Restaurant Secret
Featured in Guide
If you want a real Valencian vibe away from the usual hustle, Restaurant Secret on Sant Martí is a solid bet. Locals love how it’s tucked in a quiet alley in Ciutat Vella, giving you a relaxed spot with a cozy, unpretentious feel—perfect for lingering over food without noise crowding you out. The menu hits the sweet spot between traditional flavors and fresh, quality ingredients, with dishes like grilled octopus, paella, and Iberian secreto getting consistent praise. Portions are generous and prices fair for the quality, making it a great place to unwind whether you’re out with friends or a chill dinner for two. Service is friendly and attentive, adding to the community feel you don’t find just anywhere in the city[1][3][5].
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Featured in Guides
Valencia’s Local Favorites: Authentic Neighborhood Dining Only Locals Know.
• valencia
Guide Commentary
If you want a real Valencian vibe away from the usual hustle, Restaurant Secret on Sant Martí is a solid bet. Locals love how it’s tucked in a quiet alley in Ciutat Vella, giving you a relaxed spot with a cozy, unpretentious feel—perfect for lingering over food without noise crowding you out. The menu hits the sweet spot between traditional flavors and fresh, quality ingredients, with dishes like grilled octopus, paella, and Iberian secreto getting consistent praise. Portions are generous and prices fair for the quality, making it a great place to unwind whether you’re out with friends or a chill dinner for two. Service is friendly and attentive, adding to the community feel you don’t find just anywhere in the city[1][3][5].
Valencia’s Top-Rated Restaurants Delivering Exceptional Culinary Excellence.
• valencia
Guide Commentary
Restaurant Secret in Valencia is a refined choice for those seeking a memorable culinary occasion marked by excellence and careful craftsmanship. Tucked away on C/ de Sant Martí, it offers an intimate, quietly elegant atmosphere with attentive, personable service that enhances the experience without rushing guests[1][2]. Diners often praise signature dishes like the grilled octopus, pasta beef ragu, and the jamón plate, all prepared with high-quality ingredients and carefully balanced flavors[1][3]. Portions are generous yet artfully presented, inviting sharing and savoring. This restaurant strikes a balance between sophistication and warmth, making it perfect for celebrations or business dinners. Though service can slow slightly during busy times, it remains courteous and professional[1]. Booking ahead is wise, given its growing reputation as a destination for those who appreciate Valencian cuisine elevated beyond the usual tourist fare. The price level reflects the quality and craft, offering genuine value for a special dining experience[1][3].
Valencia Dining Guide: Exceptional Cuisine and Quality Experiences.
• valencia
Guide Commentary
If you’re heading to Valencia and want a place that feels like a cozy local secret yet delivers on top-tier quality, Restaurant Secret hits that sweet spot. Tucked away on a quiet street in Ciutat Vella, it offers a relaxed vibe with warm, dim lighting and an intimate setting that’s perfect for a date or a chill evening with friends. The staff come across as genuinely friendly and attentive, though it can get a bit slow when busy, which actually means the kitchen is taking its time to craft each dish carefully[1][2]. The food is where it really shines. Locals and visitors rave about the grilled octopus, paella, and jamón plates, all made from fresh, high-quality ingredients with generous portions. Don’t miss the croquetas and patatas bravas—classic Spanish bar fare elevated here—and the secreto ibérico for a standout main[1][5]. Presentation is simple but thoughtful, focusing on flavor and authenticity rather than flashy plating. Value-wise, it’s mid-range but feels justified given the quality and experience. Reservations are a must, especially during peak hours, as it’s quite popular and ranks #6 among Valencia’s best restaurants. Early dinners offer a quieter, more personal experience. It’s a great spot whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic meal or small groups craving a lively yet intimate atmosphere. Recently, it’s been buzzing on social media for its authentic take on tapas and cocktails, drawing a loyal local crowd who appreciate its quiet charm away from tourist hubs. The kitchen’s craftsmanship and consistent quality keep diners coming back, making it a solid bet in Valencia’s competitive food scene[3][4].
Review Distribution
Reviews (5)
The food here was outstanding. Probably the best meal I had in Spain. I had the pasta beef ragu and my partner had the grilled octopus. We also split the fried brie. The pasta was a bit salty, but overall very good. The octopus was delightful. It was beautifully cooked and melted in our mouths. The highlight of the meal was certainly the fried brie. Crunchy and crisp on the outside and soft and smooth on the inside, it was deliciously balanced with sweet roasted apples. The wait staff was great, but it was very warm in the restaurant and the bench seat was very uncomfortable— a bit too high up for the table. Overall, it was a delightful experience.
I visited the restaurant twice during my stay in Valencia. It is located in a central yet quiet alley – a pleasant contrast to the loud and crowded tourist hotspots. The taste, quality, and craftsmanship of the food are outstanding. I especially recommend the croquettes and the grilled octopus. Moreover, the friendly and attentive service perfectly complements the overall dining experience. Reservations can be made online, and I would definitely recommend doing so. Please note that they charge a 15€ deposit per person for reservations, which is retained in case of a no-show without cancellation.
Great spot! The paella and octopus were super tasty, and the jamón plate was a winner. Service was a bit slow when it got busy, but the food made up for it. Cozy vibe, solid portions, and worth the wait. Would definitely come back!
After our visit, we realized we definitely needed to come back. We had an early dinner and enjoyed having the restaurant mostly to ourselves, which made it feel very cozy. The service was fantastic, and the food was exceptionally tasty. The paella was super rich and packed with flavor, and the fried brie and duck confit were absolute bangers
This restaurant is amazing!!! Definitely on my top3 list regarding restaurants in Spain. We had croquetas, patatas bravas, secreto iberico and tarta de queso, and every single dish was so tasty and delicious. I highly recommend this place.