El Cocinero - Santander

Terrific dinner, one of our best in Spain. We had the marinated salmon, special of the day (sea bass, tomato burrata salad, all of it of the highest quality, with attentive service and charming surroundings. Delicioso!!

Santander has a great deal to offer, lots of choice, mostly just used by passengers awaiting the ferry back to UK. Most places offer all that's good and most make visitors very welcome. It has to be remembered however that Spanish Culture differs enormously from that of the Northern Europeans. To make the most of what El Cocinero has to offer its first important to relax, be tolerant of delay and embrace the local ways. The waiters generally speak better English than most customers, but at least try a few words in Spanish, then having started ask for advice about the menu. It all gets better and easier thereafter. NEVER be in a hurry, if your time is limited just go to MacDonalds ! The food at El Cocinero is expertly prepared ,carefully served and delicious, ask for advice about the wines, your wont get ripped off and whatever is served is always a good match for the food. Share a dish or two just for the experience, they are happy to serve a dish to share or a banquet, no pressure just good food. You wont regret your visit and probably like us you will return.

We found El Cocinero by coincidence. Our mistake was not to check before the opinions on Tripadvisor. The place is cool and the views from the terrace over Santander bay were nice. We waited more than normal to get the attention of the waiters. We waited again to get the drinks that we ordered. We waited more again to place the orders and much more to have the food on the table. The Rape with crema de mostaza (Monkfish with mustard sauce) was bland and swimming in a pool of yellow sauce that didn 't impress. The Croquetas de jamón y de boletus (Croquettes of ham and mushrooms balls) were horrible; the cured ham had passed the date and the paste in the others was like glue. The Apple tart had the pastry like chewing gum. I noticed that the man that looked like the manager was serving the dishes at one stage with both hands while speaking on his mobile phone held between his head and his left shoulder, I never had seen this before in any restaurant in the world. This place could be a success with a new management and better cooks.

No hay bar con más encanto y con mejores vistas! como si te alejas de la ciudad mientras que en ella, mientras podamos ir! el muelle y el tataki es unico!

Las noches en santander son otra cosa desde que esta terraza se abrió! y ya cuando sirves la comida. ¡No hay manera de ser desanimado! arriba! ≤3