El Buen Gusto Harborne — Restaurant in Birmingham

To preface this review, we have been in the catering business for over 30 years and really like to support local small businesses. This means that we know the quality of ingredients and also how the quality of service should be.

We went on a Saturday afternoon as El Buen Gusto was highly rated. We only ordered a few tapes to share between us because we had another dinner event later than night.

The pan con tomato came out first. The bread was stale, the tomato was so sweet as they had added sugar! We ate the middle of the bread and left the rest and this was a sign of what was to come..

The garlic prawns we had to send back and refused it because I am pretty sure it was the tiny frozen prawns ( from the colour of them) there were many small prawns, I’d rather they had less but decent sized fresh prawns. We asked for it to be taken off the bill, but the lady boss came over and said ok , but you ordered it and it’s how it is. She took it away and came back to us and said she has packed it in a takeaway box for us! This was so obvious that she is Not going to take it off our bill!

The chicken skewers smelt like it’s off, again we only had a taste and left it on the plate. Calamari & patatas bravas were ok but not great, Very Very mediocre.

The owner came to talk to us about prawns but they made us feel very uncomfortable in the situation. He said they are very authentic, but having eaten all over Spain and at many top Spanish restaurants in London, I can honestly say that this is ONE of the WORST Spanish we have tried! He did take the prawns off the bill at the end, we paid and swiftly left because we just wanted to get out ASAP.

It was such an awful experience, almost felt like we been conned. We went straight across to Waitrose to buy snack to take the taste away … we wished we saw and trusted the other 1* review…. If you want other reviews on this place, check out Meat &...

A fresh taste of Spain in Harborne…

Booked this for a catch-up session with a friend through First Table. My friend was raised in Barcelona… from the moment we walked in, it felt like we were in a little tapas restaurant in Spain. From the tapestry on the walls, the decoration and as well as the music playing in the background that she couldn’t help singing to every now and again - having been “raised” with those songs.

The premium sangria - 10/10!! So refreshing, 2 jugs served us well enough to give a mini buzz and enjoy the mammoth meal that followed.

The food: Each tapa they brought our way somehow tasted better than the previous one. They were having an oxtail special that night and boy did it not disappoint. The paella’s are large enough for 2-3 people. I have had better paella in other restaurants locally, so would not recommend this as a dish to have. It was very soggy, and lacked basic seasoning. Also, you HAVE to try the jam on croquettes 😋, easily the best tapa we had.

We also got some nice complimentary blue berry aniseed shots to top the evening off.

Will definitely be returning with even more people, for more laughs and food.

(I can seem to post all my photos...

Dining at EL BUEN GUSTO is not just a meal; it’s a journey of flavors and heartfelt hospitality. Owned and run by the talented chef Alush, this place stands as a testament to culinary passion and dedication. Alush’s hands-on approach in the kitchen shines through in every dish, showcasing masterful techniques and an authentic taste that keeps diners coming back for more.

What truly sets EL BUEN GUSTO apart is its hospitality. From the moment you walk in, you’re welcomed like family. Alush, who often takes the time to greet guests personally, ensures every experience is not just satisfying but exceptional. His warm demeanor and dedication to service create an atmosphere that feels both special and familiar.

Each dish tells a story, blending fresh ingredients with innovative twists. The flavors are bold yet balanced, and presentation is impeccable. It's clear that Alush puts his heart into every plate, making every visit a feast to remember.

If you’re searching for a place where the food is amazing and the service is out of this world, EL BUEN GUSTO is a must-visit. Hats off to Chef Alush and his incredible team for creating a dining experience that’s nothing short of...