Trying, could do better
Pro Warm welcome and a splendid pumpkin cake.
Con VFM.
Pay
€€€
Per Person Four shared courses with 2 beers edging toward €30 per person. Gratis: a rather smart aperitif.
Find
Website https://elsantiamen.es/
Access Step free into the eating area.
In Pictures
On Google Images
Pro Warm welcome and a splendid pumpkin cake.
Con VFM.
Pay
€€€
Per Person Four shared courses with 2 beers edging toward €30 per person. Gratis: a rather smart aperitif.
Find
Website https://elsantiamen.es/
Access Step free into the eating area.
In Pictures
On Google Images
 |
| Aperitif |
 |
| Multi-ingredient croquetas. |
 |
| Generously portioned wings. |
 |
| Quartet of tasty tinga tostadas. |
 |
| Punchy pumpkin party piece. |
In Words
Hopes? A mexican version of lasagne? That's an amusing and potentially quite creative thought. Let's go and see what else is on offer.
Reality? It had run out. Oh. Disappointment. Not the way to go.
First Impressions? The interior's so orangey it looks like an explosion at a fake tan factory. That or it's a tangerine dream. Tables without crickery or cutlkery looked uninviting from outside. We don't think it's a covid requirement, so a little more presentation would be good.
USP? A smattering of original-sounding fusiony dishes got our attention before booking.
The offer in three words? Playing it safe.
Reality? It had run out. Oh. Disappointment. Not the way to go.
First Impressions? The interior's so orangey it looks like an explosion at a fake tan factory. That or it's a tangerine dream. Tables without crickery or cutlkery looked uninviting from outside. We don't think it's a covid requirement, so a little more presentation would be good.
USP? A smattering of original-sounding fusiony dishes got our attention before booking.
The offer in three words? Playing it safe.
Beer on tap? Estrella Galicia.
Eat me! Crunchy kimchi chicken wings were fine, if only just fully cooked. The creamy spicy mayo was, as it should be, the highlight. House croquetas were a pricy disappointment. We're thinking the trying-too-hard ingredient list (bacon, cheese, chicken and apple - really?) cancelled each other out and left very little flavour of anything. Chicken tinga tostadas had a decent spicyness to them, with some microcoriander adding a nice touch of freshness. Pumpkin cake was a real winner. Good icecream, most cake and a decent size to share. Really very good and recommendable.
Service! Very amiable and efficient. A warm welcome from the chef and good radar regarding drinks.
Friend friendly? Vegetarians catered for certainly. Not so clear how a vegan would get around the menu and have their interest sustained.
Rating for dating? Nearly. The lighting's too stark and the space - and menu - lacking in entertaining talking points.
Tip? Good service, Small one.
Change one thing? We wanted to try that unavailable Aztec lasagne.
Revisitability? The sincere tone and well-intentioned atmosphere make this hard to say, but the competition is intense, and we'd need more distinctiveness to pull us back. Only one of our dishes felt like something we'd not find somewhere else and tasting least as good.
Service! Very amiable and efficient. A warm welcome from the chef and good radar regarding drinks.
Friend friendly? Vegetarians catered for certainly. Not so clear how a vegan would get around the menu and have their interest sustained.
Rating for dating? Nearly. The lighting's too stark and the space - and menu - lacking in entertaining talking points.
Tip? Good service, Small one.
Change one thing? We wanted to try that unavailable Aztec lasagne.
Revisitability? The sincere tone and well-intentioned atmosphere make this hard to say, but the competition is intense, and we'd need more distinctiveness to pull us back. Only one of our dishes felt like something we'd not find somewhere else and tasting least as good.
Food ★★★☆ Service ★★★★ VFM ★★☆