We went to 3 Michelin starred restaurants while we were in Tenerife, the others were 1 star and this one was 2 star. It was good, but we actually preferred the other 2, mostly because the service here didn't feel very welcoming/friendly. It's mostly small nitpicky stuff, but worth mentioning given the level of restaurant.
The food was incredible as expected, and we loved the final dessert surprise. The restaurant is on the top floor of a gorgeous modern oceanfront adults-only resort. We had the center table on the wall of windows facing the ocean and were the only ones there for the first 30 min (we had a very early reservation).
They had the shades closed, even though it was currently cloudy and wouldn't open them when we asked. Much later when they did finally open the shades, the sun was now low below the clouds and shined directly in my husband's eyes (other diners were not affected, he just had the unlucky chair). The bread service was awkward. They brought initial bread (we got to each pick a piece from a few options) and multiple types of butter. It seemed like this would be an ongoing thing through the meal and they never cleared the butter or bread plates, but they never offered more bread to us. We would have loved more because the butter was so good. We got the wine pairing- at the other restaurants there was one sommelier that brought each wine and kept things timed, but here the wine came from different random people. They were not very good about keeping our water filled. At one point my husband got up to go to the bathroom and they refolded his napkin (as usually happens at this level of restaurant) but the napkin was super dirty and they didn't change it.
Again, all super small nitpicky stuff that we would never have even noticed at a lower caliber restaurant, but it added up and the overall feeling was just...
Read moreEl Rincón de Juan Carlos is a two-Michelin-star restaurant that promises a degustation journey like no other. Almost everything on the menu delivered exceptional flavors and creativity, with a couple of exceptions. The highlight of the experience was undoubtedly the blue lobster dish and the dessert course, which were nothing short of spectacular. The attention to flavor combinations and the precision in execution were truly Michelin star worthy. However, one dish the elvers carbonara fell short, feeling out of place in an otherwise meticulously curated lineup. Additionally, while the sauces were undeniably luxurious, the consistent use of heavy, creamy textures across seafood dishes felt overwhelming. A touch of lightness or acidity could have brought better balance to the menu. Service, as expected from a restaurant of this caliber, was exceptional, with an acute attention to detail. However, a few minor lapses detracted slightly from the seamless experience. For example, a server’s sleeve brushed the bread while reaching for plates, and there was a moment of miscommunication when we were offered dessert wine despite explicitly being a non-alcoholic table. These are small details, but in a restaurant of this level, they stand out. Overall, El Rincón de Juan Carlos offers a bold and mostly successful culinary journey that reflects the chef’s fearless creativity and passion. While there are minor points for refinement, the experience is unquestionably memorable and deserving of its Michelin accolades. For those seeking innovation and indulgence, this is a destination...
Read moreWe recently dined at this restaurant with high expectations, but unfortunately, our experience did not live up to the standard we anticipated—especially given the price point and reputation.
One of us is pregnant, and we found the lack of proper accommodations disappointing. The only adjustment offered was to cook everything “well done,” with no real alternatives or flexibility. Moreover, some of the ingredients included in the menu are known to be discouraged for pregnant women in many countries, which showed a lack of awareness or sensitivity on this matter.
Additionally, there was no alcohol-free pairing available. While a few mocktails were offered, they did not complement the food well and seemed more like an afterthought than a curated experience.
Service also fell short. The staff spoke limited English, which isn’t a problem in itself, but instead of trying to engage with us, they seemed to avoid our table altogether. This left us feeling somewhat overlooked throughout the evening.
Lastly, I chose the most expensive wine pairing option, expecting a refined experience. Instead, I received very small pours with no refills, and the wine quality was underwhelming at best.
All in all, while the setting and concept had potential, the execution—especially in terms of hospitality, inclusivity, and value—left much...
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