Restaurants are in abundance around Benidorm – but finding good food is very subjective and personal. The rise of All Inclusive packages have resulted in many restaurants struggling and there is talk at the Town Hall of banning any further ones opening, such is the impact on local businesses – whether it is just talk time will tell. But quality and service will always ensure that the good ones triumph and succeed. One which certainly stands out is “Oh Solomillo” which opened its third branch earlier this year. “Solomillo” means fillet – the best cut of steak you can get and a very apt name.
Located in the Old Town, on Avd Emilo Ortuño, just past the glass bridge - the other two are in Albir. Dutch owner Remu has been in the Hospitality Industry for many years and on moving to Spain 12 years ago initially worked in the food distribution business. He then opened his first restaurant – El Sacristen just off the Albir promenade 11 years ago, watching it grow and flourish, then last year opened Oh Solomillo Albir. The key to his success is personal attentive service – “everything is possible” being their motto, using locally sourced quality ingredients and affordability.
The branch in Benidorm has a fantastic serene ambience considering that it is surrounded by hotels and buildings and can seat up to 100 – private parties can be catered for. All the décor is stylish – bought over from Holland and oozes class. There is a large terrace where you can eat or a chill out lounge area to enjoy a cocktail and snack.
For gin lovers the bar stocks over 10 different brands to dry which you can enjoy. One thing that I really liked was that the tables are big – you don´t have to move your wine glass around to fit the arrival of your food plate! Open from 9am, serving breakfast including an huge range of teas, tostadas and tapas and remains open until after midnight – seven days a week.
The restaurant took part in the Benidorm Gastronomy Calendar last month – creating a wonderful carrot illusion, which was used on the cover of the colour brochure produced by the Town Hall. The menu – available in English, Spanish, Dutch, German and Norwegian is extensive, but the signature dish has to be the steaks – to die for! This must be the only place where you can ask to have your steak cooked in eight different ways – from rare warm to well done. Each main course includes sides plus half a bottle of house wine and is beautifully presented.
On weekdays – Monday to Friday they offer a lunch special between 1pm and 4pm of 3 courses plus a glass of wine for 11 euros, which works out to around 8 UK pounds… incredible value for the standard offered.
If you want quality food – particularly if you are a steak lover, great service and relaxed ambiance then I would certainly recommend that you try this place – “Oh Solomillo”