This is a hidden gem of a restaurant, Cerveceria El Pantanico. We have called here before for the breakfast and also for their menu del dia. We came across it months ago when we were driving by one morning, had the car windows down, and the wonderful aroma of barbeque wafted in through the windows. It was so good we turned around, found somewhere to park and walked around, to find this bar which was rammed with people and there was one solitary table with three chairs free, in the hot sun.
On this first visit, we had just a drink but looked over their menu, checked out what others there were eating, and decided we would be back. There were people having breakfasts, some with a coffee, others with a beer, and some with something a little stronger to start the day.
If you want a traditional Spanish restaurant and bar, then this is a place to go. Be aware, though, that it gets busy, it gets full, and 95% at least of people eating and drinking there are Spanish. If you want your pint of John Smiths Smooth and pie & peas, then this isn’t the place for you.
However, if you want to people-watch and be surrounded by the locals, then you’ll love this place. There is often a large group of women having a breakfast get-together whose deep conversation is occasionally broken by hysterical laughing and giggling; it’s contagious and impossible not to smile as you wonder what titbit is being shared to cause such hilarity. Then there are the tables of workmen enjoying a beer and a BBQ breakfast, and not forgetting a couple of old boys who sit with a brandy and put the world to rights.
What We Had At Cerveceria El Pantanico
We ordered two breakfasts from the BBQ, a Coke, and a cerveza tanque (large beer). Before the meat arrived, we were served a basket of soft, fresh bread and salad with fresh tomatoes, tuna, olives, and onion, all super fresh and delicious.
The highlight, though, is the meat. We each had a chop, chorizo, sausage, chicken breast, and a piece of belly pork.
What We Liked at Cerveceria El Pantanico
The food is amazing; the meat on the BBQ is seasoned, tender, and tasty. The salad was super fresh and, along with the bread, made the perfect accompaniment. Service was prompt, friendly, and very efficient. This is a very busy bar, especially for the BBQ, which is only available on a Thursday morning between 10 and 11, but the staff have everything under control.
What Could Have Been Improved at Cerveceria El Pantanico
Actually, this is an easy answer: nada, nothing, zilch. It would have been nice to get an actual bill so that we could share the cost breakdown (as we have had on all our previous visits ), but not a biggie, truth be told.
How Much Did It Cost?
Our delicious breakfast came to under €15.00. We didn’t get a bill and left her the change as a tip as the server was very busy, and we didn’t want to waste her time for whatever the change was. And we were totally full up. No need for lunch today!
Would We Return To Cerveceria El Pantanico
Oh yes, this is a regular place for us. The breakfast is popular, but their menu del dia is also top-notch, and this is very popular too. It’s best to book unless you can turn up early and even sit and have a drink before they start with the food.
How To Find Cerveceria El Pantanico
We come down the AP7 and leave at exit 740, almost double back on yourself under the AP7 on the CV91. At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit onto CV-905. Stay on this road into Formentera, and the restaurant is on your right, almost next door to the Sabadall Bank ATM.
Their actual address is Avenida de la Constitución, Formentera del Segura
If you’d prefer to phone them: 966 79 25 27
Check out their Facebook page for their daily menus.
