Restaurants
#122
Re: Restaurants
Just using this thread to have a good moan. Been out for tapas over the last few months but not for a proper meal. So with friends over we took them over to Jags and they had a great time and couldn't compliment the food, service and whole experience enough. A couple of days later they wanted me to recommend another local place along the same lines. When I got stuck they remembered El Choco from a previous visit and got me off the hook. So off we marched about 8PM (early eaters).
We were the only customers and talk about the rush to get us out. Our mains turned up as we were having our starters. The waiter plonked our mains on the side and proceeded to take our plates off us even though the starters in middle of the table were not finished and we were obviously still munching away.
The place only had 3 other tables by the time we left so it wasn't a case of they were short of tables. We got charged about €10 for a plate of lomo, pan fried and chips for an adult portion which was easily finished by a child. And of course even the other dishes we ordered were with chips. For the same price we ate at Jags with freshly prepared dishes, beautifully presented, no chips and freshly made dessert, not prepacked frozen ones that are available everywhere else in Ayamonte.
Problem is when you live here and don't eat out that often you like to enjoy the experience. Ok moan over and before Forty comes on and tells me we should have gone further afield, sometimes visitors are limited in their choice, in this case young child and wanted an early night (UK visitors, bless!!)
We were the only customers and talk about the rush to get us out. Our mains turned up as we were having our starters. The waiter plonked our mains on the side and proceeded to take our plates off us even though the starters in middle of the table were not finished and we were obviously still munching away.
The place only had 3 other tables by the time we left so it wasn't a case of they were short of tables. We got charged about €10 for a plate of lomo, pan fried and chips for an adult portion which was easily finished by a child. And of course even the other dishes we ordered were with chips. For the same price we ate at Jags with freshly prepared dishes, beautifully presented, no chips and freshly made dessert, not prepacked frozen ones that are available everywhere else in Ayamonte.
Problem is when you live here and don't eat out that often you like to enjoy the experience. Ok moan over and before Forty comes on and tells me we should have gone further afield, sometimes visitors are limited in their choice, in this case young child and wanted an early night (UK visitors, bless!!)
#123
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Shenfield, Essex
Posts: 615
Re: Restaurants
Just using this thread to have a good moan. Been out for tapas over the last few months but not for a proper meal. So with friends over we took them over to Jags and they had a great time and couldn't compliment the food, service and whole experience enough. A couple of days later they wanted me to recommend another local place along the same lines. When I got stuck they remembered El Choco from a previous visit and got me off the hook. So off we marched about 8PM (early eaters).
We were the only customers and talk about the rush to get us out. Our mains turned up as we were having our starters. The waiter plonked our mains on the side and proceeded to take our plates off us even though the starters in middle of the table were not finished and we were obviously still munching away.
The place only had 3 other tables by the time we left so it wasn't a case of they were short of tables. We got charged about €10 for a plate of lomo, pan fried and chips for an adult portion which was easily finished by a child. And of course even the other dishes we ordered were with chips. For the same price we ate at Jags with freshly prepared dishes, beautifully presented, no chips and freshly made dessert, not prepacked frozen ones that are available everywhere else in Ayamonte.
Problem is when you live here and don't eat out that often you like to enjoy the experience. Ok moan over and before Forty comes on and tells me we should have gone further afield, sometimes visitors are limited in their choice, in this case young child and wanted an early night (UK visitors, bless!!)
We were the only customers and talk about the rush to get us out. Our mains turned up as we were having our starters. The waiter plonked our mains on the side and proceeded to take our plates off us even though the starters in middle of the table were not finished and we were obviously still munching away.
The place only had 3 other tables by the time we left so it wasn't a case of they were short of tables. We got charged about €10 for a plate of lomo, pan fried and chips for an adult portion which was easily finished by a child. And of course even the other dishes we ordered were with chips. For the same price we ate at Jags with freshly prepared dishes, beautifully presented, no chips and freshly made dessert, not prepacked frozen ones that are available everywhere else in Ayamonte.
Problem is when you live here and don't eat out that often you like to enjoy the experience. Ok moan over and before Forty comes on and tells me we should have gone further afield, sometimes visitors are limited in their choice, in this case young child and wanted an early night (UK visitors, bless!!)
#124
Just Joined
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 3
Re: Restaurants
We always enjoy Infante food, the waiters however remind us of a scene from Fawlty towers as they never smile & have been quite kurt on a few occasions. We don't let it put us off as any visitors we take there always enjoy it.
Our favourite chinese resturaunt is at Monte Gordo, the road opp the casino. Walk quite a way up & it is over on the right on a corner. Always had very good meals there & service really good too.Shouldn't share this as when we next go i want to be able to get in too!
A third favourite is Garcia's bistro bar at Isla Canella Marina as they always look after my husband who is a vegetarian & finds it hard to find anything to eat at many resturaunts.They are friendly & have a new chef that cooks wonderful meals. They have smashing Indian buffet evenings & great fresh fish n' chips.Shame we don't get to eat out more! Roll on a birthday celebration.......!
Our favourite chinese resturaunt is at Monte Gordo, the road opp the casino. Walk quite a way up & it is over on the right on a corner. Always had very good meals there & service really good too.Shouldn't share this as when we next go i want to be able to get in too!
A third favourite is Garcia's bistro bar at Isla Canella Marina as they always look after my husband who is a vegetarian & finds it hard to find anything to eat at many resturaunts.They are friendly & have a new chef that cooks wonderful meals. They have smashing Indian buffet evenings & great fresh fish n' chips.Shame we don't get to eat out more! Roll on a birthday celebration.......!
#125
Banned
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 42
Re: Restaurants
Agree with you about the chinese, it's the best in the area. Don't rate Infante, food ok ish but service always poor. Garcia's is ok , Gary is a half-decent chef, but must disagree with you about the Indian buffet, poor we thought. Don't know what the food is like at Andalucian since Gary left, heard a rumour that Jackie (ex of Euro Supplies) is head chef. I guess the 'Scouse' should be half-decent.
#126
Re: Restaurants
Funny you should mention El Choco. When we were over in May we tried it and everything was perfect, excellent service and really good food. Went back there in August and what a disappointment - surly service and food not up to scratch. I do remember someone, way back, commenting that it is often down to luck that you choose the right night, so maybe we were unlucky second time around. Anyway, on a better note, how about O Infante just over the border? We've been there a few times and the food is consistently good with attentive service.
Funnily enough we were nearby one day and ventured to Infante and there was a wait for a table for an hour so didn't bother. Never tried it but have had mixed reviews especially about the service and will hopefully will get there when it is not the chefs night off.
Unfortuntely, consistency is lacking in these places but I suppose you try a couple of times and then never return.
#127
Re: Restaurants
We always enjoy Infante food, the waiters however remind us of a scene from Fawlty towers as they never smile & have been quite kurt on a few occasions. We don't let it put us off as any visitors we take there always enjoy it.
Our favourite chinese resturaunt is at Monte Gordo, the road opp the casino. Walk quite a way up & it is over on the right on a corner. Always had very good meals there & service really good too.Shouldn't share this as when we next go i want to be able to get in too!
A third favourite is Garcia's bistro bar at Isla Canella Marina as they always look after my husband who is a vegetarian & finds it hard to find anything to eat at many resturaunts.They are friendly & have a new chef that cooks wonderful meals. They have smashing Indian buffet evenings & great fresh fish n' chips.Shame we don't get to eat out more! Roll on a birthday celebration.......!
Our favourite chinese resturaunt is at Monte Gordo, the road opp the casino. Walk quite a way up & it is over on the right on a corner. Always had very good meals there & service really good too.Shouldn't share this as when we next go i want to be able to get in too!
A third favourite is Garcia's bistro bar at Isla Canella Marina as they always look after my husband who is a vegetarian & finds it hard to find anything to eat at many resturaunts.They are friendly & have a new chef that cooks wonderful meals. They have smashing Indian buffet evenings & great fresh fish n' chips.Shame we don't get to eat out more! Roll on a birthday celebration.......!
#128
Re: Restaurants
Couldn't disagree more about the service - it's one of our favourites and we have always had good attentive service - even a bit of a joke with the waiters (all of whom speak good English for those of us not gifted with languages). You probably have to be selective with choosing your meal but the seafood is really fresh - you can see your lobster swimming about in the tank at the entrance - and the steaks are a speciality. I particularly enjoy the espartade (??) of mixed grill. And not a chip in sight!
#129
Re: Restaurants
They also do takeaway - although it would probably need a reheat by the time you got back to CE
#130
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,980
Re: Restaurants
So what restaurants are considered to be the top in the area, say aprx. 30-45 minute drive from Ayamonte (eg.Huelva, Isla Cristina, Villablanca, El Rompido and Portuga; Vila Real de St.Antonio, Monte Gordo, Fabrica, Cacela). Considering Food, Presentation, Service, Location, Views.
#132
Re: Restaurants
So what restaurants are considered to be the top in the area, say aprx. 30-45 minute drive from Ayamonte (eg.Huelva, Isla Cristina, Villablanca, El Rompido and Portuga; Vila Real de St.Antonio, Monte Gordo, Fabrica, Cacela). Considering Food, Presentation, Service, Location, Views.
Go to Eurobar. Known locally as "Joseph's".
Very friendly and the food is good and they don't hurry you. Top class fresh fish and meat.
In the height of the season, if you are in a hurry (who would be on hot summer evenings I ask myself) then you will need to get there either very early or late.
They also have off the menu dishes if you know what you want and will always try to get something in if you give them notice.
(As an aside they will also help you with your Portuguese if you try!)
Just off the main square next to Jamie
Others include
The Goan, Maharaja Patiala Tandoori, Restuarante Marisqueria Monte Gordo. Have also heard that Vicius is good but yet to go there.
#133
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,980
Re: Restaurants
In Monte Gordo
Go to Eurobar. Known locally as "Joseph's".
Very friendly and the food is good and they don't hurry you. Top class fresh fish and meat.
In the height of the season, if you are in a hurry (who would be on hot summer evenings I ask myself) then you will need to get there either very early or late.
They also have off the menu dishes if you know what you want and will always try to get something in if you give them notice.
(As an aside they will also help you with your Portuguese if you try!)
Just off the main square next to Jamie
Others include
The Goan, Maharaja Patiala Tandoori, Restuarante Marisqueria Monte Gordo. Have also heard that Vicius is good but yet to go there.
Go to Eurobar. Known locally as "Joseph's".
Very friendly and the food is good and they don't hurry you. Top class fresh fish and meat.
In the height of the season, if you are in a hurry (who would be on hot summer evenings I ask myself) then you will need to get there either very early or late.
They also have off the menu dishes if you know what you want and will always try to get something in if you give them notice.
(As an aside they will also help you with your Portuguese if you try!)
Just off the main square next to Jamie
Others include
The Goan, Maharaja Patiala Tandoori, Restuarante Marisqueria Monte Gordo. Have also heard that Vicius is good but yet to go there.
Muito Obrigado!
#134
Re: Restaurants
In Monte Gordo
Go to Eurobar. Known locally as "Joseph's".
Very friendly and the food is good and they don't hurry you. Top class fresh fish and meat.
In the height of the season, if you are in a hurry (who would be on hot summer evenings I ask myself) then you will need to get there either very early or late.
They also have off the menu dishes if you know what you want and will always try to get something in if you give them notice.
(As an aside they will also help you with your Portuguese if you try!)
Just off the main square next to Jamie
Others include
The Goan, Maharaja Patiala Tandoori, Restuarante Marisqueria Monte Gordo. Have also heard that Vicius is good but yet to go there.
Go to Eurobar. Known locally as "Joseph's".
Very friendly and the food is good and they don't hurry you. Top class fresh fish and meat.
In the height of the season, if you are in a hurry (who would be on hot summer evenings I ask myself) then you will need to get there either very early or late.
They also have off the menu dishes if you know what you want and will always try to get something in if you give them notice.
(As an aside they will also help you with your Portuguese if you try!)
Just off the main square next to Jamie
Others include
The Goan, Maharaja Patiala Tandoori, Restuarante Marisqueria Monte Gordo. Have also heard that Vicius is good but yet to go there.
Thanks
Jon
#135