Ricard Camarena
Valencia, Spain
⭐2 Stars
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
This magnificent place is part of the refurbished Bombas Gens factory, which also houses an arts and culture centre. Here, there is a large foyer with a contemporary feel, a private bar where hors d'oeuvres are served, and the modern dining room at the back, with an open-plan kitchen where you can enjoy a final aperitif.Along with seven other chefs, Ricard Camarena was distinguished/commended with the Cocinero del Año award (Madrid Fusión, 2021) for his green activism. His is a coherent signature cuisine solidly grounded in homegrown vegetables and a painstaking process of research. His set menus convey a clear commitment to sustainability, as he uses every last leaf of the vegetables to make his sauces or even the occasional beverage.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Ricard Camarena in Valencia, highlighted by their distinctive titles:
1. "A Michelin Green Star Chef Committed to Sustainability and Zero Waste"
Ricard Camarena is not only a double Michelin star chef but also awarded the Michelin Green Star for his strong commitment to sustainability. He emphasizes using local, seasonal produce and ensures no part of an ingredient is wasted, often using every leaf of vegetables to make sauces or beverages. This green activism is a core philosophy reflected throughout the dining experience.
2. "A Culinary Journey Beginning in a Wine Library with Mocktails and Small Bites"
Dining at Ricard Camarena is described as an adventure that starts uniquely in a front "wine library," where guests enjoy small bites and mocktails before moving to the main dining area. This unconventional start sets a distinctive tone for the meal and reflects the chef’s creativity and attention to detail.
3. "Located in a Refurbished Bombas Gens Factory Combining Art, Culture, and Gastronomy"
The restaurant is housed in the refurbished Bombas Gens factory, an arts and culture center in Valencia. This setting blends contemporary design with culinary excellence, featuring a large foyer, a private bar for hors d'oeuvres, and an open-plan kitchen, offering a modern and immersive dining environment that goes beyond traditional restaurant spaces.
These elements together underscore Ricard Camarena's innovative approach to fine dining, sustainability, and creating a holistic sensory experience.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred Ricard Camarena restaurant in Valencia include:
Artichokes: Used in innovative ways such as marinated baby artichokes with rosemary, yuzu, and artichoke ravioli, or in dishes with nougat, anchovy vinaigrette, and truffle slices. Artichokes highlight local produce and are central to Camarena's creative culinary approach.
Valencian oyster: Featured in dishes combined with avocado, sesame, and galanga horchata, emphasizing fresh, local seafood with a Mediterranean twist.
Eggplant: Roasted eggplant is used in signature dishes like roasted eggplant tacos with tuna, showcasing a blend of traditional and modern flavors.
Turron (nougat): Incorporated in savory dishes such as artichokes with nougat and anchovy vinaigrette, adding a unique sweet-savory contrast that reflects Valencian culinary heritage.
Truffle: Used as a garnish or flavor enhancer, for example in artichoke dishes, to add luxury and depth to the flavor profile.
These ingredients are significant as they reflect Ricard Camarena's philosophy of respecting local produce while creatively combining flavors and textures to elevate traditional Valencian cuisine into haute cuisine.