—especially for seafood lovers. Outstanding prawns, excellent fried fish, solid wine choices, and a welcoming environment that works even when traveling with a baby. My advice: come for the seafood, enjoy every bite, and don’t worry too much about dessert. This place is absolutely worth it.
