El Timonel

Description:

• Since 1997, discerning diners have headed for the domain of chef/owner Jaime Sauz, whose restaurant lies 2 blocks east of the Plaza de Toros. The comfortable, cozy interior is decorated like a yacht, evocative of the chef's use of fresh fish and seafood. Expect bass, flounder, red mullet, and a delectable local white fish called lliva. The fish is usually grilled. Señor Sauz believes if the product is fresh enough, it doesn't have to be mucked up with a lot of sauces. One of the best dishes is dorada a la sal, gilthead sea bream baked in a coating of salt to seal in its juices. Rice dishes blended with seafood (similar to paella) have always been one of the mainstays of the local diet, and excellent ones are served here -- none better than arroz de bogavante, or rice with prawns and lobster. For meat eaters, we recommend chuletón de buey (breaded oxtail steaks) or chuleticas de cordero lechal (small spring lamb cutlets).

• © Frommer's 2013

Awards:

Frommer's

•  Recommended 2010