Restaurante Rianxeira — Restaurant in Orihuela

We're usually cautious with our reviews because we are aware that taste and experience are quite personal and can be perceived completely differently by others. Tonight, however, we had the worst restaurant experience ever.

We arrived about 45mins before closing time but there were still a few guests eating or waiting for their food as the kitchen was still open. We asked for a mixed grill of fish but were told this was only possible with advance reservations. So instead, we ordered individual fish dishes, which apparently, yet oddly, was still possible. Eight large shrimps from the grill and a portion of baby squids from the grill too. Next to that some patatas bravas and a salad with warm chicken and bacon bits.

For some reason, all plates were ‘decorated’ with paprika (bell pepper) powder, partially covering the dish itself too. The prawns were half raw, which we pointed out and they were taken back to be grilled some more, which indeed helped, yet caused them to be more dry. The squid was not grilled enough, yet was still burned and covered in an indefinable sauce. As for the salad, it had cold bacon bits and dry chicken pieces on it that still contained splinters of chicken bone. The whole salad was overly covered with balsamic cream, including the bacon & chicken. So generously in fact, that everything had only that one flavor. The patatas bravas were fried potato cubes with "sweet hot ketchup" from a squeeze bottle, nothing in the least close to the spicy sauce (whether with or without tomato) so well known. When we mentioned that, all we got at first was a “sorry” from the wandering off waitress. Later she even admitted the sauce came out of a bottle and was not freshly made.

In our opinion, these dishes were prepared by the laziest, most unmotivated and most disinterested 'chef' in Spain. Next to that, practically nothing was done with the points addressed – no sending back to the kitchen, not offering something else instead, not even a ‘courtesy cup of coffee’.

The tastiest part of this visit were the glasses of tinto Verano.

These 50-plus Euros are the worst money ever spent. Save yourself the trouble and money by eating here. We will do our best to spare everyone this...

Fantastic restaurant with friendly staff. I wanted to try my Spanish and they were happy to help me speak correctly while ordering. The food was fantastic (Tapas) and very well priced €3 a dish. Sevice was prompt and friendly. We even got a complimentary ice cream for the little one - it's the little touches that make for a great evening. It's situated just off the main strip as well so not far from all the hustle and bustle but great to relax and enjoy your dinner without feeling overwhelmed. There was even an opera singer blasting out tradition Spanish songs and some well known favourites - even if opera isn't your thing, it's still entertaining to watch! Would...

Had some tapas and skewers here on a Tuesday night. The food was pleasant but the waitress that served us was like a rotten matron from Oliver. Not once did she smile or deliver our food with a pleasantry of any kind. When she came to take our order for dessert she just approached the table and glared at us. Never once did she come back to check that we had all we needed or if our food was ok. This waitress actually let the rest of the staff team down tonight. She wasn’t wearing a name badge and it wasn’t obvious on the receipt but no doubt you’ll know it’s her....