Finding a genuinely good breakfast spot on the Costa del Sol can prove harder than it should be.
Too many places charge premium prices for frozen pastries, bizarre sausages and sad attempts at an English breakfast.
But one new venue in San Pedro de Alcantara, Marbella, is quickly building a reputation for doing things properly.
Brunches, tucked away in the heart of San Pedro, is banged out every morning, and it’s no surprise why.
The star of the show is the American pancakes with maple syrup (€5.50), which may genuinely be the best pancakes we have tried anywhere on the Costa del Sol.
They arrive fluffy and perfectly light, with just the right amount of maple syrup poured on top.
The bacon is proper American-style bacon too – crispy, smoky and salty enough to perfectly balance the sweet syrup.
Two full portions of pancakes with bacon and maple syrup plus two coffees came to just over €17 in total – remarkable value considering the quality and portion sizes (and the Marbella postcode).
But it is not just the pancakes attracting the crowds.
The churros are another standout. We tried the classic patata churros, which had the ideal texture: crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy in the middle, without being greasy.
The accompanying chocolate sauce tasted exactly how traditional Spanish churros chocolate should – thick, rich and comforting.
The menu is extensive too, ranging from acai bowls and eggs Benedict to toasties, croissants, smoothies and full English breakfasts.
And unlike many places that claim to offer an ‘English breakfast’, Brunches actually gets it right, including proper English-style bacon that is surprisingly difficult to find in Spain.
The atmosphere is relaxed and buzzing, with tables packed out almost every morning by a mix of locals, expats and tourists who seem to already know they have stumbled onto something special.
The staff are also friendly and attentive, even when under pressure (which is every day).
If you go once, you will almost certainly go back.
Brunches is 100% Spanish Eye approved and definitely a local gem.
Read more Andalucia news at the Spanish Eye.
