Many moon ago we were advised by friends of ours to try Monumental Restaurante in Matola for a lunch and today we did just that. We went for their menu del dia and to be honest, I’m both sad and annoyed we didn’t get to visit here sooner. It’s not that long ago we visited Matola for the first time, popped into a couple of the local bars there for tapas. We enjoyed those places and said we’d come back for a lunch at those, but we were reminded about Monumental Restaurante and decided today to give them a visit.
Now this is not the cheapest menu del dia, but it’s very good value, especially if you like a drink.
What We Had
As we entered we were asked if we were wanting food, when we confirmed this we were taken through to the restaurant. We were seated near an aircon unit, which was ideal. Before we ordered anything, a plate of crisps appeared and was put on the table, then our drinks order was taken.
Drinks.
I asked for a cerveza tanque, but was advised they did bottles, so I had a bottle of Águila. Soph had a Coke Zero. Later on we ordered the same drinks again.
Food.
Toasted, warm bread was brought to the table, with tomato, alioli and pate. The bread was fresh, the pate tasty.
Next was the house salad. I think that this was probably the best house salad we have ever been served, in the past 10 years. Not only was it a large plate of salad, but it was both colourful and very tasty. There was super sweet watermelon in there and pineapple chunks, both of which just added to the taste and made it refreshing on a hot day. As the photo shows it was a tuna salad, and there was a lot of tuna here.
Often you have to dig around to see what type of salad it is on a menu del dia, but not here!
First course was paella for Soph and entremeses for myself. The paella was tasty, full of prawns and tuna, but packed full of flavour.
My entremeses was a large portion, with a good selection of meats and which went perfectly with the last few pieces of bread.
Second course we both had the same, ternera in sauce. This came with fresh vegetables and instead of chips, there was a piece of tortilla with this dish. The meat was lean, the veg had flavour, the mushrooms especially. What I would say is the food was seasoned, so no additional salt was required.
Dessert was cheese cake for me and Soph went for the chocolate brownie. Both were nicely presented, and were large portions which came with cream, chocolate ice cream and a wafer. We both said how nice these desserts were but I have to say, after the previous courses I was really pushed myself to finish mine.
We were offered coffee and I went for a Café Bombon, as I’ve not had one for a few weeks.
To finish we were offered a chupito, we both went for the Baileys option. This is a concept I really do like, a complimentary shot at the end of the meal. Boy we were not expecting what we were brought out though. usually it’s a tiny thimbleful shot class, but not here. This was a large measure!
What We Liked
Very attentive service, great food and a nice atmosphere. There’s plenty of seating both on the terrace or inside and they have a huge car park.
What Could Be Improved
Hand on heart, nothing at all. It would be tempting to say a written menu to look at, but the guy who served us spoke slow enough in Spanish for us to be able to understand and he actually speaks a little English too.
What Did It Cost At Monumental Restaurante
The bill was 34€ for us both. We asked about the second drinks as these were not showing, thus thinking we had been undercharged. This is when we found he spoke English, as he replied; ‘ it’s no problem it’s all in the bill’
Would We Return To Monumental Restaurante
It’s safe to say this was a huge thumbs up from us both and it’s on our list to return.
How To Find Monumental Restaurant In Matola
It’s basically further along the road from Restaurante La Llesca, and so the directions are the same.
Coming on the AP-7 towards Crevillent. Take exit 526 for CV-875 toward Crevillent/Estación Ff. Cc. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit and stay on CV-875 follow the signs for Matola.
Keep on this road for another 4km or so then at the roundabout, take the 3rd exit and stay on CV-875. Keep going straight, you’ll see the restaurant on your right, there is the large carpark next to the restaurant.
They have a Facebook page, but it’s rather basic, to be honest.
Using Satnav, their address is; Av. d’Algoda, 29, Matola, Valencian Community, Spain
They have a phone number listed on their FB page; 966 63 19 43
If you are coming from Catral and prefer the country roads, here’s an alternative route.
Go down the CV-8630 through Sant Felip Neri, keep on this road towards Parque Natural El Hondo, Puerta Norte. Just before the small bridge, there’s a left turn which you take which brings you out at the stop sign on the Cv-875, more or less across from Restaurante Los Molinos. Turn right there and keep going till you see the restaurant on your right, after a 2-3 minute drive.
