Dinner at Resaurante La Cupula, in Alcala de Henares, east of Madrid, May 2017

by Morris Bishop
(San Pedro de Alcantara)

We were on-route from the costa del sol to the port of Bilbao and decided to break our journey at the birth place of Cervantes in Alcala de Henares staying at the Marriott AC hotel. We asked Conchie, behind the desk for any good restaurant recommendations in town, and after quizzing us as to what our likes were, came up with what must be a pretty unique establishment ‘a restaurant in a church’. The structure dates back to the 17th century and after being de-consecrated, was, some 30 years ago converted into what is now La Cupula (referring to the dome like roof to part of the structure.) It has about 200 covers, half of which are in the Knave, the rest in the Chancel, a separate room where the pews that congregations used in times of old have become the seats for diners.

After a complementary appetiser of Pate with Marmalade and a red berry jam, from a manageable menu we chose to share a starter of Capsicum’s (bell peppers) stuffed with a spicy soft Goats Cheese with a ring of firm Goats Cheese spiked with a black Sesame seed encrusted biscuit, and to follow, Lubina with Gambas (Sea Bass and Prawns), and Rape (Monkfish) both dishes grilled and accompanied by roasted Aubergine slices and Broccoli Spears. Each of the dishes were as flavourful as I can recall, beautiful cooked, and such was the portion size that my wife gave up half way while I ‘gallantly’ managed to finish mine!

Second generation owner Jose Louise talked to us at some length about his mini chain of restaurants and a hotel, all in the town, sadly now somewhat depleted due to the current economic problems. Service by waiters Miguel and Juan was most helpful and informative, and should we ever find ourselves in their town again, we would certainly re-visit. Regretfully, not anticipating discovering such a gem, I did not have my camera with me – so no photo’s. With some quirk of fortune, whilst in the shop on board the Ferry, we came across a book on Tapas, in which there was a pictures and recipe for the Capsicum starter! How weird is that.

The VS.
La Cupula can be found in C/ Santiago 18, in Alcala de Henares, they open for breakfast, Lunch and Dinners from Monday to Fridays and for Lunch Saturday and Sunday. Street parking (difficult)
Reservations on 918807391 or lacupularestaurante@gmail.com website www.lacupularestaurante.net

Bishlin Guide marks out of 5
Ambience:5
Food:5
Menu:4.5
Service:5
Value:5
O/A:4.8

Please mention to the restaurateur that the restaurant was recommended in the "MarbellaFamilyFun.com" Newsletter. To see even more reviews on the best restaurants in Marbella, check out The Bishlin Guide.