Bar restaurante El Puerto — Restaurant in Olvera

Tourists Beware

The food is good. But as a tourist you may be targeted and deceived into paying more than necessary. Here is my experience: I was the first patron to arrive at El Puerto. About 10 minutes later a second tourist arrives. We both sat at one of the casual tables that were set up outside. We were also given white table clothes, a place setting, and a thick black menu with high prices. I thought this service was normal, so I ordered and did not think much of it. About 30 to 45 minutes later, the locals started filing in and sitting at the remaining outside tables. I noticed that none were given white table clothes, place settings, or thick black menus as me and the other tourist. Instead, they were given regular 2-page, laminated tapas menus. I was also given a bread basket, in addition to the typical small plate of olives many bars offer as an appetizer. Again, I thought it was an innocent gesture.

I ordered calamari, but was charged a different meal that cost €1 more. When I questioned the waiter about the mis-charge, he told me it was similar to what I actually ordered. And I was charged for the bread basket that I neither requested nor ate. In addition, when I paid for my meal, I was shorted €0.50. While I cannot speak about the other tourist's bill, I know I paid about twice as much for my meal than was necessary. What appeared as good and friendly service for us both, in my opinion was deception. Lesson learned.

If you visit El Puerto and you are a tourist, do so at...

A bit underwhelming, the complimentary olives were very sour and salty and we left these for what they were. The grilled peppers (weren’t freshly grilled) with tuna was not special, the meat was OK and good enough portion, the jamon with tomato on toast was disappointing as there was barely any tomato (paste) on the toast. It was basically jamon on toast. The homemade croquettas were disappointing, we ordered the jamon croquettes, and because they were very hot we cut them open to cool down and barely saw jamon in them. In fact we did see quite a few having pieces of chicken in there (another type of homemade croquettes we did not orderby the way) and the pieces of jamon were max 1-2...

Great atmosphere, attentive staff who can speak English. There are two menus, one tapas of which is entirely Spanish, the other is a more European style menu with English translation. Ordered house salad, spaghetti carbonara and pork Jowl (cheek) food served quickly and fresh, salad crisp and tasty, olive oil, vinegar and bread part of table service. Carbonara was rich and creamy but the pork cheek was utterly to die for, soft and unctuous served with chips and a beautiful braised gravy where the pork cheek just melted in your mouth. First time eating but would definitely return...