Valencia | A Michelin star for both dishes and cocktails

🌟 La Salita: Valencia’s Veggie-Focused Michelin Gem—Where Plants Steal the Show In the heart of Valencia’s L’Eixample district, this Michelin-starred spot (with three Repsol Suns) is a love letter to creativity—helmed by a female chef who turns vegetables into art. The Novença tasting menu? A two-and-a-half-hour feast that left us stuffed, satisfied, and eager to rave. 🍹 First Impressions: Cocktails with a Twist Before the food even arrived, the bartender set the bar high. We were told he’s “Spain’s best”—and while we can’t confirm that, our drinks spoke for themselves: Truffle Negroni: A game-changer. The earthy truffle softens the classic’s bitterness, making it smooth, aromatic, and dangerously easy to sip. Even Negroni skeptics (like me) were won over. Wine Pairing: We opted for a crisp white from Lanzarote—bright, refreshing, and a perfect match for the light, summer-friendly dishes. 🥗 The Novença Menu: Veggies, Fusion, and a Piglet Finale This isn’t your typical “heavy” tasting menu—light, vibrant, and ideal for warm weather: First Course: A cute, Japan-inspired set where rice and sashimi take a backseat to veggies. The star? Crispy sardine chips—salty, crunchy, and impossible to stop eating. Smoked Eel Series: A standout trio. The eel sausage was juicy and rich, while the pine nut foam soup (topped with caviar) balanced creaminess with a briny kick. Fusion done right. Main Event: Roast suckling pig with ravioli, doused in a pork shank sauce. By this point, we were full—but one bite, and we kept going. The meat was tender, the sauce savory, and the ravioli a buttery complement. Desserts: Solid but overshadowed by the mains. A fig-and-goat-cheese dish was a miss for goat cheese haters (like me), but the portion was small enough to power through. 🥖 The Secret Weapon: Bread Let’s talk about the pre-meal bread: crusty, airy, and served with fresh parsley butter. We devoured the whole basket—oops. Worth every carb. 💶 The Details Novença Menu: Price varies (not listed, but expect Michelin-level rates). Vibe: Sleek, modern, and intimate—perfect for a special occasion. The chef’s vegetable focus adds a unique, light touch that sets it apart from heavier Spanish fine dining. La Salita proves fine dining doesn’t need to be stuffy. With creative flavors, a veggie-forward approach, and drinks that impress, it’s a standout in Valencia’s food scene. Come hungry—and save room for the bread. #ValenciaMichelin #VegetableArt #TastingMenuMagic