House of Sacarello

There are two types of customer in the House of Sacarello. Those who intended to go there in the first place, and those who answered the siren-like call of the irresistible smell of fresh coffee on their senses whilst innocently rambling about in Gibraltar's up-and-coming Irish Town. If the aroma of the coffee doesn't fully convince you, then the warm, inviting interior will make your mind up for you. Sacarello's has been around since the 19th century and is as much a Gibraltarian institution as its apes. Well, almost. Part Gibraltarian myself, I've been going to Sacarello's for so long it scares me to recall and I still can't work it out. It is a restaurant, coffee house, tea room, deli, art gallery and meeting place all rolled into one. When you tread its well worn oak stairs, where are you?  Old England?  Old Spain?  Well, 'both and neither' is the true answer. Listen carefully and you'll hear Llanito spoken - the local lingo. Its a blend of Spanish, English, Genoese, Maltese and anything else that came along since separation from Spain in 1704. Marvel at statements like '...me voy comprar those zapatos porque they are mucho mas barato at Tesco...'.  Spanish it isn't - thats for sure. But, neither is it exactly British either. 

Go there early for a great breakfast. If you really want the full-on experience, get there just before the lunchtime onslaught. Lunch at Sacarello's is a riot under control - the noise of the chatter, the laughter, the chinking of cutlery on plates along with the roar of the coffee machine. 

These days it serves up wonderful homemade cakes along with a wide selection of freshly made sandwiches. If you are more hungry than that, go for one their fine steaks or maybe a rich, warming lasagne. If you are up for it, try one of their great salads. Oh, and of course don't forget the coffee. They don't just grind their coffee beans at Sacarello's - they roast them too!

On a clear day the Rock of Gibraltar offers fantastic views of the Strait of Gibraltar and the bay.  You can see Morocco, and old Maritimers will enjoy looking across at all the ships in dock.  The Canteen at the top of the Rock offers the usual overpriced stodge.

Watchout for the apes - make sure you don't have any food on you, as they are sure to find it.

If you've watched 007's "The Living Daylights", you'll appreciate the familiar scenes from the opening sequence.