Sinfonia di Roma

The Sinfonia di Roma restaurant is in Dona Pepa, near Quesada, very close to the Laguna Hotel. It is a very popular restaurant. On the night we visited all of the outside tables were full and there was a singer to entertain the ensemble late into the evening.

We ordered from one of the set menus and I would rate it as fair value for money. The choice of dishes ranged from pasta to mixed salad from Roquefort steak to various fish dishes. The food was filling but of average quality. The house wine was OK. The marsala sauce needed some work and I can't recommend it. The a la carte dishes I saw looked quite impressive or I would suggest you choose wisely off of the set menu.

The restaurant's strength is the entertainment, creating a good evening out. The Italian owner of the restaurant made a few nice touches of greeting each table and giving each lady a single stemmed rose.

Food rating:6/10

Overall evening out: 8.5/10

Telephone No. 966 717 801

Avenida Antonio Quesada 60

The Yellow Rose of Texas Restaurant, Benimar

The Yellow Rose of Texas in Benimar, Benijofer is good. You won't leave hungry. The portion sizes are larger than average, the prices are fair, and the ambience and service are good to match.

This is the Supreme Nachos. We chose this starter so we could share as we wanted to make room for the main course. [We had heard the portions were large.]
Doesn't that piccy make your mouth water?
This is a full rack of ribs. A Tex Mex restaurant serving larger than average portions. The quality of these rack of ribs was impressive: very tender and succulent. The picture shows a full rack which we reckon could feed 2 or possibly 3 people. They cost €12.95 and if you want fries then you have to order an extra side dish.

The fries are small pieces of fried potatoes not traditional French fries.

This is the XXL burger. Too much for even our 15 year old dustbin with hollow legs to finish. [Although he did eat some of the ribs]

This is the Tallahassee T steak. Not T bone steak, but 500g of steak threaded on two skewers. Too much for one person. This comes with a bowl of fries too.

Deserts were disappointing with just the usual list of pre-made Menorquina ice creams.

I would just add one negative point. This restaurant is popular and you need to pre-book. We booked 6 days ahead and availability was limited. The day before our reservation we tried to add a further 4 to our table making 8 in total, but were told they were full. On the evening in question they were not full and could easily have accommodated a further 4 on our table.

Overall rating 8/10

Telephone: 966 713 825

The Banana Tree II

The original Banana Tree is in Quesada. This is a copy of the first. The décor is impressive with a carved dark wood exterior with wooden seating and tables. The air conditioned interior looks as if it is built around a Banana tree with and features glitzy tiles and the same heavy ornate wood as the exterior.

The food is a mix of Thai and Chinese. It is served in ornate bowls and looks impressive. The old adage of "you get what you pay for" fits perfectly here. A lot of effort is given to those eating a la carte with carved vegetables decorating the plates and large portions.

The cheaper option of the set menu for €9.95 gives reasonable value for money with quite a number of choices for the starter and main course served with rice or noodles and also includes a small drink. However, if you are starving and the budget can stretch my advice is to go for a la carte.

The set menu ice cream desert is basic. If you like coffee it is probably the better option.

The service was good and we didn't need to book, but it was quite busy for a mid week.

It is a little off the beaten track, so here are some directions. It lies in between Los Dolses [Super Value] and Dream Hills. It is next to the new Instituto School which is being built. From Dream Hills and the back of Playa Flamenca go over the small bridge and head in the direction of Los Dolses. The restaurant is on your right hand side.

Rating overall 7/10

EJ's Restaurant, Los Dolses

EJ's is one of our regular haunts. It offers a multitude of cuisines from English to Indian cuisine at excellent value for money and last night it continued to impress. Normally we would have the menu del dia; 3 courses for €6.95. However, it was late in the evening and I only wanted a snack. I fancied a chicken tikka naan.

It was excellent and cost €7.30 which I thought was great value for money. A large light naan filled with a generous portion of chicken tikka, salad and mint dressing. Definitely one to recommend.

E.J's restaurant , Los Dolses Commercial Centre, Orihuela Costa.

Tel: 966 765 542