We wanted real wonderful authentic Paella on the beach. That is 100% what we received. They have been here a very very long time. I know as I was here in the late 90's and it was a staple to the community for authentic upscale back then. As you would expect it is a multi-lingual staff in some cases. It wasn't overly priced in my opinion for what was a peaceful beautiful authentic and FILLING meal. The atmosphere, the food, and wine were amazing. We would do it 100 times again. read more

El Pesebre - Its the Seafood Paella - Spanish Near Me - Rota, California

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A must visit gem! Friendly service, customer service, and fabulous food!! Thank you for a wonderful evening. The calamari was fresh and savory, while the paella was..... well, delicious is an understatement! Pics attached! Before and after pictures! read more

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Excellent food and service! The squid is amazing, jamon is outstanding and the paella is delicious also. read more

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This place was recommended by a local and I must say, it was really good. We had a table with a beach view that made the experience even better. We got the Iberico (prob spelled that wrong lol) appetizer, the chicken paella, and the garlic chicken. My only complaint is to do bigger side servings and work on the flavor of the rice lol But overall great atmosphere, great view, and very attentive customer service. read more

I've never had a bad meal over the last 7 years of coming to this place. A group of friends and I went there to put a meal on our stomach and couldn't get enough. I would strongly recommend the sangria, calamari, the lamb (Oh yes the lamb!), the olives (can't forget the olives), the cured cheese, sheep cheese, and the pork. Going as a large group, I had a chance to sample a little but of everything. The lamb was my meal of choice and I couldn't complain about it at all. I love a good lamb and this place did it for me. The portion was large enough to have some the next day if I would have chose, but I was being a fat kid. I'm not sure how this place makes it's sangria, but it's the smoothest, most refreshing sangria I've ever had. Not sure of if they put caramel in it or something. read more

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Good service and great food. A little pricey but you get what you pay for here. Worth the trip.

Some of the best calamari any of us had ever had! We also recommend the roast lamb and any of the paellas. All of the food was incredible, but the tables by the window can get a little hot in the summer. Make sure you try the wines and you'll forget all about the weather! read more

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We had a tremendous experience. We were looking for GREAT paella, and we found it! Exceptional service, delicious food, and a VERY affordable price. The Jamon Tapas melts in your mouth, and the paella is simply the best I found in Rota. Let the owner select your wine... they recommended an awesome red wine with our meal, and we ended up going through four bottles before dinner was over! The owner hit us with a complementary shot of caramel liquor for an incredible finish to the meal. All that for 25 Euros each (5 of us splitting the tab). HIGHLY recommend. read more

El Pesebre - Spanish Near Me - Rota, California

Oh my goodness delicious. FrancescoHavier and his Chef make the best sauce, steaks, and peallo. The sunset view over the beach of Rota can be seen from this modest setting. Don't let the front door fool you. Come on in and enjoy the food. read more

Perfect perfect first place to eat paella to start your trip in Rota! Meat paella had pork, chicken, and beef. Try to get a window good view. Also good for bigger parties. I'm very excited to have eaten there. So good. read more

El Pesebre - Meat paella. Filling And great flavor. - Spanish Near Me - Rota, California

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I visited on Tuesday April 11, with work colleagues and it was an excellent experience. The food was lovely, wine was great and the ambiance just right. Thank you for such a lovely evening. The special brandy was very nice! read more

Great food, great service, great atmosphere -- you're going to find those here. We shared our second meal upon arriving in Rota at El Pesebre -- this happened to be our first Spanish meal as well. We started with the avocado salad (delish) and the grilled shrimp (fantastic). I need to remember to ask how to make the dressing they used on the salad: it had a little spicy kick to it and was amazing. Between the four of us we had the chicken paella and the grilled chicken with bleu cheese sauce. The paella was stunningly good; the grilled chicken was good as well, but I think I missed out on something better by not going with the paella. We did sangria here and it was not the best we've had. Will do a different drink next visit. We loved that you could see the chef in his kitchen at the entrance. It's obvious he takes a great deal of pride in his preparation and we were thrilled to be on the receiving end of it. Last thing: be sure to get a window table to enjoy the lovely ocean view!! read more

I ordered the steak and it was okay, not the best I've had. Service was good and the restaurant was very clean and quiet. read more

El Pesebre - steak dinner - Spanish Near Me - Rota, California

This was a nice restaurant located just off the beach front promenade in Rota. My wife and I were there on a Monday night, around 9:30-10:00 Pm. We had the entire restaurant, which is much larger than it appears from the outside, to ourselves. The waitress and chef were extremely welcoming and kind. Neither my wife or I speak Spanish, but we make an effort because it feels rude to not at least attempt to speak the local language. The waitress spoke very workable English, and was very helpful. They also had an English menu that was perfect. The food was okay. I had the seafood paella and my wife had the roast lamb. Neither was too extraordinary. Both were full meal portions - not tapas. Overall, great staff, cool location, mediocre food read more

Best spot to eat in rota. Fairly priced so you won't be spending an arm and leg here. They are well known for their paella, which as traditional as you can get!! Went with 3 other people and our bill was 100 euro. We each had a full meal, appetizer to split and 3 pitchers of sangria Not to shabby at the end of the day. read more

A solid option for good food. It's right on the beach too. I don't like olives but they were excellent here. The service was excellent and appreciated! I'd definitely go back. read more

El Pesebre - Meat sampler, of course - Spanish Near Me - Rota, California

El Pesebre is awesome. The roasted lamb is one of the most amazing things I've ever tasted. Not an exaggeration. Very unique. You have to try this dish if you come here. If you are drinking, do yourself a solid and get a pitcher of sangria. I don't know why, it's just better here than most places. I thought a half liter would suffice, but no, I needed another. Oh, and the Iberian cured ham was just perfect as an appetizer. Not too salty with just the right amount of fat. Often times in America, a restaurant with an ocean view means mediocre food and service. That is not the case at El Pesebre. The view is second only to the food and service. The server was extremely nice and willing to chat in English due to my poor Spanish speaking skills. I will be back, maybe even on this trip! Note for those traveling in a group: GO HERE! There is plenty of space for a dinner party. Order a bit of everything and share the love. read more

Good Spanish menu including seafood and various paellas. Really weird interior decor which may be to make it look like a rustic cabin. Overlooks beach and ocean. A little pricy for Rota but solid execution, service and quality. Full bar. read more

Outstanding paella, and the fish of the day meal, Rockfish, was unbelievable. The gambas al ajillo were delicious, too. Best part of the meal - the owner's friendliness and attentiveness. Go here, and enjoy. Well worth your money, and the prices were very reasonable. If we are ever back this way, we will return. read more

Stopped in Rota coming home from a trip and yelped our way here. The restaurant is large and clean. Very unassuming from the road so tourists, unless you are a yelper, walked right by it. Tucked in the back at a comfotable table the six of us indulged in some fantastic food. Mussels, assorted dried meats, ox steaks, lamb and the meat variety entree. Excellent quality, service and experience. read more

I have been coming here for quite some time and it never has failed me or my stomach. Everything is great the lamb is as always delightful. They have the best olives I have ever tasted. I highly recommend this wonderful restaurant. read more

Do yourself a favor and go eat at this place. It's amazing! The service is a little slow, but the food definitely makes up for it.

Yet again I thank yelp for the great advice. The paella was the best I ever had. I got introduced to a new style of calamari which was excellent. All their Ingredients fresh and excellent. I will recommend this place to the rest of my ship. read more

Our family really enjoyed our meal at El Pesebre. We had the seafood paella and the mixed meat paella. Everything was made fresh to order. The staff was very polite and helpful. Great place for dinner. read more

Similar menu to several other places in the area, but the quality is a little higher and the view of the beach is fantastic. You won't regret a meal here. read more

Excellent food with attention to detail. The chef clearly takes pride in his work. Service was above average and the price was very fair.

As good as it gets in this village. The owner is also the chef of this family business, he is fluent in English and a great personality. They get many of the ingredients from the family farm. If you would like the lamb you should order in advance. read more

Great food and atmosphere. The calamari was cooked to perfection and our table had a couple of paella dishes that were outstanding. I also tasted the pork steak with a mushroom creme sauce and it was amazing. The chef is a genius. read more