The beauty of Benimar

EASILY accessed off the CV-920 between Rojales and Benijofar, the Benimar commercial centre is a delightful find, day or night. It has a strong community feel and a wealth of businesses:

Let’s Eat

Established for nearly nine years, the restaurant has won a local culinary award for ‘best international European restaurant’ with it’s mix of classic, French and Mediterranean cuisine. The restaurant is open daily from 6.30pm with the evening three-course set menu a popular choice. For €14.95 there is a tempting choice of five starters and five mains including a chicken, fish, steak, pork and vegetarian dish plus home made desserts for those with a sweet tooth.

 TJ’s

For a decade, TJ’s owner John Richardson has been serving quality food from the large restaurant. Open for breakfast from 9am, food is served all day with lunch time snack and meals available before a more a la carte menu comes in to force in the evening with two three-course menu del noche’s available costing €12.95 or €15.95. Booking is advisable for Sunday lunch and with seating for over 100 people both inside and outside, private parties and functions can be catered for.

 The Card Place

Largely the heart of the community, the friendly staff in The Card Place offer help and advice on a whole host of topics. As well as picking up your daily newspaper, they do everything from greetings cards, to stationery, books, gifts, helium balloons, fresh flowers and confectionery. They also have a Royal Mail service and internet and a fax service. The Card Place is open seven days a week so there is never any excuse to ever forget a birthday or anniversary again!

 Route 66

Celebrating it’s first anniversary next month, Route 66 is a true, all-American diner. The walls are adorned with photos from the good old US of A and rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia and there is even a jukebox in the corner. The menu is classic American food, with American style breakfasts, complete with eggs sunny side up, hot dogs from €4.75 and burgers from €6.50. For the more hearty appetite there are steaks from the grill as well as a kids menu.

 Aneto Cervecería

A true, traditional Spanish Cervecería, this delightful eatery specialises in tapas and paella. Everything is freshly cooked using the best ingredients and the proof is in the pudding as some customer’s commented: “We have been here three or four times and it is all very good.” Prices are very reasonable with tapas such as a spicy chorizo costing €2.50, paellas from €7 and main meals from €7.50. Aneto’s is open from 10am-10pm Monday to Saturday.

 Cambalache

From the elegant inside dining, to the comfy outside terrace, Cambalache is a great place to meet friends or enjoy a quiet meal for two. Specialising in Argentinian food, Cambalache is also known for it’s pizzas and pastas, but if you want lighter snacks or just drinks, there are plenty of special offers with egg, chips and a drink for just €3, English breakfast for €5.50 and a pint for €2 and a glass of wine for €1. Cambalache currently closes on Wednesdays.