In Bocca al Lupo altea — Restaurant in Altea

What a terrible disappointment! Having eaten here twice before and introduced ten friends to this restaurant, I booked a table a week in advance for my son's birthday and was so looking forward to it. I was told we would have the nicest table and offered a birthday cake, which I happily agreed to. On arrival not only was our table not ready (the place was full so, understanding this, we didn't mind waiting a reasonable amount of time), but the drinks we asked for three times to two different waiters never arrived. When we were finally shown to a table over 30 minutes late it was certainly not "the nicest" one I had been promised a week before, but in the passageway next to the work station. Our guests were seated on an uncomfortable garden bench with no cushioning or back support and at an inadequate height for eating. We asked a third waiter for the drinks, explaining that we'd ordered them three times before so that the order wasn't repeated, only to have him snap in our faces "well you didn't order them from me, did you!" At this point we'd had enough and stood up to leave. My son tapped the waiter who we'd twice asked for the drinks on the shoulder on our way past and told him to forget about them as we were leaving and the birthday lunch was ruined. Instead of apologising or showing any sign of remorse, he followed us onto the street, berating my son in a threatening manner. It's one thing to wait for a table, another to not get the table we were promised and yet another to not receive something we'd ordered three times - all understandable as they were busy - but to then be spoken to and treated so rudely and disrespectfully is totally unacceptable and shows a complete lack of professionalism and customer service. I regret having to post this review - I've waited four days in the hope of receiving an apology from the management, but none has been forthcoming. In the event, we went to an old favourite close by, El Castell, where we were warmly greeted and enjoyed a lovely meal served by friendly,...

Greedy disgraceful service. We were a group of 7 girls, all from Altea who frequently visit this restaurant in winter( low season). When I called there was NO mention WHATSOEVER of a time limit. The meal was decent(ish) at the end we were asked if we wanted a dessert to which we said no. But when we asked for another drink we were told we had been there for long enough (2 hours!!! Which for a group of 7 girls is not long) and that we were not allowed to stay any longer. The apparent ‘owner’ then came to talk to us but instead of being polite after a bill of over 200€ he continued to tell us that we were no longer welcome as he had other people waiting. I completely understand in certain circumstances, but considering places like these struggle so much in the low season & thanks to the locals they manage to survive, I feel we could have been spoken to a little bit better. I have worked in hospitality in this area and being kind definitely works to your advantage. I will never go back to In bocca. PS: La fornera, which is 2 doors down, is a fabulous authentic italian with incredible service! Definitely recommend. Also, espresso martinis are much cheaper in Mascarada which is just up...

One of the most beautiful restaurants I've ever visited. The atmosphere and decor as you walk in is beautiful with lots of foliage and beautiful statement pieces. The most amazing thing happened whilst we were sat closing our meals, the staff opened the whole roof! It just slides open revealing the most beautiful sky and sunset....we were gobsmacked. The drinks were so pretty we were very impressed. Then onto the food....I had a tuna tartare started with a side salad. The portions were very large so I'd probably not have a starter if you don't have a big appetite as I was pretty full so did leave some to allow for the main. I went with the lamb ragu for my main and it was the nicest lamb I've ever tasted. Again large portions so didn't manage it all but it was beautiful. We were sat right by the kitchen hatch so had a birdseye view of what was going on in the kitchen which all added to the experience as the staff were so quirky and fantastic. There was music playing whilst we were there and it suited the venue perfectly. Pretty expensive but worth every penny and we were there to celebrate a birthday so the perfect choice for a special family...