M’encanta Coquería/

Oasis

➤ C/ Hort De La Bosca, S/N, 46780, Oliva, Spain

Sushi • Carne • Asiático • Mariscos

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"My parents have visited this restaurant multiple times and have had some wonderful meals. It seems that it may have changed hands since their last visit, which was prior to the Covid pandemic though. The restaurant is situated on one of the many roads from the village leading through the orange groves. It has a lovely outside area with a pool and welcomes families with small children as well as adult groups, including those for business meetings. There appears to be no dress code as some people came in their lunch breaks. The decor is eclectic and quirky, although an eye for detail shows a few bits that need attention such as ripped wallpaper and light bulbs that need replacing. Prior to the pandemic you would simply be asked whether you wanted to eat meat or fish and you wouldn't know what you were going to get until it was placed in front of you. Now there is a varied menu, including a list of specials. I didn't see the obligatory menu del dia (in Spain it is a legal requirement for every eatery to provide an affordable menu del dia). My parents both chose croquetas de gambas and I had the Valencian salad. Both parents agreed that their croquetas were some of the best they'd ever tasted (and believe me they have rated many)! The salad was huge and had many ingredients. The restaurant sadly couldn't provide me with a simple balsamic vinegar which would've lifted the salad nicely. If you want the salad, I'd recommend 1 between 2 people. One of my parent's favourite foods is suckling pig, and they were pleased to see suckling pig ribs on the menu. They've eaten these on many an occasion in a variety of restaurants including in Rome and London. All 3 of us ordered them from the menu. When they came, they looked quite dry and were served with a few chips, 3 small cherry tomatoes and 4 peppers which had been roasted. Everything was sprinkled with sea salt flakes making it really quite salty (especially if you prefer not to add salt to your meal). Sadly the ribs were dry, quite tough and virtually tasteless. They were nothing like what suckling pig usually tastes like and we're very disappointing. So much so that my mother couldn't eat hers after trying the first one and left just about everything untouched on her plate. My father left some of his ribs and chips too, which is unheard of. I struggled on with mine but also left some food. When the waitress came to ask if we had enjoyed them, my mother said no and said the ribs were tasteless and dry. The waitress asked my father and I and we also said they weren't good. The waitress called the manageress over and relayed what we had said. The manageress asked what the problem was with the ribs and my mother explained that they were tasteless and dry. That they were nothing like tasty suckling pig ribs should be like. Suckling pig is full of flavour and tender these were not. She explained that she couldn't eat them. The manageress proceeded to tell my mother that it was the way they were cooked and that my mother was wrong. She suggested that baby pigs were so young that they didn't have time to develop flavour what did my mother expect from a baby pig? As she was talking, her voice escalated and she was animated. There were many people at the tables around us who could all hear what she was saying and how she was saying it. My mother explained that she knew what suckling pig tastes like as she had eaten it many times, and that it shouldn't taste like our have the texture of the ribs we had been served. The manageress again told my mother that it was how they were supposed to be. My mother said, well if they have no flavour like you suggest is correct, then why on earth are they on the menu? The way my mother was spoken to was appalling. My parents are both in their 80s and have travelled the world many times and have eaten in top restaurants as well as eaten street food. They know how things should taste and, most of the time, how things should be cooked. They certainly know how their favourite food should taste, and the consistency of it. On this occasion it was not correct, hence why they didn't and couldn't eat it. What we did not expect was someone to lecture my elderly parents in front of the whole restaurant in an obnoxious manner and at increasing volume into how it should be and how they were wrong. My mother was so upset that, after consideration, she wanted to complain. In Spain it is a legal requirement that all restaurants must have a complaints book. This is inspected regularly. She therefore completed the relevant forms in the book. Sadly, this experience means my parents feel that they can no longer go back to one of their favourite restaurants in Oliva."

L´olivera

➤ Carrer Del Mercat, 8, 46780, Oliva, Spain

Pez • Bife • Queso • Postre

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"We made the reservation to them and even they couldn't sit down. the creaminess of good but flavored croquettes different from what they offer (the ham knew cheese). The rice to the lordet didn't get me. I knew a lot about fish. the attention of the waitress was good however he repeated to us on several occasions that he was alone and that he attended us in a while."

Mar Mediterraneo Miramar

➤ Spain, 46711, Miramar

Europeo • Mexicano • Brocheta • Cafeterías

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"Excelente local ubicado junto a la playa de Miramar, con un servicio profesional e implicado. Excelente carta de cocina tradicional entre la que destacan sus arroces y pescados frescos y de calidad. 100% recomendado para comidas familiares, en pareja o grupos de amigos!!"

La Nansa

➤ Calle Virgen Del Mar, 130, 46780, Oliva, Spain

Pez • Café • Queso • Tapas

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"We were out in Oliva with friends and trying to find somewhere nice for a relaxing lunch 3 adults, 3 kids) We saw La Nansa and liked the look of it. Very nicely presented restaurant, with a sort of up market , classy nautical feel. It’s predominantly a fish restaurant, but meat is on the menu too. We went all out for lunch and ordered lots of dishes to share and enjoy as a kind of tapas. The service was very good. The wine was excellent. The food was the biggest surprise. A very talented chef . The food was delicious! Oysters, moules, chips keeping it real) croquettes, goats cheese salad etc etc ... all beautifully presented and absolutely yummy! We will definitely return."

Ca Pepica De Inma

➤ Cl. Vía De Ronda, 26, Oliva, Spain

Pizza • Europeo • Mexicano • Cafeterías

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"I went with some friends who came from Madrid and I wanted to show them the local gastronomy and I must say that I felt completely satisfied with having chosen Ca Pepica because the paella and the fideuà that we had were spectacular. It far exceeded expectations, everyone loved it and I can say that the offer is authentic and a very good representation of our Valencian and Oliva gastronomy. Nor can I fail to mention the homemade desserts, as they were delicious. As for the service, they were very attentive and the treatment was exquisite. They have a passion for what they do. Note for paella purists: here in Oliva it is traditional to make it with “mandonguilles”, a kind of homemade meatballs and a few pieces of pepper on top that are delicious."