Valencia | Refugio
đź Refugio: El Carmenâs Creative Fusion GemâSouth American & Mediterranean Flavors El Carmenâs historic streets are full of surprises, and Refugio is a standout: a tiny spot serving creative fusion dishes that blend South American and Mediterranean tastes. Perfect for a birthday meal (like ours) or a casual group dinner, itâs cozy, charming, and packed with flavor. đ The Must-Tries Tataki de AtĂșn con PatacĂłn đ Our favorite of the day. Seared tuna (tender, not fishy) over a bed of avocado-potato mash, tomato, red beans, and crispy fried plantain. The textures collide beautifullyâcreamy, crunchy, and fresh. Even tuna skeptics (like me) loved it. Entraña de Angus Argentino đ„© Gone in minutes. Argentine Angus skirt steak cooked to perfectionâtender, juicy, with that ideal char. The star? A killer spicy sauce that elevates every bite. Skip the dry purple potato side, but savor every bite of the meat. Ensalada Sobrasada đ„ A warm salad that works: arugula, oranges, goat cheese, and melted sobrasada (a spicy cured sausage), finished with crispy crackers. Itâs tangy, salty, and surprisingly addictiveâgreat for waking up your palate. đ Solid & Fun Chipirones đŠ Stuffed squid with Indian rice, served over roasted pumpkin. Itâs tender (not fried!), with two dips (spicy and parsley) to mix things up. A unique take on squidâworth it for fans. Arepas de Pollo đ« Crispy corn cakes with shredded chicken, papaya-onion mix, and (spicy sauce). Spread the filling on the arepa for a crunchy, savory biteâsimple, but satisfying. Croquetas de Pato đŠ Duck croquettes, crispy outside, creamy inside. Served with a sweet mango-apple sauce, but theyâre just as good plain. Cochinita Pibil đź Shredded pork (and maybe chicken) in a spicy red sauce, wrapped in homemade tortillas. Itâs like a South American kebabâmessy, flavorful, and fun to eat. đ° Dessert: Skip It We tried one option, and it was overly sweetâsave room for post-dinner churros elsewhere. đ Details Hours: Closed MonâWed (donât visit then!). Price: ~âŹ25 per person. Vibe: Tiny, cozy, with lovely staff (shoutout to the sweet grandparents serving us!). Book aheadâspace is limited. Refugio nails fusion cuisine: bold, creative, and full of heart. For El Carmen explorers looking to mix things up, itâs a must. đ C/ de Dalt, 42, 46003 Valencia #ValenciaFusion #ElCarmenEats #SouthAmericanFlavors