San Ildefonso is the parish over to the left when you get to the top of Paseo de la Estacion and Avenida de Madrid, and their offshoots. There are a few tapas bars in the square next to San Ildefonso church if you’re looking for a change.
Here’s my Google map of Jaen that shows all the places mentioned in all these posts, and a few more besides.
This is a good value for money restaurant on a side alley between Paseo de la Estacion and Avenida de Madrid…
Meson Rio Chico (Intermediate B), 12 Calle Nueva
A small friendly place recommended by Frommers, although without a star rating.
I came here on my very first night in Jaen and had my first experience of the famous local olives. These tasty specimens were fairly typical of what every restaurant provided. They’re definitely the longest olives I’ve ever seen!
The tasting menu looked like a good deal so I gave it a whirl. It consisted of…
Hojaldre Relleno de Guacamole, Salmon y Delicia de Pina (puff pastry stuffed with guacamole and salmon with a pineapple sauce).
Tosta de Cremoso de Patata con Crujiente de Lomo de Orza y Reduccion P.X. (creamy potato with a crispy fillet of orza and a reduction of Pedro Ximenez sherry).
Timbal de Veruditas de Temporada y Queso de Cabra Caramelizado, Tomate y Albahaca (a timbale of seasonal veg and caramelized goat cheese, tomato and basil).
Lomito de Atun en Cama de Ajos Tiernos, Pasas y Crema de Citrico (loin of tuna with tender garlic, raisins and citrus flavoured cream). I remember I wasn’t too keen on this combination.
Carrillada Iberica en Salsa de Esparragos Trigueros (beef cheeks in wild asparagus sauce) was tasty but didn’t look like much.
To drink I had a bottle of Campo Ameno, Syrah Barrica from the local Tierra de la Sierra Sur de Jaen IGP. Judging from the pattern on the bottle, this was made by the same people as the excellent Marques de Campomena I had at the parador.
Finally, Tarta ‘Puro Chocolate’ con Dulce de Natillas y Frutos Rojos (‘pure chocolate’ tart with sweet custard and red fruits) which I had with a glass of PX.
An okay place, but there are plenty of other good competitors. See my other Jaen posts for more info.