Botavara - Denia

I’d like to start this review by saying that I’ve never taken to TripAdvisor to complain about a restaurant before. However I will write this as a warning to ot... read more I’d like to start this review by saying that I’ve never taken to TripAdvisor to complain about a restaurant before. However I will write this as a warning to other holidaymakers in Dénia, as I wouldn’t like anyone else to experience such terrible service. So for starters the bread was stale. My younger sister ordered the “spaghetti Napoli” which was essentially over cooked pasta with cold pasata sauce poured over it. We had to ask for new plates, as the ones we were given were dirty. We also ordered “gambas al ajillo” which were **** and cold (see picture attached). Whilst the waiter apologised for this, we were disappointed further when it came to paying the bill. We had ordered paella for two people, but were charged for three. This could’ve have been down to a miscommunication when I asked for a third plate for my father, but I feel like this was pure sneakiness on their part. We were charged an extra €15 for a third mussel and prawn on a paella for two. The waiter refused to see reason on this issue, there was no thought given to a gesture of goodwill, despite the disgusting (and potentially dangerous) uncooked prawns that we were served at the start of our meal. I hope that the standard of customer service is seriously reconsidered in this place. I will also say do not be fooled by the positive reviews that have been left.

The great number of vacant tables did not scare us, we decided to give this place a try. And we don't regret. The great BBQ plate (min. 2 persons) was really gr... read more The great number of vacant tables did not scare us, we decided to give this place a try. And we don't regret. The great BBQ plate (min. 2 persons) was really great, and good tasting, too. Excellent service and good wines. We'll be back !!

We were a group of around 30, made up 7 families with kids of different ages that descended on what was already a busy restaurant without reservations or any ad... read more We were a group of around 30, made up 7 families with kids of different ages that descended on what was already a busy restaurant without reservations or any advance notice. After an initial bout of gruff hesitation, whilst the restaurant manager decided if he could cater for us the service improved considerably. Excellent food hot bread fresh from the oven, delicious garlic butter, olives, fresh salads, tapas and some really good paella all accompanied by copious amounts of Sangria. Certainly recommend!

We were a family party of three looking for a late lunch along the Raset seafront in Denia. We walked past a number of restaurants which were still serving, and... read more We were a family party of three looking for a late lunch along the Raset seafront in Denia. We walked past a number of restaurants which were still serving, and decided upon La Botavara. There were perhaps only five or six other guests there and most of the other restaurants were equally unoccupied. The waiter was very obliging and attentive, and we ordered starters of mussels, boquerones and calamares fritos. The ladies drank sangría and I had chilled sidra (Cider). As a main course we accepted his recommendation of paella de mariscos. The hors d'oeuvres had been delicious, so we anticipated that the paella would be of a similar quality. Sadly it became clear that it had been left on the heat far too long and the rice was dried out and partly crisp at the bottom of the pan. The mariscos were also overcooked, and as a result of adding more sauce to the paella, the whole dish had become heavily oversalted. We complained about the paella, but still paid the check as the service had been willing and courteous.

We chose a €22 menu of the day, which did not include wine but we still thought was great value. We started off with a small plate of mussels and garlic, then a... read more We chose a €22 menu of the day, which did not include wine but we still thought was great value. We started off with a small plate of mussels and garlic, then a tuna salad, after this we were served a lovely fried fish selection from the bay of Denia, then some Denia prawns, for the main course we chose a fideua all washed down with a very nice house red. Just when we thought we could not eat any more we decided on tiramisu for dessert. The service was great, both professional and friendly and would not hesitate to recommend this restaurant for lunch.