Favourite Spanish Restaurant/Meal
37 Posts
I wonder if i could perhaps start a separate topic where people who like trying Spanish Food/Restaurants could list their favourite local Restaurant and what they ate there or what the restaurant specialises in. I would prefer this to be listed separately, rather than just thrown in with the general bar/restaurants thread because this tends to attract more attention with regards to more international or British style places, and would probably get lost amongst that. Many people love to try local spanish cuisine/places and it would be great to hear of personal reccomendations, so that when we travel ourselves we can give them a try. If possible please supply the name and location of restaurant, what meal you had, and why it was so enjoyable. If possible I would perhaps like to start with two or three of my favourites. Firstly Restaurante Aitena, which is in old town on av de ruzafa. This is a lovely Spanish restaurante used by locals and tourists, with seating indoors and on a small terrace, they do a lovely selection of rice dishes, and roasts including suckling pig. I had a great dish called Rape al la Marinera (monkfish with Seafood), which was superb, as were the Garlic Prawns i had to start. They also have a reasonable wine list and i believe the various Paellas they do are superb, i will be trying one next time for sure. Also in old town at top of Santo Domingo/Corner of Passeig de la Carretera is Restarante Marisiqueria here i had a tremendous seafood platter consisting of crayfish, huge prawns, oysters, mussels, baby squid etc, washed down with a well chilled vina grand sol it was delicious and great people watching to, being in a very busy area. My final choice - for now - is El Meson, this is right at the end of Calle Gerona on the corner (Old Town End), here i had some wonderful roast suckling pig, and have also eaten the baby lamb here which was even better, and also lobster with rice. There pate is also to die for, and they do a dessert called Tocino de Cielo, which is very sweet and a sort of cross between a flan and a crema catalana - which they also serve. They have a very extensive wine list, from humble yet delicious table wines upto some more exclusive, and pricey Gran Reservas. Again if you go there after 9.30 you will find it frequented by many spanish families, and the service is very friendly too. Well that some of mine, I really look forward to reading of other peoples recomendations to try on future visits. ! Approveche ! (Spelling?)
Hi, David who mods this forum is away at the moment, but I am sure when he returns he will read your request.
Sarah
Sarah
Thanks Sarah - Hopefully he's in Benidorm or somewhere on Costa Blanca, then he can add some of his own favourites! If he's gone anywhere else....well shame on him!!! 
Hi
Thanks for the info about El Meson, when passing often fancied going in but have never tried it. I will now, thanks for that.
If you go to the end of Calle Lepanto with the Old Town behind you, the road bends around to the right. A few doors down is a steak house, I have never yet had a meal there that I didn't enjoy but the menu is limited, it seems to be catered for English people but a lot of Spanish frequent it.
If you fancy a bar b que, you need to go to Michelangelo's, if you stand in front of the new town hall it is the road at the right hand side of it about half way up on the corner. The place itself is no palace but the chef is very good, his non bar b que food is also excellent, especially the Spanish dishes.
I haven't got a lot of places to praise the food, cos I seem to re-frequent the places I had excellent meals at. Okay, I need to get out more. ha ha ha.
Sandy
Thanks for the info about El Meson, when passing often fancied going in but have never tried it. I will now, thanks for that.
If you go to the end of Calle Lepanto with the Old Town behind you, the road bends around to the right. A few doors down is a steak house, I have never yet had a meal there that I didn't enjoy but the menu is limited, it seems to be catered for English people but a lot of Spanish frequent it.
If you fancy a bar b que, you need to go to Michelangelo's, if you stand in front of the new town hall it is the road at the right hand side of it about half way up on the corner. The place itself is no palace but the chef is very good, his non bar b que food is also excellent, especially the Spanish dishes.
I haven't got a lot of places to praise the food, cos I seem to re-frequent the places I had excellent meals at. Okay, I need to get out more. ha ha ha.
Sandy
Hi Taggy, I think your idea of Spanish restaurant reviews is great. Thanks for your recommendations. I have already been to the Marisqueria a while ago and would agree that its great. Think we had a similar seafood platter too. They also do a good Menu del Dia for around 11 euros. Will give El Meson and Aitena a try.
Ill start by adding one of our favourite restaurants, El Segoviano. This is located on Calle Ortis Llorca, between Calle Gerona and Av Mediterraneo close to the Old Town. From Av Mediterraneo, heading towards the Old Town, turn right at the big Church, Iglesias del Carmen. From Gerona, again heading towards the Old Town, turn left just after Hotel Benidorm Centre.
El Segoviano, is an old Spanish Restaurant, one of the originals in that area and has changed little over the years. It serves what I would call rustic, country style food. The house speciality is Cordero al Horno, Lamb baked in the oven. Dont expect slices or small pieces, what you get is a joint of lamb, shoulder or leg, absolutely delicious with the meat falling off the bone. You can order the lamb as part of the Menu del Dia or a la carte. A la carte you would get a full shoulder or leg for 9 euros, with the Menu del Dia you will get a half sized portion, still very big!
The Menu del Dia is 10 euros and has three courses plus dessert and wine or beer. The menu changes almost daily although some items are always available. The first course is not too exciting apart from the Catalan Soup which is a speciality, other options are salads or seafood cocktail. The second course always has paella, very good, and a selection from lentil stew, fiduea, chiporones, giant prawns, esparragos, roast vegetables, eggs flamenca. The main course always has the lamb, plus usually a couple of fish dishes, lenguado (sole), lubina (sea bass) or monk fish, there is also beef or pork and a vegetarian option such as stuffed peppers.
The a la carte menu prices range from 9 to 15 euros for main courses. Some things we have particularly enjoyed have been the Chuletas de Avila Lechal, a huge veal chop, comes served in its own giant pan, 15 euros. Monk Fish with almonds and prawns, 15 euros, Fritura de Pescado, mixed fried fish 9 euros for 2 people, Prawns in garlic, 9 euros.
Think thats enough for now, will post more later
Ill start by adding one of our favourite restaurants, El Segoviano. This is located on Calle Ortis Llorca, between Calle Gerona and Av Mediterraneo close to the Old Town. From Av Mediterraneo, heading towards the Old Town, turn right at the big Church, Iglesias del Carmen. From Gerona, again heading towards the Old Town, turn left just after Hotel Benidorm Centre.
El Segoviano, is an old Spanish Restaurant, one of the originals in that area and has changed little over the years. It serves what I would call rustic, country style food. The house speciality is Cordero al Horno, Lamb baked in the oven. Dont expect slices or small pieces, what you get is a joint of lamb, shoulder or leg, absolutely delicious with the meat falling off the bone. You can order the lamb as part of the Menu del Dia or a la carte. A la carte you would get a full shoulder or leg for 9 euros, with the Menu del Dia you will get a half sized portion, still very big!
The Menu del Dia is 10 euros and has three courses plus dessert and wine or beer. The menu changes almost daily although some items are always available. The first course is not too exciting apart from the Catalan Soup which is a speciality, other options are salads or seafood cocktail. The second course always has paella, very good, and a selection from lentil stew, fiduea, chiporones, giant prawns, esparragos, roast vegetables, eggs flamenca. The main course always has the lamb, plus usually a couple of fish dishes, lenguado (sole), lubina (sea bass) or monk fish, there is also beef or pork and a vegetarian option such as stuffed peppers.
The a la carte menu prices range from 9 to 15 euros for main courses. Some things we have particularly enjoyed have been the Chuletas de Avila Lechal, a huge veal chop, comes served in its own giant pan, 15 euros. Monk Fish with almonds and prawns, 15 euros, Fritura de Pescado, mixed fried fish 9 euros for 2 people, Prawns in garlic, 9 euros.
Think thats enough for now, will post more later
I know the one you mean Wynn have never been in yet but will certainly give it a go, I'm salivating already! I wonder if anyone has been to Casa Toni on Av de Cuenca, again its not one that i've tried but i believe they do a few specialist local dishes, that are not served in most other places, so I'm going to give this one a try too! Ive been past it a couple of times, and it was busy late on with Spanish diners, also theres no menu outside which are probably plus points on both counts.!
My favourite in Benidorm is Toscana just a few doors down fron El Meson. It is certainly where the locals go. The food is fantastic. It is always very busy but both the food and sevice is excellent. Highly recommend the Lasagne.
I know Casa Toni well Taggy, but like you have never actually eaten there. Have been inside and looked at the menu if that counts! The menu is quite limited but I think the emphasis is on absolutely fresh fish and meats quite simply done. The head waiter was very friendly and gave us a tour of the place, showed us the catch of the day etc. I have been told by a Spanish friend that it is very good but a bit over priced. To be honest though the menu didnt look too pricey, more than your average Benidorm place but not too bad, maybe its the wine list that pushes up the cost. As you say the clientele is mainly Spanish so it should be good Spanish food. Will make an effort to try it out soon!
Thats El Segoviano, Casa Toni and Michelangelo's added to my To Dine In List then! I also agree that toscano is also very good and popular i usually have the Aglio e Ollio there, however it is mainly italian based rather than Spanish.
A good starter option for anyone wanting to try Spanish food but a bit unsure about whether they will like it might be the Spanish Night buffet at the Pueblo Hotel on Thursdays.
The usual salad bar has boqueronies (little fish, spelling?), sardines, a selection of spanish salamies and hams and spanish cheeses. The hot items include paella, rabbit, trout stuffed with bacon, bacaloa(cod) in a tomato sauce, delicious sliced potatoes baked with bacon, spanish omelet, empanadas (little pasties filled with tomato and tuna), ham croquettes and on the grill lamb chops. I've tried everything, not all at the same meal! and its all very good. There is the usual selection of desserts.
Cost is 9 euros or you can buy a voucher for 7 meals for 54 euros. Wine is 6.50 euros a bottle and beer less than 2 euros.
The usual salad bar has boqueronies (little fish, spelling?), sardines, a selection of spanish salamies and hams and spanish cheeses. The hot items include paella, rabbit, trout stuffed with bacon, bacaloa(cod) in a tomato sauce, delicious sliced potatoes baked with bacon, spanish omelet, empanadas (little pasties filled with tomato and tuna), ham croquettes and on the grill lamb chops. I've tried everything, not all at the same meal! and its all very good. There is the usual selection of desserts.
Cost is 9 euros or you can buy a voucher for 7 meals for 54 euros. Wine is 6.50 euros a bottle and beer less than 2 euros.
Iam living here now for 5years. These are my favourites:
Toscane, Calle Gerona
Italian Cuisine, I always take one of the salads as a starter and for main I take either Spaghetti with Gambas y Salmon or the Spaghetti with Almejas.
Lunch Time 1300-1400 and Dinner before 2100 because it will be crowded after 1400 and after 2100.
Las Gaviotas, Calle Esperanto
Excellent Seafood dishes.
Seafood Menu for around 15euro(2p). I like the Gambas a la Plancha, my wife likes Calamar a la Plancha.
Do not go for a lunch on Sundays because there are a lot of people waiting to get seated.
El Nino Rincon de Loix nearby Benidorm Palace
The Best Paella in Town
I also eat a lot at El Corte Ingles in Alicante they serve a nice steak for 16euro(Chuleton)
If I eat steak anywhere I ask for the Chuleton It's Massive and lovely.
Oh Levante Steakhouse is also good, situated next to Toscane
And if you do not like the food at all in Benidorm, there is always the McDonalds at Plaza Triangular.
Toscane, Calle Gerona
Italian Cuisine, I always take one of the salads as a starter and for main I take either Spaghetti with Gambas y Salmon or the Spaghetti with Almejas.
Lunch Time 1300-1400 and Dinner before 2100 because it will be crowded after 1400 and after 2100.
Las Gaviotas, Calle Esperanto
Excellent Seafood dishes.
Seafood Menu for around 15euro(2p). I like the Gambas a la Plancha, my wife likes Calamar a la Plancha.
Do not go for a lunch on Sundays because there are a lot of people waiting to get seated.
El Nino Rincon de Loix nearby Benidorm Palace
The Best Paella in Town
I also eat a lot at El Corte Ingles in Alicante they serve a nice steak for 16euro(Chuleton)
If I eat steak anywhere I ask for the Chuleton It's Massive and lovely.
Oh Levante Steakhouse is also good, situated next to Toscane
And if you do not like the food at all in Benidorm, there is always the McDonalds at Plaza Triangular.
El Nino has been on my list to try for ages, so thanks for the review Philemon. Another of my 'must do' restaurants is La Palmera, just up the road from El Nino, near Camping Benidorm. Has anyone been there? I have been reading a book about Benidorm in the 50s and early 60s and La Palmera is mentioned as THE place visiting investors in the developing Benidorm were taken to be wined and dined. I expect at that time it was out in the country.
Hi Wynn, how far up the road are La Palmera and El Nino? I usually stay at Hotel Regente but have never gone further up than Rock n Roll House, so how long a walk would that be, I'd like to check those two out! Sounds like an interesting book you've been reading, whats it called. Cheers - Taggy.:D
Hi Taggy, the two restaurants El Nino and La Palmera are probably 10 to 15 mins walk from the Regente. Go up the main road past Benidorm Palace and Camping El Raco on your left and the restaurants are on your right past a row of villas. I think Camping Benidorm is between them but they are very near each other. I have forgotten the title of the book!!! but will get back to you with it. Its fascinating for anyone interested in how Benidorm developed from a sleepy fishing village.
It sounds great, if you get title i'll see if i can get it on the net! And thanks for the directions too Wynn!
Hi Taggy, sorry for the delay, the book is called Benidorm the Truth. Its written by Charles M Wilson, published by Agencia Valenciana de Turisme in 1999. I had been looking for something similar for a while with no success then chatting one night in a bar in Benidorm the owner told me about this book and lent me his copy. Liked it so much I went and bought my own. I bought it at the Swop Shop Book store on Av. Almeria. This goes off the Levante prom by the tobacconist and leads to the Don Pancho Hotel. It is basically a second hand book shop but they have a few new items including this one. I think it was 18 euros. Hope you manage to locate it.
Sounds an interesting read. When did you buy it and how much was it?
Hi Pebbles, bought it last November and almost sure it was 18 euros.
Many Thanks for that Wynn, I will have a look on the net, if no luck there i'll try the bookshop when I'm over in Jan. Regards - Taggy. 
Have just come across a place named Meson Cafeteria Luque apparently popular with Spanish Locals, but I've not heard of it before, so was wondering if anyone else has and knows where it is, I'm assuming probably in Old Town somewhere. 
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