Whenever I go on holiday, I always have at least one restaurant earmarked as a must-visit. Recently, however, I've made a few unfortunate choices and endured the withering look of my partner in dine—the shame of a poor restaurant pick weighing heavily on my conscience. I was ready to hand the reins over or accept a new strategy. Picking great restaurants has always been my thing, so when we decided to just stroll and smell, I was pretty excited. As we wandered the streets of Málaga late one evening, my husband squealed, "Smell that!". As the aroma of fire and carne enveloped our nostrils, I looked up to see a small-fronted establishment nestled on a little side street close to our lodgings. I was immediately giddy with the sight of a beautiful-looking lit fridge taking up half of the frontage filled with decadent cuts of prime beef. I was in.

Entering, we were greeted by an interior adorned with rough plasterboard and a wall of wine; it looked fancy but not uncomfortably so. The rough finish of the walls and good lighting provided a cosy and rustic ambience, and my tummy began to rumble.

We were not disappointed, and when we took our second trip to Málaga for a few days, we had to return, we like to check that places are as good as our memory serves.

The restaurant is on 2 levels with a table outside and a few rectangular tables on the first floor, then leading down to an almost cavern at the back, which has a selection of tables, all decked with linen and dimly lit; it's sexy without being opulent.

Given an option of where to sit, we decided on the first floor, as I'm a fan of sitting where people can see you dining, especially as it wasn't particularly busy and we wanted more custom for them on a quiet Monday; in fact, neither time were there many people sitting in.

Spain, of course, being known for its tapas, maybe the last thing people want is meat, but when you realise that Galician beef is some of the best in the world, it's a no-brainer.

Asador offers an extensive list of Spanish wines, cavas, and champagnes to keep any wine enthusiast happy with a great selection by the bottle and glass. Nothing makes me happier than being presented and poured straight from the bottle at my table. I opted for a Roble from Terrederos, 100% Tempranillo from my favourite region, Ribera Del Duero, at a mind-blowing conversion of around £4.30 a glass.

The menu offers a range of dishes from tartars to salads, with a few traditional offerings thrown in like Padrón peppers and croquetas, but it's the meat selection that is enough to get any carnivore ready to pounce.

There are pre-cut offerings ranging from 250g to 400g, along with top-shelf offerings such as their house rib eye aged for 50 days or more and the showstopper of premium Galician blonde aged 90 days, all available priced per kg. Alongside the Spanish offering, you can also get German Simmental and Black Angus Nebraska. There's no messing about here; it's carnivore heaven.

I've had my fair share of meat sweats in my time, and once again we opted for 400g of 40-day-aged Galician Blonde entrecôte, which, as I remember, was plentiful to share. Galician Blonde beef, also known as Rubia Gallega, is renowned for its exceptional flavour and tenderness. This beef comes from the Northwestern region of Spain from older cows and oxen, often retired cows that are raised on pasture for an extended period, resulting in a deep, rich flavour due to the marbling and intramuscular fat. Having observed other guests ordering one each of these steaks, I briefly considered doing the same, but I didn't want to overindulge on this occasion. I find there's real pleasure in finishing a meal still wanting more—it's what draws you back to a restaurant time and again. Those days of stuffing myself to the point of regret are well behind me.

Ordered rare and with a side of tomato salad, fries, and a pot of peppercorn, I couldn't contain my excitement/nervousness, thinking, "Will it be as good as last time?"

With wine poured, a rustic warm bread roll, and a selection of salts served, I was ready.

There was no need to be nervous; it arrived glistening like ruby quartz, sliced to perfection, and ready to be devoured.

It had a silky butter-like consistency with a flavour so beautiful with the essence of fire and complex flavour and rested to perfection, I'm not exaggerating. I've had more than my fair share of steaks, and this is the best I've ever been served in a restaurant, and now twice, my taste buds were in a heightened state. Pure perfection.

Because the Spanish also grow the best potatoes the side of home-cut fries, plus the tomato salad were full of flavour and seasoned like a dream. The peppercorn sauce mild and silky—lovely stuff.

The quality of meat here is simply exceptional. Combined with excellent service—relaxed yet attentive, with real attention to detail—this place has everything going for it. I imagine it gets rather hectic at weekends, but since I avoid cities then we benefited from a much more personal touch during our midweek visits.

The staff even took the time to jot down recommendations for the following day, mentioning that Asador now runs a seafood restaurant near the beach. Our next visit is already planned.

When the bill arrived, we were delighted once again. I'd happily have paid double that amount anywhere in the UK; honestly, it's worth booking a flight just for dinner. I reckon it would still work out cheaper.

Next time I visit, I'll ensure I leave room for a starter, or maybe just even go back the day after, which I did contemplate, to be fair. A wonderful experience and great little spot. When in Málaga, ensure you go; you won't regret it. I can't wait to go back to my favourite new Spanish carne, Cavern of Joy.


Asador Ovidio
C. Jose Denis
Belgrano, 11
Distrito Centro
29008
Malaga
Spain

1pm-12am Mon-Sun
https://asadorovidio.es