Christoph J.
Google
I have walked past Restaurante 34 plenty of times on plenty of trips to Nerja because, I'll be honest, from the roadside, it looks appalling. Tourist-types in shorts and trainers scoffing tapas and gulping beer, all under what looks like an ancient wood awning. I am probably exaggerating - lets get past it. People kept telling me 34 was really swish inside, so I did some research, saw the photos and the portfolio and took the plunge.
What a difference it makes walking through the door and ignoring my misgivings. There is elegance and refinery dripping out of every pore of this place, accepting perhaps the staff who are kitted in black t-shirts and jeans / leggings - 34 seems to cry out for collars, blouses and trousers. Clientele understandably as equally casual - it was a hot September - but I like to keep the British end up and wore a jacket. You can keep really cool in a jacket... go on try it - you can also look cool. The chic looking lady diners on their finery were almost all let down by men in cheap looking holiday gear. I digress, but it makes a point about expectations, I suppose, and I dressed well because my expectations had been raised very high.
The setting is lovely, a wine bar, a salon, a lobby, all beautifully upholstered before you even get to the four tier light tinkled, flower bordered restaurant and the tumbling view into Nerja's coastal night. There's even a small swimming pool. Tables are hidden all over the place, offering discreet dining for those who want it. The lower terraces are more open plan, tighter packed but still private enough, although you do overhear those who can't keep thier voices down. Lovely place settings.
Service itself was good, but occasionally distracted - I noted one floor waiter quietly admonish another when he noticed I had not received a menu while people seated after me had - an incident with spilt wine [not mine!!] was not noticed at all and was too slowly dealt with, although it was eventually dealt with well - and everyone was very polite and appeared to be bi- or tri- lingual.
Food was excellent. A little amuse bouche, a fine starter of anchovies on a pulp tomato base, the salt from the fish tainting the sweet tomatoes just enough; a huge lamb rump which I asked for well done as I detest blood on my plate, with succulent vegetables. It perhaps needed a more robust sauce, but I couldn't fault what I ate.
Wine was a superb crianza from David Moreno, recommended by 34 and a good recommendation.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my visit. 34 is busy and you must book - you must also bring a healthy appetite. Very good indeed. Thank you.
