Lienzo

Accessed via the door of an elegant building, Lienzo boasts a renovated, contemporary feel that fully respects the name of the restaurant (“canvas” in English) thanks to its appearance dominated by white tones and striking notes of colour provided by paintings by Valencian artists. Murcia-born chef María José Martínez, who is also known as the “honey chef” and is always ably supported by her husband Juanjo Soria in the dining room, creates modern Mediterranean cuisine with no little creativity that showcases and fully respects seasonal Valencian ingredients from its market gardens, mountains and coastal waters. These are presented to their best in delicately prepared and meticulously presented dishes, including sublime sauces and creams. The cooking here, with its understandable nod to the world of apiculture (through the use of honey, pollen and honeycomb, etc), is focused around three menus: an “executive” menu (Trazos) for lunch midweek, and two more tasting-inspired options (Pinceladas and Lienzo). Don’t miss the squid, dashi and pickle dish, one of the restaurant’s signature plates.