Smallworld, BIG TASTE — Society Marbella

Smallworld is the perfect cafe hangout. It describes itself as ‘an urban oasis in the heart of the golden mile’, and as we found out, it really is a wonderful retreat, where exciting dishes and customer experience are the main priority

Open from 12:30pm until 01:00am Monday to Saturday, Smallworld serves lunch, a fine dining dinner, and late night cocktails.

On this occasion I visited with a friend. We instantly felt relaxed, the staff were so welcoming, helpful, and passionate.

Browsing the menu we were instantly drawn to the tuna tataki, one of Smallworlds staple dishes, which was served with fresh edamame beans, a spicy yellow aji sauce, and finished with spring onion and the fresh crunch of cucumber.

Tuna tatiki - served with fresh edamame beans, a spicy yellow aji sauce, and finished with spring onion and fresh crunch of cucumber.

Taste buds sufficiently excited, we decided to order a bottle of Cuveé DesLices Rosé, as recommended by our waitress - because no meal is complete without a wonderful bottle of wine to match.

The next plate we ordered was the buffalo chicken wings... and these aren’t your average chicken wings. The tender meat was encased in a light batter, and the meat - so succulent - fell off the bone. On the side was a Carolina slaw: acidic, creamy, crunchy - the perfect accompaniment.

For our main course we opted for the duck pancakes. Our duck was served perfectly crisp, alongside the standard sides of spring onion, cucumber, and a sweet hoisin sauce. We generously piled up our pancakes, which were made of coconut, savouring every, single mouthful

On the side we had the Smallworld salad - a colourful, nourishing bowl of delicious goodness, drizzled in a light french mustard dressing. The option to add cajun chicken was far too tempting to refuse.

Our next dish I was a little skeptical about. ‘Pumpkin Tower’ sounded rather ambiguous, but I always did like to take a risk...and it certainly paid off. In fact, it might just have been one of my favourite dishes of the evening: the roasted pumpkin was piled high, layered with sauteed spinach, drizzled with truffle oil, and finished with a poached egg; the golden yolk oozing down the side of the tower.

No meal is complete without something sweet, and I just can’t resist a warm, gooey brownie when it’s on the menu. Everything I wanted and more, the brownie was served with a soft vanilla ice cream, and drizzled with a chocolate syrup. My friend went for the blueberry cheesecake, which was surprisingly light and creamy. We cleared our plates in seconds, chasing the sweet dessert down with one of Smallworlds signature coffees.

I have a feeling this boho-chic hangout could fast become one of my new favourite go-tos: delicious food, friendly staff, and an exciting cocktail menu to match. Those who prefer to eat a more plant-based diet or gluten-free menu are also accommodated for, just let the waiter know when you arrive, and they’ll happily make sure the chef caters to your requirements.

Tucked away, just a few minutes from the main town of Marbella, Smallworld feels like my own personal hideaway... but I have a feeling it won’t be for long. Add this one to your list, you won’t regret it.

@smallworldmarbella

smallworldcafe.com