+34 952 55 35 12+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
19:00 - 23:00
Mon
19:00 - 23:00
Tue
19:00 - 23:00
Wed
19:00 - 23:00
Thu
19:00 - 23:00
Fri
19:00 - 23:00
Sat
19:00 - 23:00
Food and ambience
Local cuisine, International, Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Healthy
Special Occasion Dining, Romantic, View, Groups, Bar Scene, Business meetings
Does this restaurant serve Romagna food?
Details
About
We are located in an old carpenters workshop, built into the rocks over 200 years ago. We prepare all food freshly and to order so if you are in for fast food, El Pilon will not suit your needs. We source as much of our food locally when possible. El Pilon is a relaxed kind of place where you can enjoy the views, a bottle of wine, and conversations with friends and family. We also have Wi Fi. If our service and food does not satisfy you please advise us and we will always do our best to rectify any problem immediately.
PRICE RANGE
€4.00 – €22.00
CUISINES
International, Mediterranean, European, Spanish, Healthy
Special Diets
Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten free options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Drinks
FEATURES
Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Highchairs Available, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
1,094 reviews
Excellent
751
Very good
222
Average
65
Poor
33
Terrible
24
Songbird H
Comber171 contributions
Jul 2020 • family
We dined here while on holiday in early July. This was our second visit being there three years ago, and because it was so good the first time we made a point of going back. This restaurant is very friendly, the atmosphere is so relaxed, we had steak from the barbecue that was cooked to perfection, the portion size is very generous but we managed most of it. It is child friendly, a big bonus for us. Wine was also good and along with two Childrens meals, one starter and two steaks great value for money €90. The restaurant sells original oil paintings by a local lady, I admired them before and this time made a purchase, carefully carrying it home. I would highly recommend El Pilon, good quality food, pleasant staff, great atmosphere/surroundings and reasonably priced.
Written 28 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
restaurantelpilon
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are always happy when our guests have an enjoyable experience. We are so glad that you got your painting home safely. We look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Muchas Gracias
El Pilon
Written 2 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Legsov
Beverley62 contributions
Jul 2020 • none
We were introduced to this restaurant by Spanish friends in September last year, we were very impressed with the location in Competa, fantastic menu choices and the quality of the food. We visited again in July this year and were equally impressed. El Pilon is a fabulous restaurant, customer service is outstanding and the food is spot on, particularly the barbecued meats. We'll be going back at the next opportunity.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Londontraveller1971
London299 contributions
Jul 2020 • couples
A delicious experience, finding a restaurant in Spain that this stylish, comfortable, great value, does the juiciest meet and succulent fish as well as catering for vegetarians. We’ll die break at El Pilon. We’ll be back
Written 20 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
restaurantelpilon
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are always happy when our guests have an enjoyable experience. We look forward to seeing you again in the future.
Muchas Gracias
El Pilon
Written 2 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ESVincent
Hong Kong1120 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
This is one of the 3 excellent restaurants in Competa. It has it all - a small friendly bar to wait and have drinks, family friendly restaurant, great food and excellent value for money.
We were four and we ordered gambas a pil pil and croquettes to start with. These were excellent- the gambas were spicy and rich with garlic whilst the croquettas were melt in the mouth. We then ordered the chulelatas ( lamb rack) in honey and malaga wine - stunning, with the dorada ( baked fish ) that fell off the bones in flakes, a large ceasar salad and slow cooked pork loin. All of this was well presented and it was all very flavoursome. This was Spanish traditional cooking at its best. With a bottle of white wine to share this came to 105E and was worth every cent. The staff were a pleasure and it was another great evening...
Written 23 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Restaurant El Pilon
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are always happy when our guests have an enjoyable experience. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Muchas Gracias
El Pilon
Written 8 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Elena
Almunecar3 contributions
Feb 2021 • couples
We were disappointed after reading such good reviews. Our waitress was extremely loud always shouting across the restaurant she didn’t bring our wine and when she asked us how our meal was didn’t stop to hear our reply.
The garlic mushrooms were cold, the lamb had been hacked off the joint and we each had 3 small slices of banana in our Banoffee pie.
Shame, could have been good with a little attention to detail.
Written 14 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Restaurant El Pilon
We are deeply sorry that you had this experience in El Pilon, as you can see by our reviews, this would not be a normal experience.
We really hope that you will come and join us another time and experience what El Pilon really stands for, with a new fresh team of professionals.
Apologies for your experience.
El Pilon
Written 28 July 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Morgs004
Competa30 contributions
Aug 2020 • none
This is a fantastic restaurant in the heart of Competa.
We have eaten here on many occasions and apart from great food the hospitality and service of Dani and his team is second to none.
As a lover of fish/seafood I have sampled every dish on that particular section of the menu and all are delicious. It is a dilemma what to choose each time! (this time it was the langoustinos and they were wonderful)
There is a varied menu for both starters and the main courses. The ribs and chicken options are always good.
We are normally too full for deserts but again the menu will tempt you!
Small but lovely bar area and the wines are always good quality.
If you are in Competa this is a must-go restaurant .
Written 25 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
restaurantelpilon
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are always happy when our guests have an enjoyable experience. We look forward to seeing you again in the future. Muchas Gracias El Pilon
Written 31 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Anders J
Lugnvik10 contributions
Oct 2021 • family
We believe we were unlucky at our table, since other guests seemed ok with their food. However, we missed the garlic toast in our starter, and when we asked the staff they seemed surprised, since that course is never served with garlic toast. Both the online menu and the table menu clearly stated in both english and spanish that it did. We found that a bit odd. We never got any garlic toast either. One of our main courses had lost its heat before being served, so it was pretty dull. Another main lacked its mushrooms.
Staff a bit insecure, but otherwise a cozy place. When we had paid and were on our way out, one in the staff asked if we wanted a shot on the house, but we felt it was a bit late.
Not really interested to give it another try, since they didnt try to give us a pleasant visit while eating.
Written 11 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Restaurant El Pilon
I'm very sorry to hear about your negative experience and can only apologise. Absolutely the Mushroom Starter should be served with Garlic Toast, once again i can only apologise for this error.
When it comes to the shot on the house we always offer this at the bar as you are leaving. I can only assume that you encountered a new member of staff that was still learning the correct ways.
Your feedback is extremely valuable to us and we hope that you will visit us again and allow us to offer our normal high standards.
Once again, please accept our apologies.
Muchas Gracias
Written 15 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debbie W
Holmfirth95 contributions
Mar 2023 • friends
I love El Pilon so celebrated my 60th birthday with some friends. There were 20 of us for the Sunday lunch
The food was amazing, service was spectacular considering it was fully booked. The lovely super friendly waiters and waitresses are amazing, serving food and drinks perfectly Can’t praise this place highly enough Anazing value at 15€ for a delicious 3 course meal
We were also treated to amazing entertainment by Miguel and dabced the night away . Superb Thankyou Dani and your wonderful team See you again soon xxx
Written 6 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve S
Competa4 contributions
Aug 2020 • couples
El Pilon boasts the trifecta of elements that make for a great restaurant experience - great food in a fabulous location with awesome service.
The menu blends Spanish classics with modern European twists to create a variety of options you won’t find in many restaurants in the area; all made with quality ingredients and cooked with care and flair.
Situated close to the village centre, El Pilon offers the option to eat on their covered terrace, with spectacular views over the village rooftops and across the valley. Alternatively, you can dine in one of two amazing internal dining rooms, literally carved out of the rocks. You’ll be under no illusion that you’re truly in Spain here. There’s also a cosy bar where you can enjoy an aperitif before your meal, or a post-dinner digestif. You’ll also likely be offered a ‘shot on the house’ at the bar before you head off.
But best of all is the service. The team are super friendly and welcome their guests with a smile. They love what they do, and it shows. Whether you’re a visitor or a local, you’re sure to have a fantastic experience at El Pilon.
Written 31 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
restaurantelpilon
Thank you so much for your kind review Steve. We are always happy when our guests have an enjoyable experience. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Muchas Gracias
El Pilon
Written 31 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
813Eddie
Glasgow24 contributions
Jun 2022 • couples
We went in on our first night in Competa and we initially thought the place was beautiful and to be honest the view from the terrace is quite spectacular. The service and food are a different matter. We ordered Gambas Pil Pil to start with, to share and waited over an hour before it came and it was okay. We then ordered sirloin steak and tandoori chicken with raita. Both were a major disappointment, there was no sauce with the steak and the steak itself was badly cooked or else very poor quality, tough and grizzly. When I did get the sauce it was watery and tasted of nothing, which a peppercorn sauce should not be. My wife had the tandoori chicken, with raita. This had no sauce, was under seasoned and the raita was large chunks of onion and cucumber. I complained to the waitress when we asked for the bill and although she took the criticism, it did not appear she passed this on to the kitchen, as we received the bill quickly and left. I hope this is not a true reflection of El Pilon, as it is rated the best restaurant in Competa and this is our first night, if it is I will be cooking myself from now on. The wine was lovely
Written 15 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Restaurant El Pilon
We would like to apologise for your negative experience. As you can see by our other reviews, this would definitely not be our usual standard.
We are glad you enjoyed the wine as we pride ourselves on having some fantastic wines and normally an extremely high standard of food and service to accompany it.
Hopefully one day you will return to enjoy our usual standard.
Kind regards
El Pilon
Written 15 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mikko K
Oulu10 contributions
Oct 2021 • friends
This wasn't their night. We waited our mains almost two hours, and when we gave some feedback for the service, they were just sorry. The food was pretty okay but service was so low. Of course there some busy nights but still you need to take care of your customers. I can't recommend this restaurant.
Written 27 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Restaurant El Pilon
We are very sorry that you had this negative experience, but in fairness i would like to point out that you may have been on the premises for 2 hours but you did not wait 2 hours for your food. The maximum wait this year has been one hour due to the fact that all out food is freshly cooked to order and when we have had 70 - 80 people in the dining room unfortunately people have waited up to 1 hour. We write the times on all of our food orders and record wait times.
Thank you for your comment
Written 8 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
PalaceViewer
London44 contributions
Feb 2022 • none
Right at the end of February, when the little town of Competa had had no rain all month, we struggled over to El Pilon restaurant (near the town hall) in a fierce rain storm - but we were so glad we had. There was a warm welcome in the bar and an equally warm dining room annexe where heaters were judiciously placed to make the place comfortable. The menu was interesting and our choices arrived well cooked, well presented and hot. The house wine was good too. We would definitely recommend El Pilon but not necessarily the rain (although they needed it)!
Written 3 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Restaurant El Pilon
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are always happy when our guests have an enjoyable experience. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Muchas Gracias
El Pilon
Written 15 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
cindyjones19
Competa172 contributions
Aug 2020 • friends
I choose my favourite Competa restaurant to celebrate my birthday with 9 friends. As a special occasion, I decided to chose from their special menu where items need to be ordered 48 hours in advance for a minimum of 2 persons. I selected the meat and poultry platter and the fish platter. Both were incredible and everyone at the table enjoyed the food. I can thoroughly recommend them, both offering a huge selection. Probably the only complaint was too much food!!!!!
Dani was so helpful in helping me plan the evening and the service during the evening from the team was excellent.
I can thoroughly recommend El Pilon for going that extra mile for a special occasion. Thank you to all the staff.
Written 3 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
restaurantelpilon
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are always happy when our guests have an enjoyable experience. We look forward to seeing you again in the future. Muchas Gracias El Pilon
Written 31 August 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
aprilinparis
Greater London315 contributions
Aug 2021 • family
Our family of four enjoyed another excellent meal at El Pilon. We have been coming for many years whilst on holiday and the service and food are consistently very good. The menu and wine list are extensive and there is something for everyone, including vegetarians. Dani, Loli and the staff are so welcoming and friendly. They really care about the experience and food they offer. The restaurant is unique and has views over the village of Competa. On this occasion we enjoyed bruschetta with roasted vegetables goats cheese and pesto, Caesar salad and fried brie with sauce for our starters. The main dishes were fantastic also and we ate pork wrapped in bacon and stuffed with black pudding and a mustard sauce, baby back ribs, and vegetable burrito with guacamole and rice. Other recommended dishes are the gambas pill pil, barbecued filet of beef and rack of lamb with herbs and honey. The local wine ‘Jarel’ is well worth a try. Fragrant, elegant and dry. They also serve lovely cocktails and offer you a shot on the house in the bar, before you leave which is always a lovely touch. Don’t leave Competa without trying El Pilon.
Written 25 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Restaurant El Pilon
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are always happy when our guests have an enjoyable experience. We look forward to seeing you again soon.
Muchas Gracias
El Pilon
Written 20 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
sueashe
Brighton11 contributions
Jul 2022 • family
Sorry. This is not a good restaurant. They have become so complacent that they have taken their customers for granted. Caesar salad with no dressing, grated Parmesan and a few anchovies does not make it a Caesar salad.Inedible steak that we refused to pay for. Advise anyone else to do the same if they are not happy otherwise they will continue with turning out substandard food. Just really really average. Seriously need to up their game. Absolutely not good enough. One star is generous.
Written 28 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Restaurant El Pilon
Buenas tardes, lamentamos mucho que la comida no haya sido de su agrado. Intentamos siempre que nuestra comida y servicio sean de lo mejor. En esta ocasión en ningún momento se nos advirtió por su parte que la comida no le gustaba, si nos lo hubiese hecho saber, la hubiésemos cambiado sin ningún tipo de problema. Siempre intentamos que el cliente esté lo mejor posible atendido tanto en el servicio como en la comida que servimos. Esperamos contar con su presencia en otra ocasión y poder subsanar el error. Muchas gracias.
Written 2 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
…
Showing results 1-15 of 742
Best nearby
We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Best nearby hotels
See all 
Best nearby restaurants
See all 
Is This Your Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim Your Free Listing