Restaurante Posada Del Mar

Fantastic experience in Santander. I really don't know about the other restaurants here. I mean, I visited La Bombi about 15 years ago and I liked it but I don't think I can compare. But lunch today at La Posada del Mar has been a fish-eating experience that could probably be placed close to Elkano's (Getaria) level. At least in the fish quality, maybe not so much in preparation, but not bad at all at that in any case. Of course the atmosphere is quite the "Santander thing". So, at one table close to us we have two fiftysomething women commenting on whatsapp messages they've sent to each other, on "how much they like to be invited", or on where they have stored their savings. On other table, what I understand are two Basque Magefesa ex-executives are paying lunch for a couple that seems linked to De Longhi and talk In a very excited way about frying pans and coffee makers. So it is not a romantic scene, if you catch my meaning. But all inconvenience linked to this "seventies business" atmosphere is forgotten when they bring the fish. I'm lucky enough today (I wasn't at Elkano two days ago) because they do offer salmonete a la plancha here. It is perfectly cooked and with a traditional garlic & cayenne dressing that works quite right. My partner orders merluza (she's kind of an addict) and says it is also wonderful. Merluza is also the option for kids (battered & fried for them, and accompanied by chips as orthodox Anglophile children like). Everything is delicious. We previously have some rabas (calamares I would say, because batter is simple, flour-based, beautiful anyway), gambas gabardina (good but rather scarce and expensive, not as special as the other dishes) and berenjenas fritas (lovely!). This comes at about €50 / head so it's not cheap but at this (unforgettable) quality levels, you happily accept. Summer in this beautiful city may be getting too old and conservative (the fact that my mother in law likes to come here on holidays does not really help). But today's experience at La Posada del Mar has really convinced me: you can eat wonderfully here.