Restaurante La Mariposa - a very popular French-style bistro

This charming, intimate French bistro-style restaurant, whose name means "the butterfly", has been attracting rave revues from customers since it reopened in the summer of 2010 under new management.

The couple now in charge are Jean-Yves and his partner Natalie, both from Belgium. Despite their national origins, the cuisine is still primarily French, due to Natalie having trained in that particular style.

Situated up a short walkway in quite an unobtrusive position, there is a small outside dining area and an attractive, uncluttered interior, with clean lines and French references in the decor.

The restaurant is noted for cooking all its dishes to order, including the vegetables. A big feature of the menu is homemade quiche - one being amusingly called the "Popeye" - yes, you guessed it, because it contains spinach.

There is a huge selection of Spanish and French cheeses, too, plus various exotically-filled tartins - brie, Serrano ham and apple chutney for instance, plus the restaurant special, Cheddar, scrambled eggs, mango chutney and cress.

But, lest you think that La Mariposa is all cheese and quiche, the menu also contains other French stalwarts, such as beef bourguignon.

Children are welcome, being offered their own "Little Butterfly" option, which, in essence, is just half-sized portions off the main menu. There are also colouring books provided for their amusement.

La Mariposa offers a special lunchtime menu of three courses for a set price.

That's not all! Owner Jean-Yves is also a talented pianist and he performs nice background music for your entertainment while you eat at least once a week (possibly Wednesdays).

For reservations, telephone: (+34) 922 868152

To find this restaurant:

It is situated more in the Santiago del Tiede area of Los Gigantes. Once on the large one-way road round the area, watch out for a shop with a green and white striped awning, called "Verdes". There is a passageway just to the right of that and the restaurant is up there, on the left.

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