I recently had the pleasure to dine at the newly renovated CASA PEPA restaurant in Ondara with my partner and it was truly a wonderful experience that I would like to share with you. The restaurant has had a complete makeover and is owned by the Bon Amb group but has kept the traditions of Pepa Romans whilst bringing its own individual style and haute cuisine.
The menus are designed to appeal to everyone who loves to dine in style but also want to feel comfortable and relaxed at prices that fit in with all budgets despite this being a high-quality Michelin star restaurant.
After all, a dining experience should not have to break the budget in order to be luxurious, delectable and enjoyable. The team at Casa Pepa are proud to share their love of quality food and exemplary service in the Marina Alta area.
The Atmosphere
The beautiful building was recently refurbished and strategically combines contemporary design with traditional warmth. Large wooden doors and brick archways add character and charm to the space. The property is surrounded by pristinely manicured gardens and an eclectic mix of trees adorn the area with one even grazing the side of the building- perhaps unable to resist the delicious smells ruminating from the kitchen. The vast terrace feels like an oasis and is the perfect setting to enjoy the stoic mountain views. Elegant yet inviting, Casa Pepa is an ideal location for all ages and can accommodate small or large groups, families, and events.
The Wine Cellar
An absolute gem at Casa Pepa is the special wine room called ¨Celler dels Pacos¨. You cannot miss the impressive room enclosed with large glass panes displaying the bottles as if pieces of art. This stunning space features marble flooring and a gorgeous large brick archway that holds a variety of unique wines available for clients. The room is temperature controlled and all bottles are stored in order to maximize their taste and age. The staff is well-educated on the different labels and is happy to help pair the perfect wine to accompany your meal.
The Service
Not enough can be said about the stellar level of service offered at Casa Pepa. The attention to detail is unmatched and crisp white tablecloths set the overall tone for how the staff conduct themselves. It is evident each table is offered an VIP experience and the manager is always there to ensure the highest standard for each and every client. Even with a full restaurant, the professionalism and efficiency of the entire team was outstanding and typical of a Michelin star restaurant.
Casa Pepa is proud to have the young yet experienced Chef Aina Serra Pedros at the helm. She cooks with the principles of passion and enthusiasm and enjoys working with local products to create unique and innovative dishes for every table she serves.
Chef Aina Serra Pedros
The Food
Starters
The unique selection of starters awakened my taste buds with intrigue. The staff suggested we begin with a white wine, the Blanco de Albullo, a smooth and fragrant selection that pairs nicely with seafood dishes. The tuna fish and white mushroom with sauce had a very interesting kick of spice followed by not so typical sardines with a special sauce which carried a distinctive taste. Blue fish was served in a consommé sauce and a gleaming egg yolk on the side added both texture and depth to the dish. The absolute star of the starters was the impressive bone marrow presented with a beautiful selection of breads, olive oil, butter and cream. You could mix and match the different elements to create a truly unique flavour to every bite of bone marrow.
Main Course
The main courses began with a lovely bowl of leeks with cream sauce and a seaweed caviar which delivered in both taste and originality. Next was a perfectly cooked rice with white mushrooms that merged a traditional recipe with progressive execution. The highlight of the meal was the slow cooked lamb. This traditional recipe from Valencia dates back to the 1800s and it is rare to find places that still serve it as so. But Casa Pepa is honoured to bring this special dish back to life. The lamb was accompanied by a compote of leek and the overall profile was tender, succulent, and rich- an absolute dream and must-try for everyone. We paired the lamb with an exquisite red wine, a 2015 Temparinillo, that truly intensified the rich flavours of the dish.
Dessert
Despite being completely and utterly full from the previous array of delectable plates, we just had to spare a bit of room to accommodate a taste of dessert. We chose the pear and apple cream. It was a delight which evoked the flavours and feelings of fall time in a bite. The fresh touches of ginger and celery were refreshing and the perfect way to complete an exquisite meal.
Tasting Menus
Casa Pepa is now offering three different menus to suit every level of hunger and time. The ¨Express¨ menu is ideal for those you want a lovely dining experience but also need a quicker option. It consists of 3 starters, 3 dishes for the main course and 1 dessert for €45. The second menu is the seasonal ¨Colors of Fall¨ and offers 4 starters, 6 plates for the main course and 1 dessert for €65. The final and most elaborate option is the ¨Tasting Menu¨ which will take you on a luxurious exploration of tastes. It offers 4 starters, 7 plates for the main course and 2 desserts for €85. Casa Pepa is always evolving so the menus are subject to change in the future.
Casa Pepa is a Michelin star experience at an affordable price. It is a restaurant that needs to be visited, from the service to the setting to the unique and delicious dishes, Casa Pepa offers a dining affair based on quality, creativity and above all, enjoyment.
Opening days and hours
Casa Pepa is open Wednesday to Sunday from 13:00-16:00 & 19:30-23:00. Due to the current situation, it is recommend to check their website for updated hours and to make a reservation.
Contact Details:
Address: Partida Pamis, 7-30
03760 Ondara, Alicante
Reservations: +34 965 76 66 06
Website: https://capepa.es/en/
