Txoko Menorca — Restaurant in Sant Lluís

This is an edit to my previous 5* review from a year ago - following this place now being run by its new owners and staff. OH DEAR … a case study in how not to take over, but instead to totally spoil, a thriving restaurant. The only thing that hasn’t changed is most of the menu - which was great before. BUT, unlike before, El Txoko is now soulless and is hugely disappointing. Some new chairs and tables hardly compensate for the unswept and untidy floor, chipped plates, no drinks menu, no music or atmosphere, food not cooked or presented with the same care and passion as before, and … rubbish service from the staff - who all seem untrained and totally inexperienced. We left before one of our 2 main course dishes were delivered, 15 minutes after the other one had already been delivered and eaten. No apologies at all from the staff, just a shrug. Sadly, the front of house vibe and excellent waiting staff were all a key part of its charm before - now a distant memory. We won’t be going back!!

My previous 5* review words follow - none of which are applicable any longer!!! Now THAT is how to run and staff a restaurant!! Great menu, food and wine, plus friendly, efficient and knowledgeable service, and a great vibe - all at a very fair price. No wonder it seemed to be buzzing and busy on a Tuesday lunchtime … so that we had to be squeezed in on a last remaining table. This lovely place stands out from the average and the barely average that is commonplace elsewhere. Thank you - we will certainly be back - this time with a...

Positives

The grilled octopus is the best seafood I’ve eaten anywhere in the world!!

Most of the food I’ve eaten in last 4 visits is stunning!!

Negatives The main waiter (long dark hair) is a misery. He never smiles, always looks like he wants to be anyway else apart from the restaurant.

He hates speaking English even though most of the customers are English. My wife asked for Mahon Gin. He had no idea what Mahon was!?!?!?

My son who is fluent in Spanish and lived in Madrid spoke to the waiter and apparently the waiter had no idea what my son was saying!?!?

Basically his attitude sucks and he seriously needs some customer training. A start would be a just a simple smile!!!

Summary

Yes I will be back because the food is fantastic but I will refuse to be waitered by the gentleman I...

Really rude staff. Asked for a table and then waiter shook his finger at us even though it was 13:45 and they were open until 17:00. We asked another waiter who then exasperatedly pointed to a table for two that didn’t have chairs and wasn’t set. There were many other tables open and available and the restaurant wasn’t busy. We walked over to the table he pointed us to anyways and then stood by it for a few minutes. Neither staff member brought over chairs or menus. We eventually decided to just leave. The people around us didn’t look happy either. Don’t waste your time and money at this...