Barbacoa Grill Don Rafael — Restaurant in Tías

Restaurant Review: Barbacoa Grill Don Rafael, Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote

Nestled in the picturesque setting of Puerto del Carmen, Lanzarote, Barbacoa Grill Don Rafael has long been a name synonymous with good food and a convivial atmosphere. With anticipation, a party of four visited recently, hoping to indulge in a delightful dining experience, reflective of the establishment’s reputed culinary offerings. Unfortunately, our experience was marred by several significant shortcomings that warrant a thorough examination.

Our evening began with commendations for the lamb dish, which stood out amidst the otherwise lackluster menu. The lamb was indeed good and juicy, boasting a rich flavor profile that did justice to the dish's reputation. Its tenderness and seasoning were commendable, and it offered a glimpse of what we had hoped would be an evening filled with culinary pleasures.

Regrettably, the same could not be said for the Chicken Don Rafael. This dish arrived overcooked and extraordinarily dry, rendering it virtually inedible. Despite the enticing name and our high expectations, the chicken failed to deliver, leaving us utterly dissatisfied. It is difficult to recommend this dish to future patrons, as it did not justify its place on the menu.

Next came the sole with prawns, which proved to be yet another letdown. The dish was presented with a solitary small prawn that seemed to embolden the overall feeling of neglect regarding plate preparation. More disappointingly, the sole itself was stale, raising concerns about freshness that should never accompany a dining experience. Our group could not shake the unsettling notion that the fish might have exceeded its expiration date, presenting a serious issue regarding food quality and safety that the establishment must address.

Additionally, the mixed grilled platter, featuring both chicken and meat, was similarly disappointing. As with the previous dishes, the grilling technique resulted in an excessively dry and overcooked presentation. Each bite served as a reminder of how much potential the ingredients held, yet ultimately fell short due to execution. At an establishment that markets itself as a grill, such oversight is particularly disheartening.

To accompany our meal, we opted for two bottles of wine—one red and one white. Both selections were solid choices at a reasonable price, providing some relief to our overall experience. Nevertheless, the quality of the wine could not mask the dissatisfaction stemming from the food.

After expressing our concerns to the staff, we were surprised by their response. While the restaurant graciously agreed to cut our final bill in half upon our request, which we appreciated, we found it astonishing that no one sought to further inquire about the nature of our dissatisfaction. This lack of engagement left us feeling undervalued as customers. In the hospitality industry, customer feedback should be seen as an opportunity for growth and improvement; however, the absence of any proactive communication from the staff in this regard suggested a concerning disconnect between management and patrons.

In conclusion, while Barbacoa Grill Don Rafael offers a pleasant environment and decent wine selections, the quality of food we experienced fell significantly short of expectations. The delightful lamb provided a fleeting sense of satisfaction amid a series of culinary disappointments. Given the issues faced with both the chicken and sole, as well as the overcooked grilled platter, it is difficult to envision a return visit without substantial changes to their kitchen operations.

As diners, we leave with the hope that this review serves as constructive feedback for Barbacoa Grill Don Rafael. Restaurants thrive on their ability to listen to guests and adapt their offerings accordingly. We encourage the management to pay heed to such insights, ensuring that future patrons can enjoy the remarkable meals they seek when visiting this lovely locale...

Initially, I thought I'd found a hidden gem of a Steak focussed restuarant. The lovely looking meat stored in the fridges near the entrance gave the impression that this place meant business. The starters we ordered were excellent (garlic prawns and char grilled scallops) but unfortunately for me, things went downhill from there. I ordered the Chuleton Ribeye on the bone medium rare and it came out pretty much well done - the staff were very quick to react when I pointed this out and after about 5 minutes bought me a replacement which was rare - I could tell it had been seared and then left to rest before being brought to me. I certainly don't mind a rare steak but it wasn't what I ordered and to send it back a second time would've further caused issues as my friends had pretty much finished their meals. I guess the chef was having a bit of an off day, but I can't in good conscience rate any higher based on my experience (full transparency, both my wife and my friend ordered the same steak and theirs...

We’ve passed by this restaurant several times and often discussed trying the steaks. When we finally made the decision to have dinner there, we arrived early and were the first customers, which gave us a chance to settle in comfortably.

I selected the T-bone steak, priced at €50, based on the market value that day, while my companion chose a more budget-friendly option from the menu. I was particularly excited to experience the T-bone.

Overall, the steaks were good. While I’ve had one or two that stood out even more in Lanzarote, we were quite satisfied with our meal. The service was a highlight; our server was friendly and knowledgeable, effortlessly answering all our menu questions. As the restaurant began to fill up, the atmosphere transformed, adding to the enjoyment of our dining experience.

In summary, we found the meal to be enjoyable, and the prices felt very reasonable for the quality offered. We would consider returning to this restaurant in the future when the...