Restaurant Ripoff!

[jessie]

I wondered why so many tourists opted to stay in fully inclusive accommodation when there is such a wide variety of restaurents available on this island but, after having been ripped off in one, I think I know the answer. When in Corralejo we normally eat in Avenida where you are guaranteed good food, excellent service and incredible value for money. (Generally we pay about €12 for 2 excellent meals, 2 drinks and complimentory bread and alioli). Unfortunately Avenida is currently closed for a month (for holidays) so we had to try somewhere else. We decided to try Avelino, down by the harbour and, on arrival, received a warm welcome by the owner who suggested the paella. We were not feeling very hungry so we asked if it was possible for us to share a mixed salad (€6) and also to share one portion of chicken paella (€13). He agreed that was ok and I confirmed the prices with him. The salad was mediocre but the paella was dire (a plate of vivid yellow, overly salted rice containing a few round black things which looked like burnt beans. There was no actual chicken meat, just some bits of chopped up chicken carcass – the boney, grisley bits that are left over after you take off all the meat. We asked for the bill, which we expected to be about €24 allowing for €5 for our 2 soft drinks. The bill was actually €39.50 – almost double the expected amount! This included €2.50 for bread, which we hadn't ordered and hadn't eaten. We were charged €26 for the plate of yellow rice and chicken bones. It is very strange how the owner could be so nice and speak fluent English when taking the orders and yet suddenly turn very nasty and not understand a word when I tried to ask him why he had charged so much after what we had originally agreed. I had no option but to pay up and put it down to experience but I felt totally ripped off. For a family on holiday this type of experience could put them off the island for good or, at the very least, encourage them to go 'all inclusive' in future. Please can anyone recommend a genuine good value for money restaurant in Corralejo that we can try until Avenida reopens?

[Ronnietheblue]

5th Avenue, slow boat 2, sombrero's, weirdos, la scarpetta,El Andaluz, La Taberna,Boardriders,jaipur, Cherry tree to name a few, but agree Avenida takes some beating for price.

[colinblue]

This is obviously why Avelinos is so poorly rated on Trip Advisor. I adore Avenida which is why, if I do go elsewhere, I go for similar relaxed, good value, no nonsense food resturants. The favourites, Sotevento, La Playita, Los Compadres and La Lonja, in no particular order. I'm afraid the fancy 5th Avenues and Temple Bars do nothing for me.

[beachlife]

Try La Luna its a little gem never had a bad meal there.

[colinblue]

Nice one beachlife, that was the next restaurant we were going to try. Nice to have a recommendation.

[Elite of the forum]

Went to la Luna for the 1st time thought it was over priced ,didn't get what it said on the menu ,had to send the so called tuna fish cakes back they were actually tuna balls in batter and raw in the middle ,the mixed bruschetta were all the same and not one of the 3 of us finished the meal,plus the service certainly wasn't with a smile

[Ronnietheblue]

Agree with Roar, not one of the best to us and tried several times.

[Elite of the forum]

Like Dovela better

[fuertesol]

If you have a complaint either go to the Tourist Office to make them aware of the overcharging or go to Consumo which is like the Citizens Advice Bureau in the UK. You will need your itemised receipt for Consumo.

The office is inside Tendencia which is in the square where the children's playground is.You will need a fluent Spanish speaker to state your case in Consumo.

Having said the above, it isn't the way you want to spend your holiday and they should not be overcharging anyone.

All menus should be dispalyed with prices for each item.

[ANDMAG]

Apparently any business has to have these forms on their premises, if you have time to fill it out!

Hojas de Reclamaciones

How Do I Use An
Hojas de Reclamación?

You should fill out the form as follows. Preferably in Spanish, but you can use English if you have no option. The form should be completed on the premises of the business where the complaint is being made.

You should state clearly and simply what is the cause of the complaint, and what solution you would like to see, such as refund, exchange of goods, repair of damages, etc. You cannot claim any punitive damages, by the way.
This is NOT a court case, it is a civil arbitration process.

In this part it is easy to let your anger get the better of you. Keep it SIMPLE and STRAIGHT FORWARD. If you go off at tangents, your complaint might well not be clearly understood.

You should state clearly the date(s) and time(s) relevant to the complaint.

You should indicate your personal details, name and address, sufficient for the Spanish business or the Consumers Office to reply to you by post.

You should state the details of the business itself. Every Spanish business has a set of official data which they are obliged to provide you with for the purposes of filling out the Hoja de Reclamaciones.

You must sign the form.

You must make sure you have all relevant information in your possession.
That means invoices, sales slips, guarantees, publicity leaflets, copy of a price list (if relevant), etc. You will need these later.

The proprietor or manager might wish to add some comments below what you have written, but usually their comments are made separately.

You now take the TOP TWO pages, that is the WHITE original and the GREEN consumers copy. You leave the PINK copy in the book for the business.

What Can I Expect?

You can now take the WHITE original plus photocopies of the receipts, guarantees, and any other document you believe relevant, to the local Oficinas Municipales de Información al Consumidor. You will possibly have to go to the local Ayuntamiento if you do not know where this office is. They will help you in anything you need to know.

It is good to go in person if possible, as you can get a stamped official receipt of your complaint. But another route is by Burofax. This is an official fax system run by the Correos post office for delivery of official documents.

[KWC]

I agree no matter thd location on the island eating out is expensive getting, with little guarantee of value for money.

We have been coming to the island for 12 years now with a near 50/50 split of AI and self catering. This year we are going self catering, booked own flights, hire car and allowing a budget for eating out 4 times per week, is actually a lot more expensive looking than a package holiday on AI.

There are pros and cons with both ways to holiday but that's for another forum
Thread!

[austin7]

went to Marquesita's recently - Grossly over priced, 3 people, 2 starters - 3 "fish of the Day" - 2 deserts - one bottle of house wine......   133.00€ and not very good.  I'll never go back

[austin7]

Like most people on here I use Avenidas on a regular basis, but few other place to try for cheap meals, Da Uli - Citrus - The Plaza, excellent tapas (3 people, 5 tapas, sald & bread bottle of house red - 34€ - can't get better

[colinblue]

Nice suggestions Austin 7, more for us to try. Just to clarify, as I am wary, do you mean Marquesina and if not where is Marquesita. Off to try La Luna tomorrow.

[beachlife]

Remember to look on the special board Colin at La Luna. Last time I had the lamb shanks cooked in their own juices from the special board, delicious.

[colinblue]

Thanks for the tip beachlife, will report back.
We went to La Luna today and food, service and value were spot on.

[pestcatore]

The best place to eat in Corrie is the a <a class="inlineAdmedialink" href="#"><a class="inlineAdmedialink" href="#">restaurant</a></a> frequented by hordes of Spanish opposite the marina, great food at very reasonable cost, only downside is I think they only sell fish dishes.

Other than that the cafe type gaff with the chicken rotisserie out the front,good food reasonable cost, like i've said in the past don't go to Fuerte if you want <a class="inlineAdmedialink" href="#"><a class="inlineAdmedialink" href="#"><a class="inlineAdmedialink" href="#">5 star</a></a></a> dinning experiences.

[colinblue]

If you are talking about La Lonja which is on the end of the big shed then I agree. They do two meat dishes, ropa vieja and another casserole type dish.

[pestcatore]

If you are talking about La Lonja which is on the end of the big shed then I agree. They do two meat dishes, ropa vieja and another casserole type dish.

thats the one Colin

[Elite of the forum]

so whats that again pestcatore

[fourthwisemonkey]

Also try Vista Lobos...right on the front in Corralejo overlooking town beach. They do a special menu for 12€ which is a starter (the salad is like a main course), a choice of about 6 main courses including lamb, steak,tuna, langostinos, and a drink for 12€. Have been quite a few times and never disappointed. When busy do not always advertise the special menu but just ask the PR (Sebastian)  and all will be revealed.

Not affilliated with the restauraunt (although do know sebastian) Been here 5 years and on the odd night out into town for a meal...this is on the shortlist

[fourthwisemonkey]

Also must say never had any problems in La Luna......however my friends are portugese and spanish and they are friends of the staff....... For me a great meal every time no matter if steak etc or just a tapas.

[superkev61]

La Parrilla on the Tamarindo roundabout was lovely when we were there last september. Food was great and not expensive. Avenida as always the best in Corrie, We also loved the Casbah if you want something very tasty and not expensive

[potash]

With the new tax increases last week prices are set to rise again the same applies to caleta the bar owners are paying rents that make you shudder to think how can they make a living the white center and fado rock road restaurant and bars are going to struggle to survive this winter dont blame the bar owners its the greedy land lords that are forcing there rents up to outrageous prices. 

[Séan J.]

Where is La Luna.

[beachlife]

Where is La Luna.

Its by the harbour entrance. Its across the road on the left hand side as you face the main gate to the port. It has an outside canopy where you can sit outside inside is rather nice at night for an evening meal.

[Séan J.]

Many Thanks,

[clash city rocker]

Where is La Luna.

Its by the harbour entrance. Its across the road on the left hand side as you face the main gate to the port. It has an outside canopy where you can sit outside inside is rather nice at night for an evening meal.

below the dunas club just past the harbour
food is always great try the tuna

[austin7]

reply to colinblue, yes I did mean marquesina, on the harbour

[austin7]

another place worth going to is Casa Manolo they do an excellent 8€ three course meal and a drink - excellent