A traditional homecooked meal at Venta La Rufana

One of my all-time favorite, down-to-earth restaurants when you're craving home cooking and don't feel like doing it yourself.

As far as my memory goes, my family has been coming to this place for years. A family-owned estate located right beside the 'carretera de Fuentebravía' or highway of Fuentebravía in the coastal town of El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz.

As a kid, I remember coming here and playing on the swings, visiting the hens with their chicks, and investigating the vegetable gardens on the nearby farm. A family and kid-friendly place, you'll want to feast your eyes on each delectable dish that's been freshly cooked with love as if you were right at home.

You won't have trouble with parking as it's spacious and freely accessible. I always recommend making reservations ahead of time just in case, especially on weekends. The atmosphere is open, peaceful, and inviting with natural country-style surroundings. If the weather's nice, it's a great idea to sit outside on the generous terrace ready to accommodate large groups if necessary.

Enjoy an ice-cold Cruzcampo beer on tap or select a sumptuous wine as you open your appetite with some complimentary olives and look through the menu.

One of my favorite entrée dishes is the oh-so-ever-popular 'Pollo al ajillo' or garlic chicken. This is for all you garlic fans out there just like me. Get ready to sink your teeth into crisp and tender pieces of pan-fried chicken, slow-cooked in abundant and fragrant garlic-wine sauce. A palatable platter that you won' want to miss out on.

There are so many dishes to choose from so go with your gut. If it's your first time, make sure to try the fresh, fried fish, whether it's 'Gallo empanado' breaded megrim sole fish, the 'Merluza frita' fried hake fish, or the classic 'Chocos fritos' fried cuttlefish. The garlic prawns are also a great crowd pleaser and go well as an appetizer. Make sure to soak some bread in the delectable sauce!

Afterward, I suggest selecting the main course of any of their homemade dishes such as the garlic chicken as I mentioned before, the 'Urta a la roteña' sea bream in a rich tomato and pepper sauce or the 'Rabo de toro' classic bull's tail. On the lighter side, but very tasty, you can opt for the 'Brocheta de mero' fresh grilled grouper fish skewer.

Every dish is served with your choice of house salad, homemade fries, or both. Also, if you're looking for something a tad more exclusive, you can ask the waiter/waitress for the fresh catch of the day or dishes that are 'Fuera de carta' off the menu. We were in luck because fresh artichokes were in season. In this case, they were lightly sauteed in olive oil, wine, morsels of cured ham, and garlic. Scrumptious!

After your hearty meal, and if you still have room for more, don't miss out on their homemade desserts and a nice, freshly brewed cup of coffee. They may also ask if you want a 'Chupito' or a digestive shot after your meal which is normally a sweet and strong herb licor, sometimes coffee or lemon-flavored. You can also ask for the non-alcoholic versions which are available upon request, just say 'Sin alcohol'.

If you're accompanied by children, you can take them to the playground area for some fun or take a stroll around the premises. This is a great place to go with your loved ones and treat yourselves to an excellent culinary delight.

I will always be a satisfied customer thanks to Venta La Rufana. Let me know if you check this lovely place out for yourselves and remember to savor every bit of it. Enjoy!