La Mejillonera- A Benidorm Institution! 

Here at Jacaranda Spain, as we fast approach the end of August, the tempo of life has changed suddenly in the Valle de Pop (Jalon Valley). Non-stop fiestas, back to back family and friends visiting and temperatures in the forties, have left us feeling exhausted! This weekend we felt the need to escape the holiday makers and reconnect with the traditional Spanish lifestyle that we love. Benidorm may not be the first town that would spring to mind if you had to guess our destination, but that is where we went last Sunday.

La Mejillonera is, as far as the local people that live in Benidorm are concerned, no less than an institution. Established in 1981 as a small family business, it has grown steadily over the years to be one of the biggest and most popular restaurants in Benidorm. 

These days they sell so much more than mussels! However, if you love mussels you can have them 15 different ways! The house special is simply “mejillones al vapor” ie. steamed mussels, freshly caught the same day and with nothing added.

This was what we chose for our first course, with a beautifully fresh and crisp “ensalada de la casa”.  Normally we would have ordered from the “Menu del Día” which was 30 euros for 3 courses, but we decided to splash out and we ordered scallops, red prawns and some delicious roasted artichokes. We shared a dessert which was stunning! Homemade cheesecake with mango ice cream. At this point we would offer a word of caution; If you order tapas, they will all come at the same time, which is why we ordered our food in stages. The food was great, everything is freshly cooked and, my personal highlight, was the kitchen. It is completely open and it is the focal point. Huge gas range cookers with at least 6 paellas on the go. At least 10 chefs and numerous sous chefs in there, all rushing around, but all smiling and happy to give you a closer look. 

In addition the menu includes a great selection of traditional rice dishes including Paella Valenciana (with meat) and a great selection of seafood rice dishes. 

The restaurant has in recent years, added more for the carnivores among us, with stunning cuts of aged beef from Galicia. We stuck to the tapas but can vouch for the steaks. We saw a lot coming out of the kitchen and a lot of satisfied customers. We will definitely devote our next visit to trying out the Chuleton! 

The diners were mostly Spanish, although there were a few more adventurous holiday makers, and the atmosphere was “buzzing”! if you want an intimate dinner for two, this restaurant is not for you. Although it offers a few different dining options; a casual restaurant (with a huge queue of people in from the beach) at the entrance, a lovely outside terrace and the main restaurant at the back with two levels! It is typically Spanish, noisy and hectic and with no airs and graces, the waiters are friendly and helpful but no silver service here. This is just people out to connect with their families and fill their bellies with excellent food. Take a look at the website, La Mejillonera- it is interesting reading. 

La Mejillonera is an experience, even without the great food. It gives insight into the Spanish way of life, past and present. The wonderful custom of “sobremesa” (literally translates as over the table). In English, there is no word for this but it is the precious, cultural tradition of lingering long after the dishes are cleared away, to "chew the fat" with your friends and family, build bonds and just enjoy the moment. La Mejillonera is the perfect place for sobremesa!