Mar 27 2015

Mar Plata Restaurant, located in San Pancho, serves up Argentinian and Belgian cuisine in an intimate and unique setting.  The tables are rustic, constructed from old wooden doors, and the wooden chairs are mismatched, a few in shades of purple and blue, with varying back heights. Lush, green plants throughout the restaurant and hanging ceiling lanterns add to the romantic ambiance. “What I like about Mar Plata is that you’re in San Pancho and you don’t expect to find a restaurant like this. At night it is really spectacular with the lights,” said Mariana Johnson, manager of Mar Plata.

The menu is varied, with a good mix of steak, seafood, and pasta, and a focus on incorporating as many local products as possible. “One of our most popular items is the fried calamari with avocado, mint and yoghurt puree. All of our steaks are also very popular, as well as the mahi mahi with tomatillo sauce,” stated Mariana. The steaks are Argentinian grilled, all of the fish is locally sourced and extremely fresh, and the desserts are not to be missed. “Our desserts are the best, of the best, of the best. Our chocolate fondue is made with Belgian chocolate,” said Mariana.

Mar Plata offers several specialty cocktails and all of them are made fresh to order. The guava margarita, made with guava, hibiscus, and tequila, is unique and is a big hit. An impressive wine list features a variety of Mexican, Italian, Argentine, French, and Spanish options.

The restaurant also has live entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays. Olivia De La Cruz, an American singer/songwriter of soulful, lyrical songs, performs on Saturdays, and Café Canela, who plays Bolero and Latin American music, is there on Sundays.

The space can hold up to 150 people, which makes it an ideal location for weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries, and other special occasions. “It’s a good place to have a glass of wine, relax, and enjoy the night, and the service will make you feel at home. It is very personable,” Mariana shared.