British Expat Discovers 'Hidden Gem' Steakhouse in Benidorm After Decade
Harry Poulton, a long-term resident, shares his first Benidorm steak experience, praising a new Old Town establishment specializing in charcoal-grilled Galician meats.
Image: Eddie Pollard / AI
Callum Smith
Harry Poulton, a British expat residing in Benidorm for ten years, recently ordered his inaugural steak meal in the city, documenting the experience for his 67,300 TikTok followers.
Poulton discovered Entrecôte Steakhouse Salsa Café de Paris, a new establishment nestled in Benidorm's Old Town back streets, immediately describing it as an "absolute hidden gem."
The restaurant, specializing in charcoal-grilled premium meats served with a signature sauce, quickly impressed Poulton, who claimed he had finally found a decent steakhouse in Benidorm.
Poulton admitted, "Now I've not had a steak in a proper long time and I'm not even sure I've had a steak in Benidorm." This statement highlights a significant shift in Benidorm's culinary offerings, which historically favored traditional Spanish fare and tourist-oriented eateries.
Now I've not had a steak in a proper long time and I'm not even sure I've had a steak in Benidorm.
He noted the restaurant's focus on charcoal-grilled premium meats, all served with their distinctive sauce. Poulton observed a selection of meats aged up to 21 days.
The waiter presented various cuts, including a 500g Ribeye steak, a 1kg Ribeye on the bone, fillet steak, and the Entrecôte steak, which is a sirloin. This diverse selection caters to varied palates.
Poulton highlighted that all the meats originate from Galicia, located in northwestern Spain. This regional sourcing emphasizes quality and authenticity.
Upon receiving his meal, Poulton exclaimed, "Oh my goodness I was not expecting this." He added, "But here I am and I'm about to tuck into this and it looks insane."
He described the steak as very juicy, full of flavor, and cooked to perfection. It arrived generously covered in the restaurant's signature sauce.
Poulton claimed to detect notes of butter, pepper, and possibly brandy in the sauce, finding its taste "really different" and enjoyable.
"The meat itself is very very juicy, full of flavour, it's been cooked to perfection and covered in their signature sauce," Poulton stated. He further noted, "For me, the meat is really soft and juicy. It's incredible."
The meat itself is very very juicy, full of flavour, it's been cooked to perfection and covered in their signature sauce. For me, the meat is really soft and juicy. It's incredible.
The dining experience concluded with dessert, which included Pain Perdu and tiramisu. This rounded out the meal, offering a complete gastronomic journey.
Poulton shared his satisfaction with his followers, stating, "And just like that I've finished the meal. It was incredible, mouth-watering."
He believes a key differentiator for the establishment is the ability to choose the specific cut of meat to be cooked. This enhances the dining experience significantly.
Poulton concluded his review by endorsing the restaurant, stating, "The food was cooked very very well and the staff are friendly, the service is quick and I think the prices are reasonable. So if you're looking for a decent steakhouse in Benidorm in the Old Town this is the place to go to."
This emergence of high-quality, specialized dining in Benidorm's Old Town signals a shift in the local culinary landscape. It moves beyond traditional tourist traps towards more refined, experience-driven establishments, attracting a new demographic of diners.
The emphasis on Galician meats and a unique signature sauce positions Entrecôte Steakhouse Salsa Café de Paris as a significant player. It challenges existing perceptions of Benidorm's dining scene and pushes for higher standards across the industry.