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Change. The passage of time and change are invariably joined at the hip, some changes are for the better, some less so. Though we have been frequentin…
Westie
Costa Del Sol
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The Real Deal. I have been coming to Costa Del Sol for the past ten years and I have to give Pepe and his staff full credit for taking me from a food …
CKurker
Costa Del Sol
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Bad Service. I am writing this review because of the service I received. My waiter spilled red wine all over my clothes! This is not an exaggeration, …
Angie Luna Cadden
Costa Del Sol
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Costa Del Sol serves Mediterranean and Spanish. Incorrect or missing information? Make a report, or claim the restaurant if you own it!Details
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7 Reviews on “Costa Del Sol”
Change. The passage of time and change are invariably joined at the hip, some changes are for the better, some less so. Though we have been frequenting this Spanish-inspired restaurant for approximately 25 years, it has been almost 4 since we last crossed its threshold. The small parking lot was nearly full at 12:30PM on a Wednesday afternoon and upon entering, we discovered the dining room continues to be bright and inviting (no change). We were soon led to a table for 2 and, after a minimal wait, our server provided menus and recited the day’s specials. In short order a busser arrived bearing ice water and a basket of unremarkable bread and a saucer of olive oil (no change). As I scanned the appetizer list, piquillo rellenos de ensalada de txanguro caught my eye, if not my tongue. After receiving the required approval from my wife, I pointed to its menu location while simultaneously nodding my head up and down. Who says I cannot multitask? The piquillo pepper, filled with Basque style crab salad over an avocado, chistora (dried sausage) bean salad, was refreshing both to the palate and eye. We also ordered paella de la casa as an entree that was cooked to order in approximately 30 minutes. The rice, cooked in a saffron and seafood broth, was both tender and delicious (good change) as was the chicken, mussels, chorizo, little necks and shrimp. Though menu prices are high (bad change), so was the quality of our meal (better change) and service.05 Aug, 2011Unwelcome changes. We again decided to participate in the Taste of Hartford by dining at Costa del Sol. On entering we were greeted by the owner and seated at a table for 2. The dining room was largely empty, as was the patio, at 6PM on a Thursday night though business increased as the night progressed. After ordering all 3 courses, we were presented with olive oil and a small loaf of room temperature bread. Change #1 – last year the bread was served warm.For an appetizer, my wife chose the tortilla de patas – 2 slices of Spanish potato and onion omelet with a small amount of salad greens as garnish. Portion size was generous so my wife ate only one slice of this delicious omelet. I ordered the Chorizo y setas al vino – chorizo sausage slices with mushroom, mushrooms and shallots in a roja wine reduction and Port demi-glaze. Again, very good.For entrees we ordered the paella de la casa.-the house paella with clams, mussels, shrimp, chorizo and chicken cooked in saffron rice. We have had this dish numerous times in the past and it has always been nothing short of excellent. Change #2 – the 4 mussels were wild caught and had an off taste as cultivated mussels almost never do. Change #3 – the so-called saffron rice neither tasted nor looked like the chef had used any saffron. This is noticeable in a photo comparison of last year’s paella with this year’s. The overall flavor of this dish was not bad, but a definite disappointment in comparison to years past.We closed out the meal with the house flan which was, as usual, very good. Overall the meal was acceptable though not as good as in years past.30 Jul, 2010Our favorite. We took advantage of the Taste of Hartford (TOH) to re-revisit our favorite Spanish restaurant. Costa del Sol has been in business for 25 years and I believe we have been dining here for close to 20 of them. The TOH menu was included with the regular menu and, in comparison, represents an excellent bargain. The meal began with warm bread and olive oil. We each chose the beautifully plated butter bean and Spanish goat cheese salad which was simply dressed with olive oil and a hint of vinegar. Our entrees was paella de la casa that included a generous assortment of black mussels, clams, shrimp, chorizo, chicken and rice bathed in a delicious seafood broth. This feast concluded with a large piece of flan that thankfully melted in our mouths. Of the 4 lead waitresses, ours proved to be the least energetic and cheerful. 4 Forks out of a possible 5. I apologize for the quality of the photos, they do not do this meal justice.
The Real Deal. I have been coming to Costa Del Sol for the past ten years and I have to give Pepe and his staff full credit for taking me from a food novice to someone who has made great food and dining the centerpiece of my life. This is arguably the best and well-rounded restaraunt in Connecticut. Although the location takes a back seat to West Hartford Center and Downtown (especially with people around my age: late 20’s to early 30’s) it makes up for it with the service and traditional Spanish cuisine. The restaraunt is family-run (including the chef) and the service is as professional as it gets. The quaint bar area is great as well if you are looking for something a little more relaxed. You may even find Pepe at the bar with you enjoying some wine and the Red Sox. I have seen first hand that he treats every patron as if they have been dining at the restaraunt as long as I have. It’s very comforting. I highly reccomend this restaraunt to anyone looking for a great dining experience.
Bad Service. I am writing this review because of the service I received. My waiter spilled red wine all over my clothes! This is not an exaggeration, it covered my blouse, pants, sweater, and shoes. Everybody knows that red wine stains are pretty hard to take out. I didn’t made a big deal when she spilled the wine, I just stood up and went to the bathroom to try to clean it. I was with my boss, so I was trying to act nice and calm, after all it was an accident. I thought though that at least they would give us a free drink or a discount, or perhaps even an apology, but when the waiter brought our check there was no discount, no free drinks, and no apology, it was like nothing happened.I was really mad, I called the manager, she came and was really stupid. She blamed everything on me, she said it was my fault because I moved (not true!!). I also complained that the waiter never apologized for what she did, the manager defended her by saying that she did but we didn’t hear her bS! So after a few minutes of arguing with the manager I got nothing! Basically for her it was my fault, and she made it clear that she wouldn’t discount anything on the check. I was really disappointed in the way the manager acted. I was already mad, so I just paid and left, and of course I would never go back again.
Still great after all these years…. I used to frequent Costa Del Sol with my family growing up years ago, and had been back a few times over the last few years — always with positive outcomes. We went back for my wife’s biirthday dinner this weekend and, I’m happy to report, the restaurant is as good – if not better! – than ever. Despite a very busy night, service was prompt, friendly and efficient. Paella de la casa is better than I remember from 20 years ago! Still chock full of chorizo, seafood and piping hot saffron rice! Even the security guard in the parking lot (which is a very nice touch!) was pleaseant and helped us navigate into a tight space…Strongly recommend…..
Great Paella
Very authentic but expensive. Last year was here for World Cup and they charged 34 dollars for a tiny pitcher of sangria!! I was like what!! In Spain it is around 7-8 bucks. It is not quite the same for food. But still expensive compared to my experiences in the motherland. Cruz campo 4.50-5.00 bucks. 1.25-1.75 in Spain. I guess you pay for the experience. Very well managed and food always brings me to Spain.
Grumpy owner. The food has been god every time I have lunch or dinner. However, the owner Pepe is another story. Restaurants are about two things good food and the way you treat your paying customers. Pepe’ manners can be best described as rude and sometimes offensive. We we not treated nicely the last time we were there. We were a party of ten, so we spent nicely. We won’t be back.