Sip and snack your way through Spain at new Benowa dining spot El Portón
A slice of Spain has arrived in the Gold Coast’s central suburbs in the form of sleek new Spanish restaurant, El Portón, with its owners promising to transport diners from Benowa to the depths of the Canary Islands with every bite and sip.
El Portón is the handiwork of Sydney restaurateurs Maria Borona and chef Pachi Rodriguez, who have owned and operated Spanish restaurant Encasa in Sydney’s Lane Cove for the past 16 years. The duo moved north in the post-Covid era and quickly decided it was time for the Gold Coast to experience the true flavours of Spain and, more specifically, Pachi’s native Canary Islands.
Pachi has dug deep into his food memories to capture and recreate authentic flavours, resulting in a mouth-watering cross-section of dishes – from familiar favourites like paella, croquetas and empanadillas, to the traditional Spanish staples he grew up with like anchovies and almogrote (a creamy, cheesy sobrasada).
El Portón’s menu is a love letter to Spain, and gives diners the freedom to either roll into the bar for a quick sangria and snack, or settle in to feast through the mouth-watering selection of snacks, tapas and larger share plates.
“We’re taking you to Spain,” explains Maria. “We’re serving authentic Spanish food with a coastal twist, focusing on fresh seafood and classic staples. Everything on the menu has a reason to be there.”
Nibble on hand-held bites like tuna-filled empanadillas and Iberico jamon croquetas, and experience Spanish staples like marinated white anchovies with guindillas and Bonillo crisps, grilled calamari with traditional Canary Island roast-capsicum mojo, and Basque Country-style sausages in cider.
A fragrant seafood paella – loaded with king prawns, calamari, mussels and pipis – takes centre stage on the menu, alongside other larger plates like whole chargrilled chicken with avocado mojo, and traditional Spanish capacho – crumbed and fried veal topped with jamon and ‘stretchy cheese’.
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Sippers can kick back and explore El Portón’s extensive bar menu, with a varied selection of Spanish wine and beer on offer, alongside a tight collection of cocktails.
“Our wine list is 100 per cent Spanish. We’ve worked hard to make sure it takes guests on a journey through Spanish regions, from light whites to bold reds,” says Maria.
Save room for sweets – there’s a must-try dulce de leche ice-cream sandwich on the dessert menu, or for something lighter, there’s an edible mojito with layers of roasted pineapple, mint granita and lemon espuma (foam). Be sure to finish like the Spaniards with a glass of Pedro Ximénez. Salud!
El Portón is now open at Benowa Gardens. For hours and contact details, head to The Directory.