We eventually managed to get to visit Gong Restaurant, on our fourth attempt. Twice we have booked then had to cancel in advance due to illness once, travelling out of the country once and once the restaurant informed us as it was forecast for heavy rain and we had a table out on the terrace, it would be best to cancel.
So, finally, at last, we managed to get there and eat!
One thing we did notice was that despite all the other restaurants in the area, Gong was packed, which is usually a very good indicator of how popular an establishment is, particularly when it tends to be a word-of-mouth recommendation rather than advertising across Facebook groups.
What We Had At Gong Restaurant Playa Flamenca
For the drinks, I had a pint of draught beer, and Soph had a Coke. We both opted for the set menu, as there’s plenty to choose from. The only problem then, though, is that the main menu has so many tempting things so we decided to add the F-Bombs as an additional starter.
Salads
Soph went for the Crispy Potato Salad ( Thai Pea Pesto, Rocket, Lime Leaf, Feta), while I went for the Chicken Tom Yum and Mango Salad. Both of these had a delicate flavour, which grew as you reached the bottom of the dish. The salads were fantastically good and set very high hopes for the remaining dishes!
Starters
The F-bombs came out first. These are Crunchy Pani Puri, inspired by the flavours of Miang Kham. Prawn, Galangal, Lemongrass, Chilli, Peanuts, Toasted Coconut, Fresh Lime. I have to say, these are an exceptional dish! It’s crunchy on the outside and then has an amazing filling that just gives that ‘wow’ sensation as you taste each ingredient which is perfectly balanced with the next.
My starter was Bangla Chicken, which had a lovely little kick from the fresh red chillies. Soph chose the Rainbow Tempura Maki, which was a wonderful-tasting dish. Again, the ingredients were perfectly balanced so that none overpowered each other.
Mains
I had plumped originally for the Slow Cooked Beef Massaman Curry, but at the very last moment, I switched to the Roasted Duck Red Curry. Soph was undecided between the Seabass and the Korean Cauliflower, and she went for the latter. I had fried rice with my dish.
My Duck Curry was perfect. We’d only just returned from Thailand three weeks previously, and the food here at Gong was as good as some of the meals we’d had there. Soph declared the Korean Cauliflower a huge success and another contender for amazing things to do with this veg. It was in close competition with the cauli taco she’d recently had at Vark.
Desserts
We both chose the same selection: the Ice Cream Sundae, Brownie Bites, Homemade Chocolate Sauce, and Chocolate Krispies. This was okay; the brownie in mine was a tiny corner, way less than a mouthful and slightly underwhelming, and the chocolate krispies seemed to be missing.
In reality, the portion size was sufficient given the other courses, but the description on the menu of an ice cream sundae didn’t quite match up with the dish provided.
Had there been an option for a coffee instead of dessert, I would have chosen that option.
We both had a shot of Baileys on the house after finishing, which was a nice gesture.
What We Liked At Gong
First and foremost was the food; it was top quality, had good flavours, and was ‘authentic’ in the real sense of the word. Every member of the team was friendly, a real credit to the restaurant, and the service was prompt throughout.
What Could Be Improved?
From the diner’s perspective, nothing really. If I were to be picky, the dessert option would not be as good as the other dishes, and I’d have preferred coffee instead.
From a business aspect, Soph had finished her drink and had an empty glass just as we were finishing off our mains. There was an opportunity to upsell further drinks, but none were offered.
How Much Did It Cost At Gong Restaurant Orihuela Costa
Dinner this evening came to 52,50 €, which was worth every penny. The Gong menu option was 21,00 € each, the F-Bombs were 4 € per serving, and you received two bombs in each portion. Estrella Damm was 3,50 € per pint and Sophs Coke was 2 €,
Would We Return To Gong Restaurant
Let’s just say we are already checking diaries to see when we can go back. It’s a 40-45 minute drive for us, depending on the traffic, but it’s not too far when you know the high quality of the food on offer.
How To Find Gong Restaurant In Playa Flamenca
Coming down the AP-7, you can either stay on and pay the tolls or come off and go down the CV-95 through San Miguel De Salinas to avoid the tolls.
The other option is to head towards Torrevieja down the CV-905 and then join the N-332. Come off at the junction for Playa Flamenca, take the first turn at the roundabout, pass the petrol station ( Plenoil Orihuela III ), and head towards the Flamenca Beach Centro Comercial. Once you see the Goodnews store, you know you have arrived.
Their booking and details are here.
The address is C.C. Flamenca Beach 24 03189 orihuela costa, or email reservations@gongrestaurant.net
