Restaurante El Rebalaje — Restaurant in Almuñécar

We read the negative reviews but gave it a try nonetheless, enticed by the beach setting and the specials of the day shown on the board outside.

What a mistake. We experienced the worst service ever and the rudest waitress.We did not receive or were offered tapas with our drinks as other tables were. We asked for Paella which was on the specials board and in the menu but the "The Waitress" said it was not available and pressed us to choose something else, so we asked for a few moments to peruse the menu. Literally, just 2 minutes later "The Waitress" returned and as we had not had time to choose our order we politely asked for another few minutes. It was then we realised that this was "The Rude Middle Aged Waitress" reported in previous reviews. We received a response of a loud sigh and glaring look. "The Waitress" never did return to take our order. We did, eventually submit our order with another waiter, of house salad, fried fish & chicken kebabs. The salad which was delicious was put on the table but without the rest of our order. We did not receive or were offered bread as other tables were and we were constantly ignored by the waiting staff. Other diners ordered after us and promptly received their food.  After asking twice and waiting for 1 hour for the rest of our order I called a waiter, cancelled the order and paid in cash for what we had consumed. The "Rude Middle Aged Waitress" then appeared at our table waving her arms & speaking loudly to the waiter and telling him the wait between the salad and the rest of our order was our fault as she twice offered to take our order! As we were leaving this "Rude Middle Aged Waitress" was still relaying her story to fellow diners at nearby tables.

The lack of attentive service, the long wait of 1 hour for the remainder if our order to be served is one thing but the rudeness and unprofessional behaviour of the Waitress was...

We are on our honeymoon although now live in Spain. We are staying in a little nearby hotel to celebrate our honeymoon so popped in, enticed by the Paella.

There was a table for 2 near the front and asked if we could sit there. The waiter said it was reserved but there was no reservation on the table and no one sat there the whole time we were there.

The waitress was a little grumpy with us and assume she thought we were holiday makers even though my husband spoke to her in Spanish. She was very pleasant to all the more obvious Spanish locals.

At the end of the meal we gave a €10 tip without even a Thank you from the waiter. I think the Waitress would have said Thanks tbh.

However, putting all that to one side the food and Sangria was amazing. We had the Pil Pil to start with bread and Alioli which was the best Pil Pil I’ve had so far in Spain. Then the Paella which was absolutely gorgeous. The Sangria was great too, so much so we had a second jug.

The place itself was lovely and was buzzing. Loved it. Will...

I spent a brilliant afternoon at Restaurante El Rebalaje in La Herradura this June, and honestly, it was one of those meals that just stays with you.

We were a small group of friends, and everything just clicked — the setting, the food, the vibe. I had fresh sardines, barbecued right there, and they were some of the best I’ve ever tasted. So simple, but done so well. You could really tell how fresh everything was.

The service was spot on — friendly and relaxed, but also super helpful. You never felt rushed, just well looked after.

But the real magic? The ambience. The restaurant sits right by the beach, so you’re hearing the waves, feeling the sea breeze, and just soaking in the view. It wasn’t noisy or packed — just the right kind of atmosphere for chilling out. Whether you’re there as a couple or with a bunch of mates, it just works.

I’ve tried a few of the places along that stretch, and El Rebalaje is easily my favourite. Can’t wait to head back next time...