Los Abanicos — Restaurant in Benahavís

First off food was delicious, can't fault that. But the service was the worst service I have ever experienced here over the last 15 years coming here. Booked 4 days in advance and requested an outside table on the small street. Arrived on time and told them our booking, tried to move us inside 1st told them our booking was for outside. Gave us a table at the end of their patch. Waited 30 minutes for someone anyone to come to us with a menu offer a drink 1st, greet us as the waiter. Had to go get our own menus in the end. Then had to go stand in the doorway to the restaurant and ask can we get some service another 15 minutes later. Head waiter comes back to my table with me. Ready to order your food! No drinks/wine menu offered. Had to guess what wine they had. Just order your food as i don't care about you or your family was the impression. Food arrived very fast, before drinks even came. Food was lovely I have to say again. Nothing wrong with the mains. Had to stop a waiter serving the nearest tables 3 times on different occasions for our sides/water/ketchup. Every time items thrown down on table and waiter leaves. Not once did a waiter approach us again to ask how our meal was, sorry for the zero service, can we get you anything else. Had to go up to ask after another 30 minutes for the bill because we couldn't trust waiting for dessert to be offered anytime soon. Out like lightning to collect payment was the 1st time someone actually approched our table without us having to ask ourselves. No comment how was your food/service, just you owe us €185 now....! Couldn't give care less at my comments about the absurd and totally terrible service, just wanted me to pay and leave so they could fill the table with another sucker family. Never, never going back here again and will tell all we know about how bad they treat longtime and new...

We recently dined at Abanicos and overall had a good experience, with both the food and service meeting a solid standard. Certain dishes, like the turbot, were truly outstanding and showed the kitchen's potential. However, other dishes were fairly average and didn’t quite justify the high price tag.

Some of the simpler and smaller plates were surprisingly expensive, which affected the overall value for money. Desserts continued this trend—decent, but nothing special, and again on the pricier side. The wine selection by the glass was particularly limited, offering just one red, white, and rosé, which was underwhelming given the otherwise extensive drinks menu. That said, the restaurant does offer a good range of spirits and malt whiskies, though these too were above the average price point.

The atmosphere was enjoyable, with a pleasant setting and the option of outdoor seating. One thing we couldn’t help but notice was the lack of local diners. Living in Spain, we're familiar with what’s available at similar or better quality for a more reasonable price, which left us with the impression that Abanicos may be leaning more towards the tourist trade.

In conclusion, we had a good meal and were well looked after. If you don’t mind spending more than usual, it’s worth a visit. However, for those seeking value as well as quality, there are better options...

This place is usually exceptional and I have been an advocat and supportive patron for over 30 years however my recent booking was hugely disappointing. The prawns pil pil pil was divine, the Iberico ham was too. However given the importance of the celebration of a 50th wedding anniversary I can not for the life of me believe I had to send the beef wellington back three times, three times. I spoke to the maitre de who I do know personally and asked to speak to the chef. He then threw his toys out of the pram and said do I own a restaurant, well yes I do actually and if he was in ANY doubt he could just have used a temperature probe. Further castigation then ensued from the meat chef. Well, I will come and eat there then. Juan the owner then returns and I'm told I'm1a problem..sorry but I refuse to accept this arrogance and contempt for a customer. They have become arrogant and complacent. It is a shame as I love the restaurant and adore the staff but being spoken to like this is completely and utterly disgraceful. Our waiter then smooths things over . Hopefully, I will return but that will be after a discussion and an apology. Im bitterly disappointed as it left a really sour tas te and it ruined my parents' 50th wedding anniversary an occasion los abanicos should have ensured was completely faultless. Overall...