Venta Pula - Ojén

. This is a lorry drivers' caff. It serves mainly the drivers from the quarries just up the road, and other workmen. This has two consequences. Firstly, the servings are pretty big, seeking to satisfy the hunger of men involved in hard physical work. And secondly a table of three ladies is not a common sight! To get there you take the road out of Marbella past the La Canada shopping centre, up towards Ojen. You go past Ojen, then past the turn off to the Refugio de Juanar (unless you are taking up my suggestion for the lovely walk first see below , and then it's along on the left in a pine forest. Have been here several times, on the way back from the lovely walk along the Juanar valley. To do the walk, you take the turning to the Refugio de Juanar (very well signposted on the left, coming from Marbella , drive past the Refugio itself until the very end of the road. Park where you can and walk through the metal gates. Then just keep walking for 1.5 km, through a pine forest, an olive grove, a beautiful open valley in the hills, until you come to the look out point at the very end of the track, with its view down to Marbella and, on a clear day, over to Gibraltar and even North Africa. Totally traffic free, along a wide track, with just the sound of the birds. Delightful! One of the best walks ever. Then the same walk back, with a different perspective of the glorious countryside, get into the car and head for the Venta Pula for the best value meal you'll ever eat. The Venta Pula is set among pine trees with a large car/lorry park, right next to the picnic area for the forest. There's a crowded bar, a large dining room, and an outside terrace where a flock of hens were pecking at the bread that we dropped for them. Don't panic when they show you the menu. No, there are no prices marked. It's a three course set price menu. You'll be able to afford it, i promise you! When we were there last week the menu was the following: 1st course a choice of: Gazpacho, Savoury rice, Pasta in tomato sauce, or Mixed salad with goat's cheese. By the time you've eaten all this you'll feel pretty full, but there's more to come! 2nd course chicken and chips, fried mixed fish with vegetables, spicy chorizo sausages with potatoes, or eggs and chips. Puds rice pudding (Spanish style cold with a sprinkling of cinnamon , or creme caramel, or custard. All home made. A large bread roll and a drink (bottled water, beer, can soft drink or large glass of wine were included in the price. The price? Oh, didn't i mention it? For all that just 8 euros. €8. : .

Having left Ojen to do a circular drive back to La Cala de Mijas, we found Venta Pula. It was like a service station with lots of truckers, white van men, Spanish and tourists! Think 2 courses for 7 euros per person! Hubby and I had a main course each ... almond sauce meatballs (sauce was lukewarm and meatballs cool should have complained, but didn't) and tender pork in tomato sauce. Both came with the best chips ever! Go and see for yourself. The price included a drink, too. It was clean, basic and very noisy. Loved it! As we were full, we shared a pud which was a type of custard cake like creme caramel. Outside, we seemed to be surrounded by picnic and walking areas ... very nice indeed.

This place is very busy. We had a simple salad lunch, but to the Spaniards this is like a routier in France. A place for a hearty three course meal and a drink for a very reasonable price. Today whilst most of the folks on our coach tour had a panini and a glass of wing for 3€ we had a tuna salad and wine for 5€ each. And it was delicious.

It is a long time since we were so lucky to enjoy such a place. A place with history in the area, good prices, good and generous portions... nice place, great location after your mountain trip in beautiful Juanar or on you way between Monda, Marbella, Ojén... They are also the most helpful and warm hearted people I found in a veeeeeery long strecth of time, when it comes to a restaurant. This place is a must! If u miss it u are missing a good part of the spirit of this surroundings. Thank you again!!!

We have been coming for a few years beautiful setting typical Spanish venta which is old in the hills and value for money Sundays is great get here early to get a table beer 140 vino 120 tapas to die for also menu in English have half portions they are more than enough