Eat Out critic Sandiso Ngubane visits Escondido Tapas and Wine in Illovo to eat his way through the ever-changing tapas menu.

Fast facts

Cost: Average price per person of R300, including drinks
Serves: Tapas
Best for: A culinary adventure to please everyone in the party
Star rating: Food 5, service 3, ambience 5

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Food

Escondido’s menu is on the walls and on boards placed randomly around the restaurant, making it quite possible to miss some things, but you’re bound to walk out satisfied with this Illovo establishment’s tapas-style offerings. The menu changes often, so it makes sense that they would prefer not printing it.

The sheer variety of dishes that include Greek, Asian, American and other varieties can be daunting, but it is recommended that you mix and match to your heart’s content.

The crumbed Mexican chicken strips are fresh and tender, served with a blue-cheese sauce that makes the dish an even more delightful taste sensation. Similarly, the wild mushroom arancini with truffle cream cheese is a fantastic snack, and the ribs bucket strikes a perfectly saucy sweet-and-sour balance – you may find yourself asking for more.

Other tidbits that will have you wishing the servings were full-size portions include the salmon with lemon risotto, beer-battered fishcakes with orange-and-ginger mayo, and pumpkin fritters. Unfortunately the paella tends to be on the dry side, and the lamb tagine and couscous is nothing to write home about. Still, there is plenty on the menu that will have you coming back to this warm and welcoming establishment.

For dessert, the chocolate fondant with pistachio frozen yoghurt is a triumph. Other options include red-velvet brûlée and waffle with vanilla ice cream, among other things.

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Drinks

There’s an excellently priced and incredibly wide variety of wines, as well as beer and spirit options. Anyone would be able to find something to please them in this selection.

The interior at Escondido Tapas and Wine in Illovo. Photo supplied.

Ambience

Escondido is very welcoming and well spaced out. Dim lights bring out this hidden establishment’s rustic charm. It’s a cosy and all-round great atmosphere.

Service

On the night we visit, the warmth of the venue itself is not matched by waiting staff. On this level, Escondido could definitely do better.

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And…

Bear in mind that this is tapas-style dining with portions to match.

Eat Out critics dine anonymously and pay for their meals in full. Read our editorial policy here.

Have you feasted recently at Escondido Tapas and Wine? Tell us what you thought and put them in the running for the 2017 Eat Out Mercedes-Benz Best Everyday Eateries by writing a review. Do it now and we’ll also pledge a meal for a hungry child through Rise Against Hunger SA. Write a review.