One of the things we really like about the location of Costa Esuri is that it is just as easy to eat out in Portugal as it is in Spain. Add to that the fact Portugal is one hour behind Spain and you have the ability to leave home at say 9pm yet still eat at just after 8pm!

Now I’ll admit, my children do not have the most varied of diets – “I don’t like that” “it’s not cooked the way I like it” etc etc. so when we were told about the Mars Bar is Manta Rota Portugal we were interested.

It’s not what you would call a chic restaurant – it doesn’t boast the best location overlooking the coast nor does it have an enormously varied menu BUT we think it is fantastic.

They serve the best Chicken Skewer kebabs I’ve ever tasted and my eldest son just loves their foot long hotdogs!

From the outside it looks like a roadside beach bar but in view of the number of reservations (very difficult to get a table unless you book in advance if arriving after about 8pm) there are clearly plenty of other people who enjoy good food and good value.

I’m sure you won’t be disappointed by the food so I’ll give you directions for you to give it a try next time you’re in Esuri.

Take the motorway into Portugal and take the second exit sign posted to Monte Gordo.

Follow the road to the”T” junction of the 125 where you turn right (away from Monte Gordo).

After a few miles you go straight over a few roundabouts until you see one signposted to Manta Rota (DO NOT TAKE THIS TURN) but continue for further mile or so until you see another sign to Manta Rota where you turn left and follow the road down towards the coast.

The Mars Bar is on the right amongst other shops and restaurants – you should see the sign but it is a little difficult to see as the patio area is set back off the road.

Probably takes about 15 minutes to get there – let me know what you think.

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I don’t make negative comments about places but do like to give praise where deserved.

2 quick recommendations. I have 2 young boys so my choice of restaurants is probably not as I’d really like due to the fussy nature of their tastes!

In Ayamonte we went to the Pizzeria (I think that’s what it’s called) just by the town car park near the 90 degree bend in the road where the river joins the harbour. Great selection of pizzas and very friendly staff. Quiet when we got there at about 8pm but pretty full by about 9.30pm.

The second is in the Marina at Isla Canela. At least that what I think it is but the card says Punta del Morai – must learn my way around!! It’s about 15 minutes drive via Ayamonte but well worth it.

The owners, Les & Cyndi, are from Australia but the restaurant is called Bella Napoli (can you see the theme re my sons tastes?). We stopped for lunch yesterday and I was really impressed. Very child friendly – the Spanish waiter was really cool and very helpful. Both Les and Cyndi went out of their way to talk to us and check everything was OK. The food was very good and also good choice for the kids. Hopefully they can keep this up in the busier summer months.

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