Hotel Onda Castellon

If a total immersion in popular Japanese cuisine sounds appealing, this small, modest and informal 'tasca'-style eatery (with space for just 16 guests) will fit the bill, thanks to its pure Japanese cuisine featuring including powerful and intense flavours. Chef Sergio Ortega enjoys explaining each dish to his customers as well as relating interesting anecdotes from his many trips to Japan (mainly Tokyo). He offers a single surprise tasting menu (from among 12 different ones, depending on time of day and day of the week) with more of a focus on hot dishes (ramen, gyoza, edemame, stews, etc.) t

Located in the heart of town, Arre occupies a rustic property with no little history behind it – it is said that it is the oldest civic building in Castelló de la Plana, with large arches that were part of its ancient walls and an oven (only decorative these days) that dates back to the 14C. Owner-chef Pedro Salas invites guests to discover the flavours of this area albeit from a modern perspective. His cuisine is centred around several menus: Senda (the most traditional option, on which you can choose between the arroz al horno (a rice dish baked in the oven) and the Torrà grilled dish, the c

A wonderful example of an honest, highly dedicated chef who also trained as a teacher, and who has been rewarded with a Michelin star. Miguel Barrera, who grew up surrounded by pots and pans in the family restaurant (El Paraíso), fulfilled his parents dream by becoming a teacher but was unable to ignore his own instincts, hence his decision to train as a chef before returning home. Following a period working with his family to provide a sense of continuity, he took over the reins of the restaurant, gave it a new name and carried out changes across the board. Today, he wins over his customers w

If you were planning a trip to Sagunt to discover its heritage (castle, Roman theatre, Jewish quarter etc), there’s no excuse not to, as the town also boasts a fine-dining restaurant. This delightful eatery, occupying the former stables of the 16C Palacio de los Duques de Gaeta, features imposing stone arches that provide the backdrop for cuisine that is respectful of traditional Mediterranean flavours but with a contemporary twist and a strong focus on technique. Chef Vicky Sevilla, a cook with lots of determination (she opened the restaurant when she was just 25), showcases modern, personal

Llavor takes its name from a Valencian term that could be translated as “seed”. This restaurant, located in the upper section of the Oropesa residential district is without doubt a real find for foodies. This modern eatery, boasting a large terrace and stunning views of the Mediterranean and neighbouring towns and villages, is run by Jorge Lengua and Adrián Peralta, two young chefs from the region. The dining experience, which takes the form of two tasting menus (Flores de Colores and Nubes de Mariposas), usually begins with superb appetisers on the terrace and is defined by its creativity. Di

One of those situations in which a restaurant has reinvented itself along with the careers of the couple at the helm. Here, José Vicente has given a new lease of life to the original family-run bar, while María abandoned her job as a biologist to give free rein to her true passion. In this bright eatery, featuring a large glass-fronted wine cellar and a meticulous interior, choose between an interesting à la carte and a set menu that showcases the recipes of the Alto Palancia area (l’Alt Palància). These range from delicious, updated takes on traditional recipes to bolder creations inspired fr

Just over 15km from the Valencian capital, Simposio is one of those restaurants that fully justifies its inclusion in our selection. Despite its location in a village that would go mostly unnoticed from the nearby highway, it is a mini culinary jewel! In this cosy space with a contemporary atmosphere, comprising a dining room and kitchen with a large central island, the aim is to make guests feel at home, with the freedom to get up and talk to the chef whenever they want. The cuisine here is presented via four elegant and contemporary tasting menus (San Antonio de Benagéber, Simposio, Simposio