The steak was good. It was nicely cooked and pretty good value for money considering the quality of it.
The seafood paella was unfortunately really bad. It hadn't been cooked long enough so it was still quite wet, and the seafood flavour was pretty muted. Instead there was, for lack and a better way of describing it, an almost polluted flavour: as if you were smelling a city river. I was bitterly disappointed by this as my main aim on my trip to Valencia was to experience a high quality seafood paella - and despite paying €39, I didn't get the experience that I was looking for.
The waitress was nice enough during service, but the moment it came to settling the bill, she pretty much seemed to have lost the will to try anymore. There were no pleasantries when we were paying and she seemed distracted. We all go through bad days and busy periods, and I don't know what she may have been going through personally...so I don't mean to sound inconsiderate or unfair, however after having experienced a bad paella and still leaving a €10 tip, I felt like this cold finish added to the already bad taste I had in my mouth.
Dessert wasn't available as we were informed mid-meal that they would need to close the restaurant early as there was flooding in the basement (from the recent red alert heavy rain storms); which is totally understandable. So I can't comment on their sweet options.
Another serious observation is that the male toilets didn't have handsoap, which is pretty disgusting and a health and safety risk. It's not that they just ran out of soap...there was no dispenser to be seen. Just some screws on the wall where one might have been before.
All in all, I wouldn't recommend this restaurant, and I wish I went to Puerta Del Mar instead which seems to be of a much higher quality and in a similar...
Read moreGran Mercat is a must-visit restaurant for anyone exploring the vibrant food scene in Valencia,. Located in the heart of the city, this establishment offers a delightful blend of traditional Valencian cuisine and modern culinary techniques.
The star of the show at Gran Mercat is undoubtedly their Paella Frutti di Mare. This seafood-based paella is a true masterpiece, featuring a perfect balance of tender rice, succulent shrimp, and mussels,. The flavors meld together seamlessly, creating a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated.
No visit to Gran Mercat is complete without trying their Patatas Bravas. These crispy potato cubes are served with a tantalizing spicy tomato sauce that adds a delightful kick to the dish. The combination of the crispy potatoes and the flavorful sauce is simply irresistible.
The Tomato Salad at Gran Mercat is a refreshing palate cleanser that perfectly complements the heartier dishes. The juicy tomatoes are paired with tangy olives and anchovies and a light dressing, creating a salad that is both simple and delicious.
Overall, Gran Mercat is a restaurant that should not be missed when visiting Valencia. With its exceptional food, warm service, and inviting atmosphere, it is sure to leave a lasting impression on your taste buds. Whether you're a fan of traditional Valencian cuisine or you're looking to explore new flavors, Gran Mercat is the perfect place to indulge your...
Read moreAwful experience!The food quality was poor, and the service attitude was unacceptable. I will never eat at this restaurant again and would not advise anyone to dine here either.
First, we ordered two bottles of Aquarius, but they only served one bottle and still charged us for two.
Second, the seafood paella was undercooked—the shrimps were translucent and raw. When we pointed this out to the waiter and asked for a refund for the paelle alone, they simply gave us two extra shrimp and told us to pick out the uncooked seafood instead of offering a refund or a new plate.
We refused to eat the undercooked paella, so they took it away. When we asked for the bill, they claimed that since we had eaten half of it, they could only give us a 20% discount. However, we stopped eating as soon as we realized the shrimp were raw. This was a ridiculous way for the restaurant to handle the situation.
In the end, we still had to pay €53 for the entire meal and left feeling angry and disappointed. This is a dishonest restaurant which...
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