El Baret de Miquel — Restaurant in Dénia

So i had heard a lot about this place, "best restaurant in town", "months of waiting list", and exquisite dishes. Finally got the chance to try it, and well, decided to order pretty much 70% of the entire menu since its so hard to ever eat at this place. All of the food was exceptionally good, very innovative dishes and a great mix of tastes, using mostly ingredients from around the area. Out of the 10 or so dishes ordered perhaps 2 were slightly below par, and didn't impress too much, but overall the food was very great. The reason why i haven't given this place a 5 star rating is simply because i do not believe it merits the months of waiting list and hype in a town like Denia, which is so rich in great food choice and diversity, with so many restaurants offering just as great food without the burden of finding a place to eat. I would definitely recommend for anyone to try this place when in Denia as it still does offer a special take on local cuisine. (Insider Tip)::: Every last weekend of the month there is a reservation free entrance on a first come first serve basis, for those living a normal life and not willing to wait 3 months to have a meal....

Best food I've ever eaten in a restaurant for 15 years, better in fact than several Michelin star ones I tried in several countries including my native France ;) Dishes are original but the flavours really work together, it's obvious they are not trying to throw weird ingredients together for the sake of it, but instead putting a lot of effort to make all dishes taste orgasmically good (we had 5 dishes and all were out of this world, don't think you can go wrong randomly picking any from the menu)! PLUS the price is that of a normal restaurant, the atmosphere is querky and homely, and humble. No stuffy upper class rituals, owners and staff are smiley, casual, responsive. That may also influence who comes in the restaurant: friendly crowd and not overwhelmed by tourists ! The presentation of the food is creative, fun but the portions of normal size so you get to really taste the amazing flavours. The homemade Vermouths are pretty special too (loved the bitter orange). We had to book 3 months in advance because the locals KNOW just how good it is, now we do too! Thank you El Baret for this...

Walked in and thought “Okay, it’s just a bar.” Nope. It’s a bar that secretly serves food like some Michelin-starred grandma is hiding in the kitchen.

It’s loud, super casual, people laughing — exactly my vibe. And then the food shows up and it’s next-level good. Like, the kind of food you pretend you know how to pronounce.

The staff was super friendly, cracking jokes, making sure we were good the whole time. Desserts? Absolute danger zone. I’d trade my dignity for one more.

Only thing: a little pricey. Not gonna lie, my credit card side-eyed me. That’s why it’s 4 stars.

If you’re after a quiet, candlelit, speak-softly-and-slice-your-steak-with-your-pinky-up kind of spot — this ain’t it. If you want to eat stupid good food in a place that feels like your local bar but with a secret gourmet menu, this is your spot.

I’m definitely coming back. Probably on cheat day. Or...