La Taverna Review in the Dining Out Guide
A tavern in the Marina where you can not only enjoy the yacht view but delicious tapas and inexpensive drinks as well
The outdoor sitting area seems to be the most popular in this recently reborn version of La Taverna. Tables and stools give onto the view of the marina, yachts and other craft gently bobbing up and down. Bar stools provide more space for singles. Get there before sunset to watch the water change, reflecting the sky overhead. Lights come on along the marina, creating a romantic atmosphere with the cooling breeze of evening.
Service is quick and friendly, encouraging you to stay not only for an inexpensive beer ($11 pesos) but also to try something from their primarily seafood tapas menu. I went for the smoked oysters, served with slices of fresh cucumbers, lemon and hot sauce. My favorite was the flavorful red herring in both a spicey and Teriyaki version, served with a slice of pickled pepper. I also ordered the tender artichoke hearts, only missing perhaps a sauce to jazz up the dish.
In addition to fantastic fresh oysters, another specialty menu offers seafood dishes. Mussels with chipotle, an earthy chile with a pleasant bite, or oysters in a creamy-garlic colmilla sauce or maybe shrimp served in mango or tequila sauce or whatever style you prefer.
Inside the bar, find a much larger area, with booths all along the front, tall tables with bar stools along the side and the bar itself, a beautiful replica of the bar on a modern galleon, backed by a sizeable fish tank with real-live fish and turtles. Bathrooms are below and up above, a mezzanine area called the City Dump provides another sitting area for up to 32, surrounding the billiard table. Music videos play on several TVs throughout the room, providing a pleasant ambience.
