The atmosphere is almost "home-style" where the regulars greet each other and often join their small tables to eat together. But there is also much romance in the air! Just say "table for two" and you will find yourself nestled among fine paintings, fabric covered walls, and crystal candlelight chandeliers. Most of these romantic tables are set up near a window adding further ambiance with a pretty view of the city.

The food is absolutely wonderful, although impossible to finish! Part of this restaurant's tradition is to give many, many extras such as complimentary after-dinner cordials and candies. It is also not uncommon for the chef to come out and introduce himself to the patrons of the evening. It is amazing that such a fine restaurant experience can be had for such an inexpensive price!

It is set in the historic Santa Cruz district, not too far of a walking distance from the historic area of the cathedral and Reales Alcazar!

There are 3 different dining areas and although it is always busy, there is usually a table available for a party of 4 or less without much wait, however it is probably better to make reservations. Our dining experiences were always lengthy affairs as is the case for most diners there, though this isn't a reflection of the service which was professional and outstanding, but more a Spanish tradition. One time we dined until 1am and though they never mentioned they wanted to close, we realized we were the last ones there and exited shortly.

The ambience is upscale but comfortable and diners are fully relaxed and conversational. The bright magenta walls add to the character of the atmosphere. The cost of a gourmet meal here is very reasonable by American standards.

However the best feature of San Marcos (as it should be in a restaurant) is its fantastic cuisine. Pasta, fish, fowl and meat dishes abound along with several vegetable accompaniments. The appetizers are superb especially the carpaccio options and the salads (carpacio de salmon with black capers and the Gorgonzola salad were my favorites in these groups). I could have eaten there every night during my stay and still not have been able to try all the entrees. Fortunately each of my friends ordered different entrees and so we had ample opportunity to taste several different dishes. However, I was enraptured by the salmon au gratin over spinach with mushrooms and had to order it again. Another time, I enjoyed a big piece of beef fillet called solomillo de ternera which I requested be cooked crudo (rare) and it came out just how I like it. On one occasion, my friends enjoyed lamb, monkfish and lasagna. The lamb was tender, but had a strong taste and was accompanied by cous cous and mint. The monkfish was also tender and similar to grouper, but a stronger tasting fish. The lasagna was interesting with a sweet flavor to it.

Several choices of desserts and wines were also available. My favorite desserts contained chocolate mousse and were the Marquesa de Chocolate - a square of firm chocolate mousse wrapped with a sponge cake and the Blanco y Negro - a very sweet chocolate mousse with pastachio wrapped in whip cream with a spongy texture. We had excellent red wines and probably the best was a wine of the house for 9 Euros called Vina Fronda Rioja. As I write, I am craving again those exquisite dishes and fondly remembering all of my wonderful experiences there.