Queens Tribune

220-33 Northern Blvd, Bayside
(718) 423-0100
CUISINE: Spanish/Continental
HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Fri.-Sun. 11 a.m. to midnight
CREDIT CARDS: All major
PARKING: Garage above restaurant

Marbella Restaurant offers just what you would hope to experience in a classic Continental cuisine restaurant. The menu is filled with fresh fish, gorgeous salads, succulent chops and unique dishes, and the place boasts an atmosphere that lets you slip away to a foreign land where people relax over conversation while dining on well-prepared feasts.

The menu may throw some off, since a Spanish menu dominates, yet a space is set aside for Italian specialties. But don’t let it fool you. The Mediterranean coast lines Italy, France and Spain, and so many of those cuisines blend along the shores of that crystal blue water.

Naturally, fresh fish and shellfish are some of the house specialties, with such tasty delights as Mussels In Whiskey, Clams In Green Sauce, Crab Meat and Shrimp Salpicon, and Shrimp in a White Cream Garlic Sauce – and that’s part of the appetizer menu.

The rest of the appetizers fill out with a Canapé of Sausage and Mushroom, Artichoke Hearts in a Vinaigrette and Fried Bananas. These dishes are complimented by a wonderful onion soup, Galician Soup, and a standard Gazpacho Andaluz and some simple salads.

Moving on to the entrees, the Filet of Sole sautéed in Butter Parsley and an Almond Sauce is delish as is the Filet of Sole and Shrimp in a Mushroom and Champagne Sauce. Want something a bit meatier? Be sure not to miss some of the many steaks, the rack of lamb and the filet mignon.

But you’re in a Spanish restaurant, so you need to stick with the standard – you cannot go wrong with the Arroz Con Pollo, which adds sausage to the popular chicken and rice dish. If it is luxury you are seeking, try the Paella a la Valenciana, which is a creamy dish filled with seafood, chicken rice and sausage, and so smooth you can feel it melting in your mouth.

When you’re done you have your choice of many standard desserts, as well as a super-rich Flan – a traditional Spanish custard related to the French Crème Caramel – or sink your fork into the Crepes Marbella, which is sweet, served with vanilla ice cream and portioned for sharing.

This place has been a mainstay on Northern Boulevard for years, and is still one of the foremost places for Spanish cuisine in Queens. Enjoy!