People are always asking for my
restaurant recommendations, and that’s very difficult advice to give since
there are so many options available. To my mind, it all depends on the purpose
of the restaurant visit. Is it merely to satisfy hunger without changing into
posh garb. or is it a business lunch. Perhaps it’s to relax with friends and chat while eating good food in a
pleasant atmosphere Equally, if the visit is to celebrate some special
occasion, then that will be a factor in the restaurant decision too. You’ll
want somewhere with a buzz.
Relaxing with friends and/or
celebrating are surely the most pleasant eating occasions, so here are some
location suggestions (naturally they are high on my favourites list too)
Ca Pepe
The restaurant is located
in Calle Haya, just outside of the main Moraira town, but that provides the
bonus of easy parking, even in high season. Ca Pepe is family owned and run,
and their success is due to the strategy of using seasonal local produce, and
to the care they take to ensure the high standards they set are met by all
staff. Just look at the referrals they are able to present on their website.
The menu del dia here is priced at 16.95 euros and includes a ½ bottle of wine
D’Gust
The position of the
restaurant is ideal – in the corner of Plaza La Sort, in Moraira town. You can
eat outside, or at one of the elegant internal dining tables. Either way, the
food is presented in an artistic manner that makes the mouth water. The menu
del dia is priced at 15 euros and on my last visit, the starter of salmon and
the sea bass main course were superb.
El Caserio
This is on the main road
out of Moraira, towards Teulada/Benitachell. The style of cuisine is best
described as International/Spanish, but whatever the label that most accurately
fits, everything is presented in a stylish fashion that adds to the pleasure of
the meal. An evening set menu is offered at 21.50 euros, but that provides you
with a choice of starter, main course and dessert, and they surprise you with a
couple of extra tidbits during the meal. If I say more there’ll be no surprises
for you, so no more clues. A whole host of a la carte options are available
too, but whatever you choose we’re certain you’ll be licking your lips all the
way through the evening.
La Masena
This is a beautifully
converted, but still rustic, finca – on the outskirts of Javea. It’s actually
on the Carretera Benitachell (the road running towards Javea from Benitachell).
It’s open every day, except Tuesday, from 12.30 to 1600 hours and from 19.30 to
2300 hours. You can eat inside the stylish air conditioned dining room, with
its beams and chandeliers, or you may decide to dine "al fresco” on the
relaxing outside terrace. There is no doubt that this is a venue to celebrate a
special occasion, and the house specialities endorse this view; Carpaccio of
pear confit with shavings of foie gras; marinated quail salad with mango;
scallops "au gratin” and suckling pig with oranges and fried bananas – these
will give you some idea about the gorgeous food they serve. The a la carte menu
is not cheap, but if you go for the menu del dia at lunchtime, the cost is 17
euros per head, and there is no reduction in quality. Indeed, I visited today
and chicken cordon bleu and beef stroganoff were menu del dia possibilities and
both were divine
Options
Again, this is a town
centre location. The restaurant has a host of highly complimentary reviews on the Internet, comments confirmed
by my own experience. There is no menu del dia on offer, but you can choose 2 courses from a set menu for
20 euros and for an extra 5 euros you can enjoy an additional course
Rodolfo
This is a genuine Italian
restaurant, and although it’s a Moraira town centre location there’s a large
free car park to the rear. All food is cooked and prepared under the
supervision/instruction of the half Italian/German owner, Rodolfo. The pasta in
particular is made to order and tastes fabulous – not surprising since he is a
Member of the Federation of Italian Professional Chefs. He says his aim each
day is to treat customers to the delights of Italian cuisine, with the subtle
combination of flavours, colours and aromas. There is no doubt he succeeds.
Vall de Cavall
Located just off the
Teulada road outside of Gata de Gorgos – food aside, the setting of the dining
area is wonderful. You look across open countyside and dine beneath the gaze of
the elephant shaped mountain called Montgo. The menu del dia will cost 17.50
euros per person and all the tasty courses will be beautifully presented, by
friendly and enthusiastic staff.