Robert De Niro’s Culinary Adventure in Southern Spain: Where did he dine and what was on his plate?

Robert De Niro, one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, recently enjoyed a relaxing getaway in the picturesque town of Ronda, located in the province of Malaga. Known for his deep appreciation of fine cuisine, De Niro’s trip to the Costa del Sol with his family turned into a gastronomic adventure, with the highlight being a visit to one of Spain’s top restaurants.

While exploring the historic center of Ronda, one can't help but wonder what his famous characters would think of the town. Would Al Capone, from The Untouchables, appreciate Ronda's old-world charm? Would Vito Corleone, the revered mafia boss from The Godfather, be captivated by the grandeur of La Real Maestranza de Caballería's bullring? Or perhaps Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver would take a moment to snap a selfie on the stunning Puente Nuevo (New Bridge)? What we do know is that Robert De Niro himself was thoroughly charmed by the town's beauty and cultural significance.

De Niro’s passion for food led him to Bardal, a renowned two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Ronda, helmed by the acclaimed chef Benito Gómez. Although such visits are often shrouded in secrecy, De Niro’s presence in Malaga didn't go unnoticed. The mayor of Ronda, Mari Paz Fernández, even shared a snapshot of the actor on Instagram, much to the delight of locals and fans alike.

Over the weekend, De Niro explored Ronda’s main attractions, including its famous gorge, before sitting down for a memorable lunch at Bardal on Saturday. The reservation for this highly sought-after restaurant had been secured weeks in advance, but it wasn’t until the day before that Chef Benito Gómez discovered he would be hosting the legendary actor.

“The day before, I found out that he was coming to dine at the restaurant, and it was truly an honor. We’re very happy that he enjoyed the experience,” said Gómez. He described De Niro as polite, approachable, and down-to-earth, adding that the actor didn’t request any special treatment or private accommodations. “He struck me as a very normal, elegant man, deeply interested in the culinary arts, but without any eccentricities,” the chef noted.

So, what exactly did this global culinary connoisseur feast on at Bardal? De Niro indulged in the same tasting menu offered to other diners that day, a carefully curated selection of dishes priced at 180 euros. The menu, as detailed on the restaurant’s website, included a consommé of raw vegetables with elderflower, roasted tomato clamato, mushroom tart, tuna salad, picaña with green pepper, squid with onions, Payoyo cheese, and skewered rabbit with truffle. For dessert, the actor savored a variety of sweet treats, including mango and coconut, sweet potato and orange, and an assortment of petits-fours.

“He arrived with quite an appetite, so we also treated him to a molletito (soft bap) from Máximo and some croquettes from Tragatá. He was absolutely delighted,” shared Gómez. The chef had the opportunity to chat with De Niro briefly, and the actor expressed genuine appreciation for the cuisine and the chef’s craftsmanship.

De Niro enjoyed his meal so much that he left with several bags of molletes from Máximo, a bakery in Benaoján, Serranía de Ronda, which has been gaining recognition nationwide for its delicious products.

At 80 years old, Robert De Niro’s love for exceptional food remains as strong as ever. He has long been a vocal admirer of Spanish gastronomy. In 2022, he starred in the Madrid Fusion campaign, Invaluable Food, where he savored an exclusive menu prepared by five top chefs, including Mauro Colagreco, Joan Roca, Quique Dacosta, José Andrés, and Martín Berasategui. His fondness for Spain is well-known, and this recent visit to Malaga only further cements his affection for the country. Whether it’s opening a restaurant in Marbella or surprising fans at the Malaga Festival, De Niro’s connection to Spain runs deep.

For those inspired by De Niro’s visit and looking to explore the region further, there are plenty of opportunities to invest in the stunning properties available in Sotogrande, Marbella, Zagaleta, and other parts of Southern Spain. For more information, visit www.luxe-villa.com or email info@luxe-villa.com.