**British Expat Reviews Benidorm’s Cheapest Full English Breakfast — but Was It Worth the £4 Price Tag?**
A British expatriate has sparked lively debate online after posting his thoughts on what he calls Benidorm’s most affordable full English breakfast. Costing less than £4, the meal – purchased at the well-known Mariano’s restaurant in the heart of the Spanish resort – left him with more than a few reservations.
Louis Grier, 32, took to TikTok to document his culinary experience, offering regular updates to his more than 43,000 followers about daily life in this hugely popular Spanish destination. While Benidorm is famed for its sun-soaked beaches and bustling nightlife, it is also a favourite among British tourists seeking comforts from home, such as the traditional full English breakfast.
In his recent video, which quickly amassed over 58,000 views, Louis introduced followers to his latest find: a full English breakfast deal for €4.50, approximately £3.90. The price, undeniably attractive in a tourist hotspot, drew plenty of attention—many eager to discover whether bargain eats in Benidorm could really rival Britain’s breakfast standards.
Arriving at Mariano’s, a restaurant famed locally for its rotisserie chicken, Louis was quick to note that he hadn’t typically opted for breakfast fare there before. “I’ve been here for Spanish breakfast, and that was fine—it is a Spanish restaurant, after all—but I thought I’d see how they handle the British classic,” he explained to viewers.
Upon arrival, his plate featured two slices of Spanish-style toast, both topped with fried eggs, alongside a single sausage, two mushrooms, a tomato, a hash brown, and two strips of bacon. While the portion appeared generous for the modest price, the quality, Louis claims, did not match expectations.
“I wasn’t expecting much for €4.50,” he admitted, “but unfortunately, this was one of the worst breakfasts I’ve had in Benidorm.” He went on to detail his disappointment, describing the food as undercooked and lacking in flavour. Despite Mariano’s glowing reputation for other dishes, especially its well-regarded chicken and takeaways, the breakfast fell short on this occasion.
Mariano’s has long been a fixture in both the English and Spanish-speaking communities of Benidorm, enjoying a reputation for reliable, high-quality meals throughout the years. Louis himself acknowledged the restaurant’s legacy, saying, “They’ve always delivered great food to British tourists and locals alike, and I’ve enjoyed countless takeaways here. But this was, sadly, different.”
Reactions to Louis’s review were swift. Hundreds of comments flooded his page, with followers split on whether the breakfast’s low price point excused its shortcomings. One user noted, “Looked ok for the price,” while another questioned his verdict: “Everything looked fine to me, seems a little harsh.” However, others sided with Louis, claiming the restaurant’s standards had slipped in recent times. One remarked: “Mariano’s has gone right down hill to what it used to be,” but another was quick to defend its other offerings, writing: “Still the best place for chicken. Their garlic bread is to die for!”
No official comment has yet been issued by Mariano’s regarding the criticism. As Benidorm continues to attract visitors from Britain and beyond, the quest for an authentic, affordable taste of home remains very much alive—and subject to passionate debate.
This episode highlights not only the British obsession with breakfast abroad, but also the way social media personalities are influencing the travel and food choices of thousands. Whether Mariano’s will take the feedback to heart remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: when it comes to a full English, expectations are always sky-high—no matter the price.