El Trillo Restaurante Granada — Restaurant in Granada

We chose to come here for dinner for the last night of our trip after a great dining experience several years ago and seeing all the good reviews. However, we were both disappointed this time. Our reservation was at 8 pm for dinner and although we know this is early to eat in Spain, they weren’t ready for us and other guests at the time and were still putting place settings and chairs at the tables when we entered so that it felt unprepared. We were among the first in the restaurant and were placed in a corner by the door. To see the menu we had to scan a QR code on the phones of one of the staff, which didn’t work well since there was not good cell service, so we needed to ask for the wifi password. The waiter gave us just a few minutes to look it over and we felt rushed when asked for our order, which we said we needed a bit more time for. Instead of checking in on us, we were left for about 20 more minutes before being asked again.

We ordered 2 glasses of wine, 2 main dishes: the tuna and octopus rice, and 1 dessert: the hazelnut cake, for a total cost of €66. Considering how we felt basically ignored the whole night and the food wasn’t as good as expected, we felt the whole experience was overrated and overpriced. It’s a nice location in the Albaicin and has a lovely interior, but the service and food did not live up to the hype. The manager/owner (?) was not friendly in his tone or manner of speaking to the guests, our waiter hardly gave us any attention (only came to deliver our food and we had to signal for her to come over when we needed), and the romantic setting around us didn’t match the setting set from the staff.

In terms of the food, the wine was okay. The tuna was flavorless, while the quinoa it came with was tasty. The octopus rice was flavorful but the octopus itself was cooked inconsistently with some pieces harder and chewy while others were tender. And finally, the hazelnut cake was a treat, with delicious chocolate and orange sauce, but not sweet enough for the experience to leave a good taste in our mouths.

Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this restaurant and wouldn’t return, unfortunately. There are far better restaurants with better food and price point. This was a letdown and we wish we’d chosen somewhere else, maybe more of a local favorite, for...

What should have been a wonderful night turned into a disappointment, we called to book a table with a view, we were told it would be too cold to sit outside so reluctantly said ok to inside dining because we didn't have a second restaurant option, albeit the whole point being to go to this restaurant was for the view! We were the first clients of the evening and I really wish I had needed the toilet sooner! Because close to the end of the meal I stumbled upon the roof terrace with a great view of the Alhambra along with patio heating and blankets...everyone else who walked in whilst we were eating were accompanied up to the terrace for the wondeful dining experience with view. I even heard one of the waitresses tell the clients not to worry as we have blankets and heating outside so you won't be cold. Unfortunately for us, we booked ahead and just sat down inside after being told it would be too cold out side. Having stumbled upon the outside area by accident whilst looking for the toilet, I returned back to my boyfriend waiting for me at the table with disappointment. I was very frustrated that upon making the booking we were not informed there would be patio heating and blankets as with that information we would have happily sat outside. It felt as though we were guided to sit inside on purpose to save the seating outside with a view for last minute walk ins. Dont let the same happen to you! We paid more money than we would normally for a dinner out as we were happy to pay more, knowing we would have an amazing view, sadly we didn't get the view and the food was very average so if you are going here, insist on the view or go somewhere else with better food. We missed out and...

The best meal and service we had in Granada. Service: It started off with Guillermo greeting us and asking where we were visiting from. Then chatting about sports before getting us to one of the few remaining tables that evening (Highly suggest you make a reservation). The ambiance inside was cozy with a propane fire pit in the corner and a beautiful red rose at our table since it was Valentine's day. Being quite cold, the outside patio was unavailable but we did check it out and snag an excellent picture of Alhambra on our way out.

Once we sat at our table, our server Carlos was non-stop attentive. Our drinks were flowing (thanks to Guillermo the bartender) and the food came out in a timely fashion.

Food: Flat out impressive! We started with smoked fish and shrimp couscous that was light and flavorful. My wife enjoy the wild mushroom bowl and I had a phenomenal sea bass with steamed tomatoes and marmalade (the bass was cooked to perfection soft and moist every bite with exceptional quality fish). For dessert she enjoyed the tiramisu which is her favorite and I had the best dessert I enjoyed in all of spain, Tarta de Queso- cheesecake. What made this so delicious was the no-bake method so the cheesecake was smooth and silky with a thick baked Graham cracker crust. Plus the fresh fruit on top elevated the flavor (fresh raspberry might have been best I've ever tasted!).

The entire experience was worth every Euro! Highly recommend if you want a can't miss...