Castillo Rincon Arboleas

The joint was dimly lit, the kind of place where bad decisions and worse meals go to die quietly. I sat at the table, sticky with neglect, and stared at the men... read more The joint was dimly lit, the kind of place where bad decisions and worse meals go to die quietly. I sat at the table, sticky with neglect, and stared at the menu—each word a promise it had no intention of keeping. I ordered mushrooms, beef, and maybe, just maybe, a shred of dignity. The mushrooms arrived first, slick and glistening like they’d been fished out of an oil spill. They weren’t sautéed—they were waterboarding my palate in grease. Each bite slid down like an insult, leaving my tongue coated in something that might have been shame. Then came the beef. Sweet hell. The smell slapped me across the face like a bad memory. I took one bite, just one, and my stomach threw up a red flag. It tasted like a butcher’s mistake, left too long in the fridge and cooked with contempt. Tough, sour, and faintly rancid, it wasn’t food—it was a warning. The waiter? A shadow. No How’s the meal? because we both knew. This wasn’t a meal; it was a middle finger served on ceramic. But then, just as I was preparing to throw the whole experience into the void, it came—the lemon cake. Bright yellow like it had been kissed by the sun. I didn’t expect much after the carnage on my plate, but the first bite was...a revelation. Sweet and tart, light and tender, like a fleeting moment of hope in an otherwise brutal world. I finished it, every last crumb, like a starving man handed salvation. It didn’t erase the horrors of the meal, but it softened the blow. So, I add a star. Not for the service, not for the beef, and certainly not for the mushrooms. That lemon cake—like a lifeboat in an ocean of despair—deserves it. Would I come back? Only if I could skip straight to dessert and forget the rest ever happened.

Got there thanks to Google maps and although very busy they found us a table for two. We chose from the fixed menu. Service was friendly and efficient. Food was... read more Got there thanks to Google maps and although very busy they found us a table for two. We chose from the fixed menu. Service was friendly and efficient. Food was great and plentiful., garlic mushrooms with Serano ham and the pigs cheeks were particularly good. The beer was cold and a bottle of wine only 3 euros. Definitely worth a visit. Service: Dine in

Lovely food... steak was average but everything else we ate was fabulous, the octopus was the best I've had in a long time. Friendly staff and reasonably priced... read more Lovely food... steak was average but everything else we ate was fabulous, the octopus was the best I've had in a long time. Friendly staff and reasonably priced. Will definitely be back. Thank you El Castillo Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: €20–30 Food: 4 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 4

Really good food and service at a good price too. The €19.90 menu was excellent value. I paid a little extra for the BBQ lamb chops which were really nice just... read more Really good food and service at a good price too. The €19.90 menu was excellent value. I paid a little extra for the BBQ lamb chops which were really nice just a little small for the €10 surcharge but not a complaint. The BBQ pork fillet was amazing. The two young waiters were really good and great with the kids too. Highlight for me was the Spanish bread pudding. Service: Dine in

The restaurant is set on a hillside, looking over the valkey the views are lovely, particularly when darkness falls lights twinkle around the view. Friendly wel... read more The restaurant is set on a hillside, looking over the valkey the views are lovely, particularly when darkness falls lights twinkle around the view. Friendly welcoming staff smile their greetings on arrival show guests into the pleasant table area. Unlike lots of restaurants in Spain, this one has a good deal of ambience. The menu del dia options are numerous when the dishes arrive, they are plentiful. The cost, not at all bad. We will be visiting El Castillo again.