A place in the sun - or rather: above the sea. The Mena restaurant on the coast of Las Rotas in Dénia is no longer an insider tip, but a firm institution for anyone who knows where to eat really well on the Costa Blanca. Fish, seafood, rice dishes, tapas and service that sets standards - plus a view of the Mediterranean that will take your breath away. And that's exactly why: booking is a must here.
Everything the sea has to offer - Fresh and homemade
The cuisine? Consistently Mediterranean, with a clear focus on fish and seafood - fresh, regional, with craftsmanship and just a little ChiChi sometimes. Classics such as sea bream, squid or grilled sea bass meet zarzuela, a red mullet or grilled fish with seafood. If you want something really traditional, order rice dishes such as „arroz a banda“ or paella de marisco or a classic fish fideua - but only if you order in advance, as you should. Good to know: The Mena doesn't cook these dishes on the side. Here you get home-made quality, not a mass-produced product. So make sure you book well in advance.
Tapas with ambition
The tapas menu is long, varied and goes beyond the usual. Of course there's octopus à la romana, albóndigas and jamón, but if you fancy the sea, you can order Valencian farmed oysters, grilled scallops or - if the market allows - barnacles or prawns. It's regional, fresh and deliberately minimalist, just as it should be.
A place that stands out - and is fully booked
What makes the Mena so successful is the mix: food of a very high standard, exceptionally attentive, friendly service and a location that speaks for itself. The terrace directly above the coastline? Dreamlike. The conservatory with panoramic views? Ideal for any time of year. This combination ensures that the Mena is almost always fully booked - whether during the week or at the weekend. Those who drop in spontaneously are often left behind. So make a reservation - preferably by phone.
The wine to go with it? Well thought-out and regionally anchored
The wine list is wide-ranging, with a focus on regional wines from the Comunidad Valenciana. Advice? With a smile and real expertise. Whether fresh white wine with paella and fish or a strong red wine with meat: here you know what goes together.
Who comes too late, misses the best
Unfortunately, the Mena restaurant is often not a place for quick decision-makers. If you take the time to book, if you fancy real food with substance, clear flavours, freshly caught produce and a service that works perfectly without fuss, you will get one of the most convincing culinary experiences on the Costa Blanca here. And all this - right by the water.
More information and booking at: www.restaurantemena.es/de
