Once again, we went back to Varkk Bar & Kitchen at La Fuente, Villamartin, where we previously had a Sunday lunch. Though tempted by the menu del dia, we decided to make an evening of it and try their Taco Tuesday menu.
Finally, after being away for three weeks on holiday and looking for somewhere special to celebrate Soph’s birthday, we decided it was about time we visited again, but this time to also write a review.
What We Had At Varkk Bar & Kitchen
Drinks
Diet Coke, which was for me as I was driving, Soph had the first of her Long Island Iced Tea cocktails. I also had a coffee at the end of the meal.
Starters
We opted to try three tacos each to start.
I went with the Roasted Salmon, the Beef Cheek, and the Chicken Tinga.
The Salmon one was fantastic, with the lime mayo adding a lot of flavour. The Beef Cheek was tender, and although I am not really a lover of avocado, this did not overpower the beef at all. Finally, the Chicken Tinga was wonderful. There was just that perfect level of kick with the spiciness. The flavours here just danced on the tip of your tongue. If I could only, on pain of death, choose one next time, it would be the Tinga for me!
Soph chose different ones: Crispy Cauliflower, Panko Prawn, and Tofu & Pepper.
The sauce added a depth of flavour to the Tofu & Pepper taco. The Prawn Panko had the wonderful slaw to compliment the prawns and the Crispy Cauliflower was sublime; who knew that cauliflower could taste this good?
Mains
We both wanted to try a burger, which always looks so good on Varkk’s Facebook posts. Soph had the fish burger, which was a great combination of salmon and prawn and it was accompanied by a perfect sweet chilli sauce. This came with seasoned fries. The choice for me was tough as there were way too many great options, but in the end, I plumped for the Beef Cheek Sloppy Joe. This was full of flavour, thanks in part to the jalapenos both on the burger but also alongside on the plate. This, too, came with fries.
Both burgers were hot, fresh, and very, very tasty. These are not your run-of-the-mill patties!
Dessert
I bowed out of a dessert but did agree to help Soph out with her Sticky Toffee Pudding. Without a word of a lie, this has to be one of the best sticky toffee puddings we have ever had. It was full of flavour, tasty and rich but not too much so to be sickly.
I went for a coffee, just a plain old cafe con leche, but it was still a really good cup of coffee.
What We Liked
Everything about this visit was spot on. The food was exceptional, the drinks great and the service was like a well oiled machine. The team worked very well together.
When I booked, I advised them it was for a table for 2 as I wanted to celebrate a birthday. We were greeted upon arrival, Soph was wished many happy returns, and when we were seated, we were both presented with a glass of Prosecco. The sparkler in the complimentary toffee sticky pudding was a lovely touch.
Faultless service by an establishment that knows how to look after its customers.
What Could Be Improved
Based on our visit this evening, nothing needs attention. We had visited here before for Sunday lunches and always had a good experience. Hence, we came back and made the 40-minute each-way drive to get here: it’s worth it!
How Much Did It Cost?
All in all, the final bill, including Soph cocktails, came in at €75.64, and it was worth every cent! This was top-quality, freshly prepared, cooked-to-order restaurant food.
Would We Return To Varkk Bar?
An unresounding YES is the answer here. If you want great restaurant food away from the more traditional Spanish menu options but are fed up of the British bars doing pie and chips or sausage and mash, then this is an ideal place to visit. Give their Sunday Roasts a try if you want the taste of the UK.
How To Find Varkk Bar & Kitchen la Fuente
We came straight down the AP7 and followed the sat nav. Yes, it meant we got a couple of tolls in each direction, but in winter, these are only €2.60 each, but you can avoid these by going the back roads, and it only adds another 5 minutes usually.
Their address is: Calle Paso De Calais 1, Orihuela, Spain and should you need to ring them, 965 32 11 99.
One great thing to add is they are very active on social media, especially Facebook with up to date promotions, menus etc.
