This is a place we had never considered before ( the ITV Orihuela Cafe), until a few months ago a neighbour and friend mentioned he stopped off there, while doing a hospital drop off. I’d said we’d done our ITV for my car in Torrevieja and been to the cafe next door and loved it.
Back to the story, so as we were passing by here on our way towards Almoradi, I mentioned to Soph that we really should call here and see if it was as good as it sounded.
What We Had
I asked for a Coke Zero and a tanque of Mahou. Sadly, I was offered only a bottle and there were two options: Tercio ( 330ml bottle ) Quinto, ie the tiny 200ml bottle. I went for the Tercio. I must also add, there was no offer of a glass or ice and a slice with the Coke. Rather disappointing in my opinion.
I ordered just a couple of the tapas dishes, these were Magra and a Tortilla., These were brought to the table, along with a couple of forks in a napkin. We thought bread would also be brought, but sadly this didn’t happen.
Magra. This was small pieces of meat, which isn’t really an issue, it’s just not what I’ve ever been served before. Usually, it’s chunks of pork, but today was different. The sauce didn’t pack any flavour, I’d be tempted to say it was from a jar even.
The tortilla was ok, nothing special. Soph did ask me if I thought it was supermarket bought, as that was her impression. I didn’t look like a lot of the proper homemade tortillas we have had on our ventures.
I could be wrong, but it was nothing special compared to some we have had out and about.
What We Liked
There’s seating inside and the aircon is powerful. There is parking outside too, though it’s quite limited.
What Could Be Improved
For me, if you have a beer tap, then you should be selling draught beer, not bottles. Aside from this, I’m not adding anything else, as we won’t be back.
What Did It Cost At ITV Orihuela Cafe
We didn’t get a bill, but this was 10.90€, which we had to ask twice for the woman to confirm.
As we didn’t get a receipt.
I went to pay and had a couple of 2 euro coins and 6 euro coins and I didn’t have enough, so Soph had to come to hand over another Euro. We left the 10cents as a tip, although thinking about it….
This is a total guess at prices here.
Can of Coke at 1.95€, a bottle of beer at 1.95€. The tapas being both at 4€ each = 10.90€ in total ( if my maths is correct ).
Would We Return To The Cafe At ITV Orihuela Station
No, is the simple answer. This was very expensive we felt, especially as the bottled beers are usually 1.00€ to 1.50€ in most bars. The Magra came with no bread.
Last week we had 2 tapas in a bar in Matola, a Coke Zero and I had a pint and we only paid 7€ there, plus the tapas was much better……
This place is what it is I guess, somewhere for the mechanics to have their break or those waiting for the ITV to grab a quick something.
You have a captive audience here and I doubt you get many people who venture here just to try them out for food and drink, as we did.
How To Find The Bar Cafeteria At ITV Orihuela Station
Their address is listed as being: ITV Orihuela SITVAL, Km. 8,3 Carretera, 03314 Orihuela, Alicante
They have an official SITVAL website that has details for the service station.
If you’re on the AP-7, Take exit 740 toward Almoradí/Rojales/Guardamar/Daya Nueva. At the roundabout, take the exit onto CV-91 towards the hospital. Follow this for just over 6km. At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on CV-91. You’ll see the ITV station to your left, so at the next roundabout, you’ll almost come full circle to turn off.
