Having been introduced to this place by Ric Polansky, who has an exhibition of bullfighting photos on the wall, I though it could be fun to pop there one evening with the parents and the gf. Quite the happy family.
Casa Santiago has a large outside terrace, taking up most of the public pavement, where in fine Spanish style you can occupy the public road, lounging around with a g&t watching with interest as mothers with prams and the elderly have to step out into the road, braving the traffic, to get around your table. It being evening, we did not avail ourselves of this offer and sat inside in the tasteful wooden dining room.
The place is divided into two, a pleasant and cosy bar and the main room. Lots of pine, a nice light decoration that makes you feel at home. Tapas are available in the main bar for those who wish to wash their beer down with something.
No menus are used. Instead, you are told what the kitchen has on today, in a time honoured fashion. The menu is small but traditional and well cooked.
We had a selection of starters. We steered away from the “fashionable” salads, and stuck with a simple ensalada mixta. Home cured anchovies and oven cooked octopus were two other starters. All were delicious, the anchovies prepared delicately in olive oil to offset the salt.
Mains were a solomillo de buey, entrecot de ternera, rape (a la plancha) and rape (in almond sauce).
The meats were delicious. Oven cooked, they were tasty, tender and melt in the mouth delicious.
The fish tasted frozen and was a disappointment, especially compared to the meats and starters.
A couple of bottles of Rioja, a Abadia Rotuerta washed it all down. Some cheese and coffee to finish.
The bill? A hefty €166,60 for the four of us. The anchovies were almost €2 – each. Steaks were a decent price (€13,50 and €14,50) but €23 for the wine was a bit steep. Since you don’t get a menu, the price comes as a shock.
Good fun, but a bit expensive. Stay away from the fish.
Restaurante Bar Casa Santiago
Garrucha, C/ Mayor 36.
Coming into Garrucha from Las Bouganvillas, on right just past Banco Andalucia (car park in front).
See it on Google maps
Sounds crazy… a bill of €166,60 for 4 persons? It’s nice as long as you can afford it.