Las Esperillas - Canillas de Albaida

We arrived early for our stay in Canillas so decided to park up and go for lunch here. The chef's special of the day was excellent so we decided to return during our time in the village. The restaurant was always busy whether at lunch or in the evenings. Frequented by lots of locals including families, older ones (using playing card games) and those in their teens/early twenties. The standard of food each time was high. It was 7 euros for a bottle of house wine and the G&T's were excellent. The owner was friendly and helpful even though he was usually rushed off his feet. Great experience.

We had dinner evening one evening while staying in the village. It was dark by the time we arrived so didn't make the most of the amazing views but the friendly service and good food more than made up for that. I highly recommend the pork tenderloin with garlic paprika...delicious! A great price too.

We had starters of black pudding and cheese parcels, which I really enjoyed, butmy wife found a little bland for her tastes. For our main courses, my wife had fillet of pork which was huge, and she said very tasty. I ordered lamb leg, expecting slices of meat........oh no.......I got a whole leg of lamb! It was beautifully prepared and was utterly delicious, with not a hint of mint sauce to be found (I hate the stuff! Instead it came with a pot of garlic infused sauce which only added to the taste. 10 out of 10. We didn't have room for postres!

The three of us ordered avocado salad starters all got fruit cocktail salads. Two mains were a tagine strange that none of the usual ingredients were in the traditional clay dish, just some rolled into a ball sardines with bones, and giant cut in half potatoes. Truly disgusting. The third main was a simple spaghetti dish the single cooking instruction was obviously 'boil until fuel runs out. ' Completely inedible. Think that was bad? Ha Mein host 's attitude was astounding and unexpected, as he greeted us warmly and drinks were brought swiftly and with a smile. Ahhhhh that smile we soon discovered it was a malicious grin, a sign that the man was having fun toying with us non Spanish speaking suckers, caught in his restaurant web by our good manners and initial determination to make the best of our first evening meal in Spain. And trying to pay the bill, even when face to face with 'the grin ', was like.... well, now I know how the bull feels when he tosses his head into thin air a hundred times until exhausted, finally relieved at the sight of the matador 's sword aiming to end his misery.

Eaten here twice so far on holiday and really enjoyed the food. It is good to see locals eat here as well as tourists. Be prepared to wait for your meal though Ramon is the only person serving food and looking after the bar. We saw one person in the kitchen. A varied menu with lots to choose from.