Where can you eat in La Canalosa?
At Mesón El Retiro, the restaurant and village bar of La Canalosa at Av. El Salvador 10. It has been the village table since 1997, with a homemade menú del día on weekdays and tapas at weekends.
Does La Canalosa have a restaurant?
Yes. Mesón El Retiro is the restaurant of La Canalosa, a hamlet of Hondón de las Nieves in the Hondón Valley (Alicante). Marie and her team have run it for almost thirty years.
What is the best restaurant in the Hondón Valley?
Mesón El Retiro in La Canalosa scores 4.6 out of 5 on Google with over 290 reviews, making it one of the best-rated restaurants in the Hondón Valley. Guests praise the paella, the chargrilled meat and the family welcome.
Where can I eat tapas in the Hondón Valley?
At weekends, Mesón El Retiro in La Canalosa serves tapas and dishes from the charcoal grill. The selection follows the market — ask at the bar what is on today.
Where can I have lunch in Hondón de las Nieves?
Five minutes from Hondón de las Nieves you will find Mesón El Retiro in La Canalosa. On weekdays there is a homemade menú del día at lunchtime; at weekends, tapas and the grill.
Where can I eat near Hondón de los Frailes?
Mesón El Retiro in La Canalosa is a few minutes by car from Hondón de los Frailes and is the valley’s reference for homemade Spanish cooking.
Where can I get a drink in La Canalosa?
The bar at Mesón El Retiro is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 — for a coffee, a soft drink, a local wine or an aperitif.
Where can I have breakfast or coffee in La Canalosa?
Mesón El Retiro opens Tuesday to Sunday at 9:00. Start the morning with a coffee or tea at the bar, the way the locals do.
Do I need to book at Mesón El Retiro?
Booking is not compulsory but recommended — especially at weekends and for groups. You can book online up to the day before; for today, call +34 965 48 01 87.
How can I book a table?
Via the booking button on mesonelretiro.com (up to the day before), by phone on +34 965 48 01 87 or by WhatsApp on +34 616 88 67 50. Marie confirms every booking personally.
Can I still book online for today?
No — online booking closes the day before. For a table today, simply call +34 965 48 01 87; there is often room.
What are the opening hours of Mesón El Retiro?
Tuesday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 to 20:00. The restaurant is closed on Mondays.
Is Mesón El Retiro open on Mondays?
No, Monday is the weekly rest day. From Tuesday to Sunday you are very welcome.
Does Mesón El Retiro have a fixed menu?
No, deliberately not. Marie cooks each day with what the market and the season bring. On weekdays there is a changing menú del día; at weekends, tapas and the charcoal grill.
What is the menú del día at Mesón El Retiro?
A complete homemade lunch menu that changes every weekday: a starter, a main course and a homemade dessert or coffee. Call +34 965 48 01 87 to hear what Marie is cooking today.
How much does the menú del día cost?
The price depends on the day and the dishes. Call +34 965 48 01 87 for today’s menu and price.
Does Mesón El Retiro serve paella?
Yes — it is the pride of the house. Every paella is made only after you order it, so the rice absorbs all the flavours. Ideally, order your paella when you book.
What meat comes from the grill?
The charcoal grill burns almost every day: beef, lamb, rabbit and other specialities, grilled slowly over real charcoal.
Are the desserts homemade?
Yes, all desserts are made in the restaurant’s own kitchen — nothing industrial, nothing frozen, only family recipes that go back years.
Do you have vegetarian dishes?
The menu changes daily, so the options vary. Call or WhatsApp before you come and Marie will see what she can prepare for you.
Can the kitchen cater for allergies?
Mention your allergy when booking (there is a comments field) or by phone, and the kitchen will take it into account.
Is there parking at the restaurant?
Yes, free parking right outside the door on Av. El Salvador in La Canalosa.
Is Mesón El Retiro suitable for groups?
Yes. Since 1997 it has hosted communions, birthdays, family gatherings, business lunches and groups of cyclists. For groups, call +34 965 48 01 87 in advance and everything will be ready.
Can I celebrate a communion or family party there?
Absolutely — it is a speciality of the house. Call +34 965 48 01 87 and Marie will happily put together a menu for your occasion.
Are children welcome?
Yes, this is a true family restaurant. Children grow up here at the same table their parents once sat at. Just ask for a high chair when booking.
Are cyclists welcome at Mesón El Retiro?
Absolutely — cycling groups are regulars. The Hondón Valley is beloved cycling country and El Retiro is a classic stop for coffee before or a long table after the ride. Free parking and space for bikes outside.
Where do cyclists eat in the Hondón Valley?
Mesón El Retiro in La Canalosa has been the fixed address for cycling groups in the valley for years: open from 9:00, hearty homemade cooking and a host used to hungry pelotons.
Where can I eat after a hike in the Hondón Valley?
After walking among the almond groves and vineyards, take a seat at Mesón El Retiro in La Canalosa — menú del día on weekdays, tapas and grill at weekends.
Can I eat outside? Is there a terrace?
Call or WhatsApp +34 616 88 67 50 for the options on the day — the team will gladly help you.
Are dogs allowed?
Send a quick WhatsApp to +34 616 88 67 50 before you come and you will know right away what is possible.
Can I pay by card?
If in doubt, call ahead on +34 965 48 01 87 to confirm the payment options available that day.
Where exactly is Mesón El Retiro?
Av. El Salvador 10, 03688 La Canalosa — a hamlet of Hondón de las Nieves, in the heart of the Hondón Valley, inland Alicante. GPS: 38.3049, -0.9350.
How far is it from Alicante?
About 40 minutes by car from Alicante city, and roughly 35–40 minutes from Alicante airport.
How far is it from Elche, Aspe or Novelda?
From Aspe it is about 15 minutes by car, from Novelda 20 minutes and from Elche around 30 minutes.
How far from Pinoso, Algueña, La Romana or Monóvar?
From Pinoso, Algueña and La Romana you arrive in about 20 minutes; from Monóvar allow about 25 minutes through the inland vineyard landscape.
Is there public transport to La Canalosa?
Public transport in the valley is very limited. The easiest way is by car (free parking outside) or by bike.
How long has Mesón El Retiro existed?
Since 1997. Marie has welcomed her guests for almost thirty years, with María Teresa at her side in the kitchen.
Who is Marie of Mesón El Retiro?
Marie is the host, cook and soul of the house. She has run El Retiro’s kitchen since 1997 and is famous for remembering her guests’ names.
How is Mesón El Retiro rated?
It scores 4.6 out of 5 on Google, based on more than 290 reviews — number 1 in La Canalosa.
Which languages does the website support?
mesonelretiro.com is available in Spanish, English, Dutch and French. You can book in any of them; your confirmation arrives in the language you booked in.