Restaurant Secret — Restaurant in Valencia

I really wanted to like this place. I think I was led by alot of positive reviews (a 4.7 rating off the back of 3000+ reviews is not easy for sure!) however I got the impression this place is starting to become a victim of its own success.

Overall the food quality was pleasant but nothing special. I expect this is because the target market (tourists) is less educated when it comes to Valencian food however for those with a bit more of an idea of what excellent is - this is not. I think it's a good attempt at the classics but the Paella for example is reasonably tasteless with salt and oil being the primary flavours. We ate at 8 o clock and some of the menu options were unavailable which was a bit surprising. The croquettas were a decent size but the filling a little samey and the salad with buratta was a healthy portion but the tomatoes were bland. For this place to go from good to great, I think it needs to look again about how it gets the flavour back into its food. The presentation is good - we just need more taste. Bread - a standard offering - we were not offered and it would have been nice to have had some.

The service was good. I think the waitreses do a commendable job to deal with the constant rotation of reservations and walk-ins. There is often a queue of impatient tourists outside (me included even though we had a reservation) but they generally dealt pleasantly with people. Note that if you do have a reservation on a weekend evening, be prepared to wait longer than your reservation slot - they pack them in too close in my opinion. Given the Paella can take 40 minutes to prepare - the 2 hour slot might be a bit short for some people.

Lastly the atmosphere. I get the sense that the staff both at front of house and in the kitchen are completely rushed off their feet and this sense of nervous anxiety and energy actually doesn't help the atmosphere. I am completely understanding of the stsff and the pressure they are under but really I think you should be looking at getting either more staff or more experienced staff (two were junior who were perfectly pleasant - but struggling with some awkward diners) to help with the demand. I think you need one person alone dealing with the constant rotation of walk ins queueing outside. The decor inside of the restaurant is pleasant if a little simple but I'm wondering how it all relates to the brief of this being a restaurant that calls itself 'Secret'.

I hope this is a useful review. I think your staff are working incredibly hard and your popularity is commendable but I think it's starting to come at a bit of a cost to the atmosphere you are trying to bring and the quality of the food. Maybe this is the nature of the beast in Valencia during the high season! I wish you all the best...

Full disclosure, I’m not one to write google reviews, but my overall experience here was so poor that I feel inclined to share so others will reconsider spending their money here. I have eaten at a lot of restaurants around the world and this was one of the few occasions where I left angry.

My partner and I made a reservation here months in advance, after reading positive reviews. This was our first time traveling to Valencia and we were excited to try this restaurant.

As we are walking towards the restaurant, we notice a young server/staff member who is walking ahead of us to start her shift. She opens the door and enters ahead of us, but just as we are about to follow her in, she immediately turns around, sticks her hand up, and rudely shouts “WAIT!” before closing the door on us. We and another couple already seated on the patio look at each other awkwardly, as we’re both in disbelief as to what just happened. The server goes in, speaks to another employee who then comes out to ask if we have a reservation before offering to seat us. Because the earlier interaction was so disrespectful, I explain to him what happened. He seems confused and tries to offer an apology on her behalf.

We sit down and try to brush the situation off, but the staff member that was rude to us earlier ends up being our server. I immediately confront her about the earlier interaction. She claims to not remember the interaction and basically “plays dumb” offering a very disingenuous apology. We proceed to order our food, even though I was pretty livid at this point.

That being said, I don’t want to rate an entire restaurant solely based on a single rude and disrespectful server, so I’ll also comment on the food.

Lobster croquettes were decent. Sea Bass was cooked fine, but the skin was full of fish scales. The aged Galacian burger was mediocre at best. Overall one of the worst restaurants we ate at in Valencia.

We tried to let the earlier incident slide and just enjoy our food, but the food didn’t do much to make our experience better. I considered asking to speak to the manager, but in the end just wanted to eat and leave as quickly as possible. The last thing I wanted to do was to get more upset while on vacation.

Save your money. Save your time. Give it to one of the many other restaurants in Valencia that are far better in...

Restaurant Secret: A Hidden Gem in Valencia’s Culinary Scene

Nestled in the heart of Valencia, Restaurant Secret is a haven for food enthusiasts seeking the best of the city’s flavors combined with high-standard cuisine and impeccable service. From the moment you step inside, the warm and inviting ambiance sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience.

The menu at Restaurant Secret is a masterful blend of traditional Valencian flavors and innovative culinary techniques. Each dish is crafted with the finest local ingredients, showcasing the rich gastronomic heritage of the region. Highlights include the Boeuf Bourguignon, perfectly cooked with the beef breaking under the fork and flavours unlike I’ve ever had before! The woman behind the bar made a very good Sangria too!

The high standard of cuisine at Restaurant Secret is matched by its exceptional service. The attentive and knowledgeable staff ensured a warm welcome and well-cared for. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a first-time visitor, the staff’s recommendations and insights enhance the dining experience, making each meal both memorable...