I cannot remember the last time I visited a restaurant where everything was perfect, so so good I was compelled to return. Someone said true hospitality is a feeling and Soleo gives you that feeling in a very large measure.

Nothing can beat the setting of Soleo the beach restaurant offering part of the El Fuerte hotel whose executive chef team, Ladislao Comins, with Jorge Serrano and Alexis Rocha are responsible for the exquisite food we experienced. In great company 5 Michelin star chef Paco Perez is a stone’s throw away at the rooftop restaurant Edge inside the hotel, a more formal affair open only for dinner which based on the experience at Soleo I cannot wait to try too, although when I tried to book it doesn’t appear to be open at the moment.

The Soleo setting is absolutely spectacular, we visited without a reservation for an early dinner, late lunch around 4.30pm. All I can tell you is the photos do not do this magnificent restaurant justice. The colours, the blue of the ocean, the purple Mediterranean sky and the interiors of Jaime Beriestain originally hailing from Santiago Chile are pure magic. The red and white stripes, of the furniture, the dark wood, fine white table linen and easy breezy vibes inside prepare you for what is in store.

It’s relaxed and refined at the same time but completely unpretentious, with lookie lookie men outside chatting with dinners close to the outer perimeter. We were nosey to see what they had. It was respectful not pestering. Two worlds colliding in a lovely jovial trade. The staff attentive but not over bearing. It’s interesting and stimulating all at once and you are definitely filled with anticipation of what’s to come when the delicious olive oil drenched from the inside loaf of bread crusted in sea salt appears with a side of marinated tomatoes sweet and delectable, something you didn’t order, the like of which you’ve never tasted before.

We ordered a simple feast of 5 tomato salad, sounds unexciting but it wasn’t, the finest of ingredients a crafty ensemble, vegetable tempura with the lightest crispiest batter and salty Asian style dipping sauces, one thick and creamy, one light and flavoursome.

But it was the Patatas Bravissima that was the star and like nothing we’d ever tried before. So good we spent a good part of the meal talking about a pop up street venture serving only that and how you would make millions if you could reproduce it over and over again in isolation. We are returning to eat it again before leaving the Costa Del Sol. Even the waiter was unable to describe it, saying only it’s very different.

What arrived was heaven on a plate.

The restaurante Soleo is open from 11am to midnight every day and takes last food orders at 11.30pm.

If you are in the South of Spain, this spot is worth driving for. I’d drive a million miles for one of your smiles, I’d drive 50km at least to eat the Patatas Bravissima again.

For meat and fish lovers the menu is extensive, loads of seafood options and from the grill they offer steaks and chicken dishes.

There are amazing Rice and Noodle dishes too. And the wine served, we just ordered house white, casually poured from an open bottle was crisp, clean, fruity and totally delicious. The wine list looked extensive but hold onto your wallet.

Meat and seafood mains cost between €35 and €60 if you choose wagu beef or lobster but if you stick with salads and veggie sides, the portions are hearty and with a glass of wine, beautiful bread and still water you can be in and out completely satiated having had a truly five star experience with every sense stimulated to the nth degree for €40 per person.

This restaurant is a must visit. A truly spectacular spot that will be remembered for a very long time and certainly a reason to return to Marbella.