Un Amor — Restaurant in Altea

Being the supertisicious type & not one to break tradition; we met up for our bi monthly luncheon with my dear Irish chum Lindsay Quigley. Ironically Lindsay & Elena have become very good friends over the years so always have a girly day out.

Anyway; we put our faith in Elena to choose todays venue and it did NOT disappointment.

A new one for me opposite Altea's charming marina - Rosa's Cafe. Superb location to soak in the mediterranean sun and people watch. If you're a crafty devil like my goodself you'll keep praying somebody falls in whilst trying to dock their boat. 🤣......but I can be awfully childish at times.

Andrew, the owner, greated us with great enthusiasm and zest for life. Clearly (& rightly so) proud of his 'baby' he was keen to showcase the highlights of the day plus their standard fare menu.

I'd been craving an expresso martini (quite hard to come by in Albir) so was pleased to see this on their inspiring cocktail menu. Elena & Lindsay can be quite predictable - red wine and diet coke.

To start we decided to share the dutch version of Spanish croquets - 'Bitterballen' (think I've spelt that right). Very similar to croquets but with more meat content than potato. These were delicious and the portion very generous considering the price - so much so, I could munch on them all day sipping potentially the best martini I've had in Spain to date. The two sauces that accompanied the bitterballen were equally tasty with one being on the spicy side.

For mains I decided to let Andrew decide mine. I was so torn between the variety of salads, blue cheese homemade burger and steak tartare; it was all getting a tad emotional so I said 'Andrew, surprise me!' 🤣 (Ever the dramatic)

By this point Rosa's Cafe had already won me over with the atmosphere, service, view, cocktail and attention to detail so I really didn't mind.

The girls both opted for the homemade burger. Lindsay quoted 'probably one of the best burgers I've had in a long time.'

I remember Andrew asking her how she'd like it cooked - not something we hear very often unless it's steak. Naturally, homemade fries and salad followed suit.

Your correspondent was pleasantly surprised by his main. I'd seen it on the menu but hadn't even given it a thought - I rarely do with chicken but WOWZER what a punch.

Spicy chicken dutch style with rice.

Packed with flavour; I'd soon devoured the lot. Tender and flavoursome; I'm so pleased I let Andrew order on my behalf.

For desert the girls shared a waffle. I'll have to take their word for it because apparently it 'was delicious.' I was so stuffed after licking my plate clean from the chicken to eat anything else - couldn't even fit another cheeky cocktail in which is unheard of for moi.

Please go and give these guys a whirl. The service was perfect, food beyond exceptional, decor tastefully done in fitting with its nautical location and when the bill came I thought there was a mistake; SO reasonably priced. Honestly - if it was double I doubt any of us would have bartered an eyelid.

I will be back. Let us know if you go and visit! #rosascafe

Thank you Elena for...

Cool café bar we found quite by accident on our morning walk. Quite plain to look at from the road but on entering it is a delight. The ceiling is a canopy of straw light shades and a variety of dried and plastic plants which is just a very pleasing sight for the eyes. Coupled with the furniture, contemporary bar area and amiable staff it is one of our favourite cafés. The coffee is GREAT, possibly the best in Altea - at least in my experience, so far 😉 The pastries here are delicious, fresh, home-made and delivered daily. If you arrive before 10 am they currently offer a free fresh croissant with your coffee (May/June 2024). It's a fab and trendy-cool bar with great customer service. We look forward to enjoying an evening meal here soon. I'll update then. Highly...

Apart from being located overlooking the port, Rosa's Cafe has a wonderful welcome with Rosalin and Toby offering anything from a coffee to a light lunch, cocktails and much more.

Close to amenities and a short walk to neighboring towns you can find a lively atmosphere in the evenings during the week and weekends. Rosa's is getting famous for Rosalin's shots! Check them out on Jam night.

Did I mention they have a Jam Night/Open Mic Night every Wednesday with top local talent, no not ladies of the night, but musicians. The music is great but some of the jokes will render you useless unless you rip out your pancreas.

Great owners, great location, great atmosphere, great food, great libations, great patrons, great weather, great music. Did I mention...