Housed in the brand new Cavalta Boutique Hotel (5-star GL), Balbuena y Huertas offers a menu based on seasonal foods that is renewed four times a year. Chef José Luis Pastrana has designed his dishes with fresh, local ingredients in mind, mostly from nearby producers. Aside from the regular menu there are also three tasting menus available, including a full vegetarian one, which needs to be ordered in advance.
[FULL DISCLOSURE: I was a guest on this occasion, sampling the Triana Tasting Menu, but as always under no obligation, and all opinions here are my own].
The restaurant and cocktail bar take up most of the ground floor space next to the reception area, and there is an ample side walk terrace. Decor is chic and modern while incorporating the essence of the old structure. The recent renovation left many of the original attributes intact, but the above photo of the facade has been tweaked, so when you visit be prepared for an antique ceramic ad of questionable taste on the corner of the building. Some may not mind but as I know my audience, a gentle warning.
Back to the food. Loved that even with some modern treatments the dishes still held true to their origins. Highlights of the tasting menu… those oysters for starters. The lobster ensaladilla was gorgeous (and I’m not usually a big ensaladilla fan), favourite dish was the tempura carabinero with a ginger hollandaise. The rice was okay, just lacking a bit of punch, and sadly my abanico Ibérico was a bit tough, though still tasty. Then there was Chocolate, with Chocolate and More Chocolate… and you know me… I don’t even like chocolate! But somehow I loved this. And I want to go back for their veg in tempura.
Service was exceptional, young staff well-trained and friendly. Yeah, in the case of being invited of course the service is going to shine, but I got a feeling these “kids” are serious. As for the wines… mostly regional, a couple national (for the tasting menu, the cellar boasts some 140 options). I was happy with all but one of the wine pairings. We were also treated to a variety of cocktails and, as my lunch companion wasn’t drinking alcohol, there were several inventive concoctions prepared for her on the fly. Fun having them prepared at our table too.
I like that you can stop in for a few snacks, a cocktail at the bar, or a full meal. And breakfast/brunch too. The seasonal menu changes soon so I’ll be back for an update.
Bread/Service Charge: 2.80€ PER PERSON
San Jacinto 89
Tel 955 442 081
Open for breakfast/brunch 9.00 – 13.00
Restaurant 13.00 – 16.00 / 20.00 – 23.30
Cocktail bar and terrace: 13.00 – midnight
€ € € €
Food 8 | Wine 8 | Service 8 | Ambiance 8
boquerones en vinagre
oyster with gazpacho sphere and samphire
ensaladilla with lobster and “sevillano pickles”
carabinero in tempura with ginger hollandaise and pistachio
arroz meloso with prawns and camarón socarrat
lightly smoked grilled tuna cheek with tomate frito (Los Palacios tomatoes)
grilled Abanico Ibérico
chocolate with chocolate and more chocolate
chef José Luis Pastrana
