Good restaurants in the Duquesa Area

Hello Me the missus and the dog.

Been a bit busy lately but I did start to read your progress on moving to Spain which was very interesting and amusing at times but I have lost my way and not sure of the thread that your journey was posted on could you remind me please so I can catch up.  Hope you are enjoying your move and may I take this opportunity to wish you yours and the dog a happy christmas.

Jojan

Anybody any "feedback" (apologies no pun intended) on what restaurants they used in and around Duquesa over Xmas?

Hi

We used the Straw Donkey for lunch and Slow Boat to China for an evening, we were there between Christmas and New Year.  First time away at that time of year and must say we found the weather a little chilly although we did realise when we returned to England that it was not as cold as we had thought.  Not so many people about as we thought there might be so they must have been spending time in doors.

Jojan

Looks like Itzabar has been a big favourite in Sabinillas, it's our  favourite when we are out in Duquesa, but looks like they went overboard on New Years Eve, will be back in a few weeks and see if it's still as good.

Jojan

where is the Straw Donkey-what is the food type etc

Hi

Just back from a quiet and wet Duquesa ( exception of new year)  . Slow Boat was good, indifferent about Jolly Sailor and mexican also good. Must say the prices when converted are on the ridiculous side now. Also new year prices were ridiculous ..€125 each I believe in La Traviata!!  nice place but not that good!!

Hi Advisor

In the marina If you walk from the Slow Boat to China along the front towards the La Pagolla and past Bar Blue go up the steps and about 50 yards on your right is The Straw Donkey.  The restaurant is owned by a Canadian guy and his wife, they are very friendly and they serve really good size home made portions, we have always found them to be very good value and the food is tasty.

Jojan

Straw Donkey: Excellent Home Made Food - Horrible Canadian Management

We have eaten there for lunch only around 5 times this week (I won't mention last week) - it's Christmas after all.... (and we can sit outside with the pooch......) ..... but- chicken wings with bar-b-q sauce, nachos with cheese, tomato, side dishes of guacamole, sour cream, salsa, spare ribs, patatas bravas, king prawns - pitta breead and houmus -  that's my order! Everyone can pick (as they usually do at mine) but you can have steak, burritos, chilli, chicken, burgers ahhh I'm not going to get on to his home made desserts (we usually bring them home!

But seriously - you can't fault the food - it is just what it says on the menu (and if not speak to Will - the Horrible Canadian Manager......) You really couldn't meet a nicer guy.

Parapiros: Food consistently .... if you're eating in the evevning it's OK for the money (other half loves it - as do many others - but I'm really not that impressed)

Slow Boat - give it a miss and go to the Chinese/Japanese a few doors down from the Oasis Bar - they will cook your food in front of you and you wouldn't believe what they can do with their chop-sticks! Service cannot be faulted, and the food is delicious.

Arroyo Hondo - excellent food, excellent service - typical "Spanish Fayre" and a lot more besides ... booking essential right now it seems - the big CC doesn't affect everyone eh?..When you're here put it on your list ...

San Rafael's - always one of my favourites - good food, good service, excellent prices (or so I am told - lol), and "just down the road"

ItzaBar - they close tonight until 2nd February - fair play to the guys (that's Kevin and Martin) - they really deserve it....

I'm sure there are lots of other places I've omitted to mention but I'm sure you have enough to be going on with..

OOoooh got a shock then when you said horrible Canadian management until I read further down - yes you couldn't wish to meet a nicer guy, very true.

Next time we are out there we will also try some of the other favourites you mention.

Jojan

We just got back and the weather the last fove days or so has been lovely and sunny.  We enjoyed Itzabar - great value despite the exchange rate.  Green Olive was lovely as ever too and the one in Sabinillas that is as far right as you can go and  on the sea front next to the children't play park, car park and the school (can never remember its name) was great as it always is for seafood, chicken and pasta.  Also had a great new year in Brown's.  50 euros for 4 courses plus half bottle of wine each, welcome cocktail, cava, graptes, party bag and (dodgy) live band.  Very good food and fun and they only charged ten euros for two courses for the kids.

Hi

Just noticed when we were in the port last week that the Straw Donkey is no more it is now named Oscars, does anybody know what has happened and what is the new restaurant like?

Jojan

Hi Jojan

It is the same owner at Oscars and they are still doing the delicious ribs!  Just a revamp with a new menu, which you can have a look at on one of the posts here.

Looks quite nice  - think we'll be visiting at some point soon!

Hi Pitby

That is brilliant news I would have hated to see that he had left us, we will certainly be trying it in a couple of weeks time.

Jojan