Between so much fondness for fashion, it’s hard to find authenticity in the new places that land in the city. One of the last, call Gastrobar any pastiche. So when you find a place where the name is more than justified, it’s a breath of fresh air. So is MO Gastrobar: a place that’s like a home with great quality products.
MO Gastrobar, with just under one year of life, is the project of Moncho and his family. After working as a chef in several countries, he returned to work in Valencia. Until one day, his brother and sister-in-law saw a place that was free and suggested that they start their own gastronomic project.
And just that familiar touch is perceived in every detail of the establishment. From the cupboard that presides in the dining room, to the works of art that flood on of its walls, since his mother Rosa Padilla is a painter and some of the works that can be enjoyed belong to her.
But let’s not stray from the subject: we have come to talk about gastronomy, and that’s why we’re back in the beginning. In this case the concept of a gastrobar is amply justified in each dish on the menu, from the starters to the dessert menu: traditional dishes, seasonal produce, but with a small twist, without pretensions.
The salad is a refreshing and different option to the traditional, with a poached egg cooked at a low temperature and beautifully homemade. The traditional sepia here is served to the Japanese: a delicious sepia market, accompanied by teriyaki and wasabi mayonnaise. Other cold starters in which the products is dominated without artifice are the kiosk salad, with seasonal tomatoes and belly, cantabrian anchovies or tuna.
If we talk about hot starters, it’ll be difficult for you to choose. If you want a safe bet, one of the greatest successes is the egg MO: egg cooked at a low temperature with creamy potato, Iberian secret and truffle oil. The potatoes MO are also a good option, with the perfect texture and accompanied by a homemade brava sauce, with a touch of kimchi and gorgonzola sauce. The bleached lollipops are another of the chef’s amusements: tempura sausage with a delicious result.
In the main dishes you will find Iberian trinchado with grilled vegetables, Angus entrecote and lamb bullion with yogurt sauce in meat. Cod confit with ratatouille and low temperature meagre are part of the fish. If you want rice, on the menu you will find the Senyoret, black rice, lobster, chicken and rabbit paella. Although if you prefer a less common one, it highlights the rice with Iberian secret, mushrooms and tender garlic.
The end point of the visit is going through the homemade dessert menu. Chocolate brownie, carrot cake or cheesecake with fruit jam are some of the options. Although if you’re looking for something different, choose the French Toast or horchata and merengada milk. Delicious.
The atmosphere is cozy and relaxed, although the local clientele varies depending on the the time of day. At noon there are usually office and business workers nearby who take their break to enjoy their menu of the day, with a starter, main dish, drink and dessert or coffee, for 12.90 euros. In the evenings, the atmosphere tends to be more relaxed, while on the weekends, in Moncho’s words, “We almost became a Arrocería,” with families or groups enjoying the table together.
Calle Pintor Ricardo Verde, 1, 46010 Valencia.
960 07 07 68
Hours: Tuesday to Saturday 1:30pm t0 4:00pm and 8:00pm to midnight | Sunday 1:30pm to 4:00pm | Closed Monday
Average price: between 20 and 30 euros.
Text: Inma Sánchez
Photos: Laura Torres