Restaurant quality food, but at cafe prices, is the only way to sum up the menu del dia at Cantina Rojales.
We’d called in here the other week for a coffee and a tostada; the service was friendly, the guy spoke excellent English, and there was a nice atmosphere to the place. It recently reopened in August 2023, but the quality of its offering means they already developing a strong following.
It’s popular with local Spanish as well as ex-pats from several other countries, including the UK. We also liked that it welcomes dogs, as there were 3 different tables having mid-morning coffee, and they all had their dogs with them, lying in the shade next to their owners. If you have children, they also have a small park to keep the youngsters amused.
Anyway, before I wander off-topic any more, we decided then we’d give it a try out for lunch, and we are so pleased that we did.
Menu del Dia is served Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12pm to 4pm and the menu changes on a weekly basis. They are closed on Mondays, and they don’t offer this menu on Thursdays, which is market day in Rojales.
This was the menu del dia menu for this week:
Salad
We were brought out a nicely prepared tuna salad to share. This came with a basket of ever-so-fresh bread and a delicious aioli, which I’m tempted to guess was possibly homemade. The bread was soft and fresh, which is always nice.
First Course
Soph went for the Magra de Cerdo, which is a pork dish in a tomato sauce. I had the Bruschetta with goat’s cheese and nuts. Both dishes were very nicely presented on the plate, really flavorsome, and very enjoyable. These were the work of a good quality chef.
Second Course
For the mains, I chose the Solomillo de Cerdo, which is pork fillet in a mushroom sauce. This came with some skin-on chips and veg. The pork was very tender, and the sauce was tasty. Soph chose the oven-baked chicken, which came with vegetables and chips. This was tender, it had been marinaded, and the outcome was a really nice dish.
Coffee or Dessert.
Normally, I’d go for coffee if it’s a choice between coffee or a dessert, but today I opted for the fresh fruit. The orange was sweet, the blueberries and strawberries nice and not too tart, and the melon was sweet and refreshing. Although not on the menu, there was a choice for chocolate ice cream, and with it being yet another hot day, Soph went for this option.
What We Liked
There was a good range of choices on the menu, from traditional Spanish to something a little bit different. The food was excellent, not a single complaint at all, and plates were left empty all around. Good presentation with garnish added to give a finishing touch. The team are smiley, happy people despite being very busy.
What Could Be Improved
Slight delay between finishing our mains and the desserts being brought out. However, as we were in no immediate rush, this really wasn’t an issue. The staff were working hard, and there were several large groups for them to manage.
How Much Did It Cost for The Menu del Dia at Cantina Rojales?
The meal in total, including an extra couple of drinks, came to €32.30, which was excellent value for money.
Would We Return To Cantina Rojales
Yes, we would, and this could become a regular stopping-off place for us when we are down in Rojales, especially as we now know how to find the place. We would strongly recommend booking a table in advance as they were very busy and as word gets out, we can only imagine that demand will increase.
How To Find Cantina Rojales
It can be a little tricky to find the first time, but the easiest way is to head to where the market is held on a Thursday. Take the bottom track down alongside the river, and Cantina is just around the corner, straight in front of you as you go around the bend.
If you are coming in from Formenta, keep straight along the bottom road until you come to the bridge across that crosses in both directions. Cross over the river and then take the first left that you come to, down between some houses. End of that street, turn left and then look for a sharp right, so you’re almost turning right back on yourself.
The link below is for Google Maps.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZdmQKGzjPPrFc8N49
Cantina Rojales – situated on the ground of the Rojales Market, Malecon del Soto 1, Recinto Ferial, Rojales, 03170
