At the risk of being done in by some of Lusaka’s residents, I have to let you in on one of the best-kept secrets in a long time – El Toro Restaurant in Sable Road, Kabulonga, in the same premises as Cascades.

Owned and run by Ian and Rosita Nugara, El Toro was originally a Coffee Shop, open only during the day, but is now open in the evenings, from Monday to Saturday as well.  There is no fancy décor or dimmed lighting, just a single room with nine tables, seating four each, and a simple, but adequately stocked bar.

The food is mostly Spanish, but they also have a good selection of fresh seafood as well as fast foods and the most delicious ice cream.  The choice for us was very easy – paella for two and a bottle of wine, and chicken and chips for the kids.

Whilst we were chatting to Ian at the bar, the waitress started bringing plates of snacks to our table – tapas – tender calamari rings in batter; chicken drumsticks; bite-size sandwiches with olives; cheese and tomato; home-made salted crisps and slices of pastry filled with meat.

Having sampled the tapas, all of which were delicious, our main meal arrived, and we wondered where we were going to fit it in, but it looked so delicious we knew we would find space somewhere, so tucked in and were not disappointed.  It took us some time to plough through the more-than-adequate paella, and the kids struggled with the chicken.

No room for dessert, plus it was a Monday evening and school next day, so we headed off home, after settling the very reasonable bill of K 107,000.

During Valentine’s week, El Toro will be serving complimentary tapas, so all of you, young or old, have an evening out at this gem of a restaurant, but don’t forget to book a table, or you might be disappointed.                                     T