You know when you’re out in a town and decide it’s time for a bite to eat, but as you have a guest with you, then you don’t want to ‘risk ‘ somewhere new? This is what happened today, while we were just on the outskirts of Rojales. A La Cantina tapas lunch is a great option.
We’d said we weren’t going to have a menu del dia, but instead fancied tapas, so Soph and I decided to head to La Cantina, which is one of our go to establishments, where we always get great food, brilliant service and enjoy our visits. We knew Sophs mum would enjoy the food here too.
Our intention today was to have tapas, but the staff had the menu del dia menu out too and I saw mackerel wrap as a start, meaning I then started to look at the lunch menu.
What We Had
Drinks
I kept things simple, a tanque of draught for me, Soph had a black tea and her mum went for a Coke Zero. Later on Soph had an Aquarius, while her mother and I finished off with a cafe con leche.
Food
I was left to choose the tapas dishes. First on my list was Berenjenas Fritas con Miel, Sophs mum said she’d like Patas Bravas. I ordered the smaller portion of the montaditos ( one of my regular tapas here ), we had a portion of albondigas and also 3 of the Bao buns with Cheek, so we could each have one of these to try.
The ladies then shared a dessert, after seeing some being brought out to a table close to us and they did look good.
Berenejenas
A decent sized portion, a lovely drizzle of honey, these were nice and just how I remember them from when we used to get these served when we lived in Granada. There are not many tapas places I have noticed have this on their menu, which is a shame as it is a really nice, genuine Spanish tapas.
Patas Bravas
Did just what it says on the tin, nicely cooked potatoes with a spicy-ish sauce, that adds flavour without burning your mouth.
Albondigas
Nice fresh bread, there were four meatballs in plenty of sauce, meaning I’d be having two of these beauties.
Montaditos
I always order these and always have the small portion, meaning 5, and these were as good as on every other visit. Lovely, fresh bread, different fillings and the vegetable crisps in the centre are a nice touch and add a different texture.
Bao Buns With Cheek
The first time I’d really noticed these on the menu and ever so glad I ordered them this time around. These were light and fluffy, but the need cheek inside was tasty and the savoury marmalade just added that extra layer of flavour. Would recommend these to anyone looking for something slightly different to try.
Fruit Cake
As you can see from the image, another good sized portion. Tasty, moist and the girls enjoyed this, especially the ice cream.
What We Liked At La Cantina
Friendly and attentive service, the staff here are always on the ball. Food was as good as ever and they had heating on too, meaning it was an enjoyable visit throughout.
What Could Be Improved
Yawn, I know but nothing based on this visit needed any improvement. This is why this place is one of our go-to bars and restaurants, where we feel safe taking friends and family as well as recommending them to visit.
How Much Did It Cost?
For all the different tapas, the 2 drinks each and the all important cake, the bill came to 48.90€ for the three of us.
Drinks
My tanque was 2.80€, Sophs tea was 1.20€ her mums Coke was 2.40€. The Aquarius was also 2.40€, while the coffees were 1.60€ each.
Food
Berenejenas This was 8.00€.
Patas Bravas For the half portion 3.00€
Albondigas these were 5.00€ for the half portion
Montaditos the small portion of 5 were just 8.50€
Bao Buns With Cheek were 2.80€ each
Fruit Cake with cream 4.00€
Would We Return
Or a better question is, when would we return? To which the answer is anytime we are in the area and fancy either tapas or their menu del dia, which we have enjoyed since they first opened.
How To Find La Cantina In Rojales
They are situated on the huge car park, where the Thursday marker is held, but right at the bottom end.
Their address Malecón del Soto, 1 , Recinto ferial, Rojales, and they link to Facebook and here too for Google search, for more information.
If you have not visited, give them a try, but you might be best advised to book. We hadn’t booked and there were only a couple of tables not reserved or not in use!
