Casa Don Carlos

My Girlfriend took me here and had been raving about it for months. I assume as it was hard to get a table on a Friday night the place would be excellent.

It was okay but from my sole experience of it I would disagree with the majority of posters. Despite having a reservation we stood at the door (very inconvenient place to stand) for ten minutes until the 'Owner' could seat us, not something I enjoy at all frankly. We then were sat at the back at the room at a tiny table, but the atmosphere is superb.

Service was okay, it was friendly and chaotic however they got the order right and brought us what we wanted when we wanted it.

I disagree about the food, I had the Chorizo Tortilla, the Paella and Cod Croquettes. The Croquettes were good, the tortilla average and the Paella was horrible, the chicken in it was so dry you could strike a match off it.

I travel to the south of Spain routinely on business and have to say there are roadside bars in Malaga or La Linea that serve far superior food to Casa Don Carlos. However I shall return as one visit isnt exactly comprehensive and my other half loves the place so I dont see I have much option.
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Adam Daniel
Monday, August 11, 2008

Ate there last night, 29 May. Jam packed but managed to get a nice table in a corner by the window. Ordered our food and wine, the olives, bread and wine arrived but as the first tapas dishes arrived the waiter was instructed and we were asked/told by the manager to move to another table! This was to accomodate a table of 25 who had clearly booked in advance.

I'm at a loss to understand why we were given a table when they knew we would have to be moved. The couple next to us on a table of four had finished and left and perhaps this would have been the time to ask us to move rather than wait for us to start eating.

To be accomodating we agreed to move (although in hindsight we had no option) unfortunately we were placed by the door on a cold, wet and windy night, so that when people went out on smoking breaks or were queueing for tables we got a cold draft or people, as they waited, looked over our shoulders curious to check out what we were eating. This made us very uncomfortable.

What capped it off was they added a 10% service charge, which we refused to pay.

If we had been offered that table when we arrived we would have gone elsewhere!

Food was good, unprofessional attitude towards the customer. We will not return.
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Nigel
Friday, May 30, 2008

I have mixed feeling about that place! I went there twice and both day the place was really busy! First time I had a lovely evening meal, great service, great fun and great food!

I went back there another day and I walked way shocked by the manager attitude who was taking our order! We decide to leave while he kept saying we had to understand it was busy! I will never go back there!
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Sheila
Monday, May 26, 2008

Visiting Casa Don Carlos on Monday the 12th of May 2008, was a disappointing experience. We went there on recommendation from some other visitors to Brighton three weeks ago. First off, we went there at lunch time and booked for later the evening after 6. Upon our return, we had to wait for about 10 minutes to be seated, and this was then at a small dirty table outside in the walkway. The waitress was not the friendliest. Being world travellers and wine and food lovers, we went there with high expectations. Initially we ordered 5 different tapas and some drinks. Although we ordered two beers from their menu they only had San Miguel and returned after 10 minutes to inform us. One of the tapas, was Grilled Calamari and this was like rubber. Another plate was a ''salad plate'' and this was a tiny side plate with some old yellow lettuce, two pieces of rotten tomato and some rather thick slices of onion, rather unappealing to the eye and definitely not appetizing at all. When we complained about this, the waitron made no excuses and did not even bother to return to the table or send the owner/manager to us to apologise or replace or refund the rotten and badly prepared two items from the menu. Only once we asked for the bill and complained again to the owner/manager, did he then go back - not apologetic at all - and take the salad off our bill. The chicken dish was tasty, but not merely enogh to make up for everything else that was lacking. I also felt that they had the audacity to add a 10% service fee, even though the service was terrible and we were only 4 adults and a baby in a buggy. Over and above all this, we also had to endure sitting at an outside table with bird droppings falling on our heads and into our plates from the birds perching on the sign above us. Anyone going there with high expectations, be prepared. Don't waste your money. From there we went to a fabulous Italian Bistro just round the corner (Picasso) where the service and food was absolutely excellent.
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Angelique
Wednesday, May 14, 2008

17 of us dined at Casa Don Carlos on Saturday 17 April and everything about it was fabulous. We were on a hen-do with a flamenco theme and the restaurant staff couldn't have made us feel more welcome. Due to the size of the party I had pre-ordered ten dishes for a 'party menu' and the food was fantastic. Top marks also to the staff for being so friendly and helpful. In addition, the prices are incredibly reasonable. I would thoroughly recommend this restaurant and I will definitely be back next time I'm in Brighton.
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Sarah Kirkman
Thursday, May 01, 2008

We've eaten here since the restaurant first opened but hadn't eaten here for a while, partly because it's usually so busy. Ate there about 6pm today (Sunday 30th March 2008). It was still busy but we got a table at the back quite easily.

The size of the portions seems to have grown a bit since we were last here and we over ordered slightly but if anything the food was better than ever. Chicken with garlic was deliciously tender and the patatas bravas were a perfect accompaniment. The Cocido, a spanish stew of lentils and chorizo smelt wonderful and tasted truly delicious. My wife doesn't eat pork but even she looked longingly at a dish that smelt so delicious. House white wine is very reasonably priced and a good accompaniment. Service is friendly.

One of the best meals out we've had in a long time-we won't be leaving it so long until we visit again. Just err a little bit on the side of caution and don't over order! We agree with other reviewers-this is definitely one of the best restaurants in Brighton and Hove. Also, book in advance at peak times. It's a very popular place and deservedly so.
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Ian Grace
Sunday, March 30, 2008

Have to agree with other reviews, it's very good!

I am quite hard to please in the whole service and dining experience, but they ticked all the boxes. The food was great, atmosphere busy and engaging... lovely Sangria!

On the strength of the recommendations here, we tried the cheesecake desert, not easy to find on the menu, it's called something odd.. .but just go for it.. Amazing!

Will be going back very soon!
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Andy
Friday, March 28, 2008

My absolute favourite restaurant anywhere - having spread the word, friends from London are even hooked! The quality and value for money just never ceases to amaze and the staff are always relaxed, friendly and helpful. Particular favourites include the artichokes with ham, the simple but excellent garlic chicken and the chorizo with lentils. Somebody has already mentioned the cheesecake with red wine sauce...an almost religious experience!
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Jo
Wednesday, March 12, 2008

One of my favourite places to eat. Definitely the best Spanish Restaurant in and outside of Spain. I have eaten here many times as a couple, and in bigger family groups. I have never been disappointed with anything. A friendly place with quality service and excellent food. Several of my family are vegetarians and they find the menu extensive. we are always made to feel very welcome.
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George
Wednesday, March 05, 2008

The food is great and it is good value for money. We have been here several times and would not mind going back. The atmosphere is great and the staff are really helpful and friendly. There is an automatic 10% service charge on the food. There is a great choice of wine. As there is so much choice, you could make the mistake of over-ordering. The only criticism would be that there is not much room generally and if you go to the restaurant as a couple you may find that you end up sitting fairly close to another couple which can feel a bit uncomfortable. A real authentic taste of Spain but remember to book as it is often packed!
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Karen H
Friday, February 29, 2008