La Cruz - Totana

A magnet for cyclists and locals alike...great Tapas and a really chilled atmosphere either before you go up or come down the hills...I loved it.

I know that this place has been run since many many years in Totana, and I think I can understand why ! When looking at this restaurant for the first time, with my french eyes, and outside of opening hours, you would wonder about this restaurant. And the feeling is incredible, again with french eyes, during opening hours. At night, the terrace is crowded with tens of locals...and you wonder how everybody will get some food. But...everybody gets great food, with an efficient service. This restaurant is (to me a typical spanish local restaurant, serving simple but perfectly cooked specialties, and you would like to try almost all of them. Every time, we ordered dishes to share, which I can comment. I saw some people ordering their own dish..;I believe they were good but can not comment. From the grilled fresh cheese, to the patatas bravas with garlic; I even did not know I would love potatoes like this (I am however not ready for the garlic... . From the grilled calamars to the costillas de cordero, always thin, perfectly cooked and salty, juicy, ... Do not forget the salads, the grilled vegetables, ... Some of our local friends ordered local specialties such as Morcilla, which I was not interested in...and they enjoyed it. Desserts are home made, and are great. On sundays sometimes, we order a takeway paella (Arroz for the family, and it is always perfect and excellent. The last paellas we had were with vegetables only, and delicious. Same for the ones we had with meat. Each time we have been there, this were great moments with friends and/or family, sharing affordable and delicious food, drinking cold beers by the 1 liter (or less bottles, and great and affordable wine... Not only I would recommend to go there, bu I am always pushing to eat there when we are in Totana. And finally, I understand that such a perfect, enjoyable local place is the place you would like to have everywhere, or at least close to our place.

I was taken to eat at Bar la cruz yesterday by my sister who lives nearby. We were the only brits there. We had a lovely starter of Spanish style vegetables. My sister opted for Lamb as her main course and I chose the Swordfish. My sister loved her choice and I found the Swordfish to be the best that I have ever tasted. The house red wine was superb too. Next time that I visit Totana, I will certainly check out Bar la cruz again.

Food of 10, very good service, a typical bar with traditional food. Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: €10–20 Food: 5 Service: 5 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Calamar A la Romana, Pollo Frito Con Patatas, Tortilla de Patatas, Lomo Y Huevos Fritos Con Patatas, Ensaladilla Rusa, Calamares, Pechuga A la Plancha, Jamon Y Queso

Service: Dine in Meal type: Dinner Price per person: €10–20 Food: 5 Service: 4 Atmosphere: 5 Recommended dishes: Tapas