Our opinion of Brutal Restaurante, located near the roundabout in Benijofar, is a relatively new establishment. Despite its appealing setting and stylish atmosphere, our experience over three visits has left us disappointed – enough that we won’t be returning.
The restaurant itself is modern and bright, with elegant furnishings and a tropical twist. The dining room is pleasant, featuring a semi-open kitchen, which we always appreciate. The spacious terrace offers comfortable seating and stunning views, making it our preferred spot to dine.
The staff are friendly and welcoming. Our waitress on the last visit was particularly lovely. However, we couldn’t help but notice that most guests were there for drinks rather than dining. After our latest meal, it became clear why.
Our first visit, shortly after Brutal opened, was excellent; both the food and service impressed us. Two weeks later, we returned, and while the manager kindly remembered us and seated us inside, the food was a letdown compared to our initial experience.
As a retired restaurateur, I understand that mistakes happen, so we gave Brutal one final chance. Unfortunately, the quality has declined further.
For starters, we ordered the Garlic Shrimps and Scrambled Egg with Prawns, Ham, and Tomato. The Shrimp dish came with bread so over-toasted it was inedible, dry and brittle. The Shrimp themselves were decent, partly shelled, while the garlic oil lacked flavour. The scrambled eggs, however, were excellent and generously portioned.
Our mains—a Veal Tenderloin and a Chicken Burger – were disappointing. The veal was tough, with an overly strong beef taste, suggesting either poor quality or an older cut. The chicken burger, which I’d enjoyed before, had shrunk in size – now just a thin, breaded slice of chicken breast. The red bun was a fun touch, but it ended up soggy, leaving me to eat only half. My partner couldn’t finish his tenderloin either. With two beers and water, our bill came to a steep €99, which felt unjustified for the quality.
Given the many superior dining options in Benijofar and Quesada, where better food comes at a lower price, we can’t recommend Brutal for anything beyond drinks. But we do wish them well, as I know how difficult the restaurant industry can be.
The link to their website is broken.
Benisol Commercial Space, Calle Federico Garcia Lorca, calle Alfonso XIII, 29, 03178 Benijófar. Telephone 722781889