I was down at Burriana beach today and although car parking was at a premium, as usual, it was definitely not as busy as in previous years. Vehicles were parked right up the hill at the eastern end but, in the grand scheme of things, one would actually expect this to be the case as, overall, there aren’t really that many parking spaces available when you think about it.
Now, I have read a lot of comments over the past few months about the famous Ayo’s restaurant at the end of the beach, most of them quite negative, so where better to go for lunch!
The first thing that has to be said is that there is only one restaurant on Burriana which is permanently packed to the rafters, and with queues of people waiting for a table, and that is Ayo’s. Part could be reputation, of course, and he has been accused of resting on his laurels somewhat, but it can’t be the whole story.
The second thing is that Ayo’s is exceedingly popular with the Spanish as well as the foreigners, always a good sign.
Fortunately for me, a table had already been bagged by the vanguard, otherwise I might still be waiting for lunch!
So, what to have? Paella of course, what else? Ayo has been preparing his paellas in the huge pan on the open fire for umpteen years now and it’s good to see that he is still very much ‘hands on’ after all that time. Obviously loves his work.
Despite the fact that the place was heaving with humanity and the staff were running around like moscas with azure derrieres, the paella arrived very quickly, as did the beer!
The paella itself had three large bits of chicken, a couple of huge prawns and a few shellfish. Luck of the draw from a big pan, naturally. Well cooked, and tasty.
Verdict: Excellent service, especially considering the volume of people, a very enjoyable paella (although my number one choice would still be Chiringuito ‘El Breine’ on El Playazo beach), good value and good atmosphere.
I don’t know what it is, but as you walk the length of Burriana, there is ‘something’ which seems to attract you to Ayo’s. Don’t know if it’s location, layout or some supernatural force, but it always looks inviting and I can’t for the life of me figure out why. One of those things. It’s like explaining why a lot of us like El Salon beach, we can’t.
Business in general, though, on Burriana beach is certainly down, quite a lot for some establishments. Another Merendero along the promenade described this year so far as ‘bad’, and for a frontline Spanish business to be suffering is really saying something.
The ‘second line’ of bars and restaurants, mostly foreign owned, certainly don’t appear to be doing very well at all, with a couple of exceptions. One or two were actually empty!
And talking to regular visitors who have a place in Frigiliana, they have also noticed that both Nerja and Frigiliana are noticably less busy this year. As the discussion developed, they too realised that their habits had changed. Less eating out being one of the major ones.
It all ties in with the general opinion that, although there may be the same number of tourists visiting particular areas this year, they are spending the same as they did last year. And that means about 20% to 25% less in real terms…
Jon Peatey says:
Hi.
IMO a thorough, fair and interesting review.
I haven’t been to Ayo’s for a over a year, having being sorely disappointed on the last visit with both the paella and the service.
My ración was just cheap cuts of chicken, a whole load of rice, one medium sized prawn and a prawn’s head! My partner did not very much better.
Luck of the draw as you say, but a closer inspection of the contents of the cooking pan revealed you would have to have had a great deal of luck to fared much better, and the front of house staff had perfected the art of avoiding any eye contact with customers who wished to do anything other than pay their bill.
In the meantime Antonio (ex of Ayo’s, albeit a long time ago) had come down from the hills and had taken over the El Breine chiringuito that you mention, on Playa Playazo.
I have lost count of the times that we have been there in the last twelve months by ourselves, with family, friends and business acquaintances but one thing is for sure – we have never had any cause for complaint, or even a small whinge for that matter.
His paella is by far and away the best in the area for the price (€5.90) and the staff are both friendly and efficient.
On the strength of your review I will give Ayo another try shortly, as I have a soft spot for both the place and the man himself, developed over a 25 year association.
I’ll wait for a few weeks until the maddening crowds have gone away, and come back with my experiences then if you like.
Jon Peatey
23rd August 2008
Jon Peatey says:
Hi.
IMO a thorough, fair and interesting review.
I haven’t been to Ayo’s for a over a year, having being sorely disappointed on the last visit with both the paella and the service.
My ración was just cheap cuts of chicken, a whole load of rice, one medium sized prawn and a prawn’s head! My partner did not very much better.
Luck of the draw as you say, but a closer inspection of the contents of the cooking pan revealed you would have to have had a great deal of luck to fared much better, and the front of house staff had perfected the art of avoiding any eye contact with customers who wished to do anything other than pay their bill.
In the meantime Antonio (ex of Ayo’s, albeit a long time ago) had come down from the hills and had taken over the El Breine chiringuito that you mention, on Playa Playazo.
I have lost count of the times that we have been there in the last twelve months by ourselves, with family, friends and business acquaintances but one thing is for sure – we have never had any cause for complaint, or even a small whinge for that matter.
His paella is by far and away the best in the area for the price (€5.90) and the staff are both friendly and efficient.
On the strength of your review I will give Ayo another try shortly, as I have a soft spot for both the place and the man himself, developed over a 25 year association.
I’ll wait for a few weeks until the maddening crowds have gone away, and come back with my experiences then if you like.
Jon Peatey
23rd August 2008
Kathy Carter says:
Hi Jon,
I had wonderful paella at Ayo’s in the early 90s. My only trip to Nerja, I would love to return! I stayed at the hotel next to the Balcon, right over the Parrot Bar and cove. I cannot recall the name of the hotel and it seems to be avoided in all the sites. I stayed in the most romantic room with windows overlooking the cove and sea and breezy curtains across the whole wall. Looking out, the Balcon was directly on the right.
Would you be so gracious as to tell me how to find the hotel or website? I had such a connection with Nerja, and that cove. I hope you don’t mind my questions! It would be lovely to hear any information you can share with me.
Thank you Jon,
Kathy, Sacramento, California, USA
Kathy Carter says:
Hi Jon,
I had wonderful paella at Ayo’s in the early 90s. My only trip to Nerja, I would love to return! I stayed at the hotel next to the Balcon, right over the Parrot Bar and cove. I cannot recall the name of the hotel and it seems to be avoided in all the sites. I stayed in the most romantic room with windows overlooking the cove and sea and breezy curtains across the whole wall. Looking out, the Balcon was directly on the right.
Would you be so gracious as to tell me how to find the hotel or website? I had such a connection with Nerja, and that cove. I hope you don’t mind my questions! It would be lovely to hear any information you can share with me.
Thank you Jon,
Kathy, Sacramento, California, USA