We wanted to try the Chefs Menu at Varkk Bar And Kitchen. so we booked a table and headed off for the 35 minute drive down there. We’ve been here before for their amazing Sunday lunch, which was our first ever visit way back, we’ve also more recently tried their tacos, which were delicious. As a restaurant that is proactive on social media, it’s nice to see what is coming up on their menus and this made us decide to come and try their new offering.
This is a really nice concept to try these different dishes. The first 3 dishes are to share, they’re brought out one after another after another, in a very timely and leisurely manner. You choose your own main course and also your dessert, which is the 5th course.
One thing to note, these menus change every 2 weeks for the chefs menu, so keep checking their Facebook page for the latest menu.
What We Had At Varkk Bar & Kitchen
Drinks.
I drove here last time, so it was Sophs turn to drive meaning she had Aquarius while I went for a pint of Estrella Galicia.
Food.
We were both on the Chefs Menu, but the main menu has plenty of great dishes on there too.
First Course.
This is their homemade pate, with caramelised onions, berries and was very nicely presented. This was a really nice pate, it wasn’t overpowering but still had plenty of flavours. There was shredded dry red chilli, to add texture and colour.
Second Course.
This was a delightfully light beetroot cream with cheese. The flavours here were subtle and the texture was amazing.
Third Course.
Iberian Ham Tartare which I really did enjoy. The ham was flavourful, and this was a really good serving once again.
Mains.
I had the BBQ Rib Pie, which I was informed is nothing like a traditional British Pie. This actually was nothing at all like a traditional British Pie, in a good way though.
If you can imagine a crustless quiche for the base and body with the most tender crowns ( is the best way to describe them ) of beef sitting on top, then this is that dish.
Soph was torn between the Angus Ribeye or the Monkfish and in the end went for the fish option. This was very nicely presented, all the vegetables were superbly cooked, the fish was sublime and the dish packed a punch with the garlic from the Orio sauce.
Dessert.
We went for different desserts, Soph had the Cheesecake, which was Strawberry while I had the Death By Chocolate.
The cheesecake was good, a generous portion and filling.
The chocolate dessert was very nice, you could taste the chocolate and it was also a good sized portion which was nicely presented.
What We Liked
Basically everything!. Service was great and attentive, without being rushed. As per usual here, the food was excellent. Everything was exceptionally well presented, good quality ingredients and you will not go away hungry.
What Could Be Improved
Well, I need to pick fault for something, so we’ll go with this. With the 3rd course ( the delightful tartare ) there were 7 biscuits, between 2 of us, so I’m not sure if we were meant to have 8 or 6, but having an even number would prevent any possible arguments between diners.
But joking aside, there wasn’t anything wrong with the food nor service today, everything was on point from start to finish.
How Much Did It Cost?
All together our bill came to 61.00€ which is good value for the quality of the food.
Drinks were very reasonable at 2.00€ for the Aquarius.
The 5 course chefs menu which includes a pint or wine, is 29.50€ per person
Would We Return To Varkk Bar & Kitchen?
The simple question is yes, because this is great food every time.
If you’re one of the people wanting your all you can eat buffet for 8.99€ or the 6.50€ menu del dia, then this is probably not your cup of tea, BUT don’t rule out a visit here for a special occasion such as a birthday or an anniversary.
It’s a lovely restaurant, with plenty of seating inside or out on the terrace.
How To Find Varkk Bar & Kitchen La Fuente
For whatever reason our satnav this time brought us in a different way, meaning we passed the Plenoil patrol station, turning left up the road, so the restaurant was on the left. We took the immediate left and fortunately, we found a parking space on the road, so a very short stroll.
If you don’t mind the tolls, then the AP7 is the quickest route, or set your satnav to avoid the tolls and come in the back route..
Their address is: Calle Paso De Calais 1, Orihuela, Spain and should you need to ring them, 965 32 11 99.
