Chipirona

A clump of palm trees marks the division between the beaches of Malvarrosa and Patacona, and a clump of restaurants sway there in the breeze; restaurants in the old style, houses that have served fishermen and bourgeoisie alike,  and have now been done up and made over into popular eateries.

One of them is Chipirona, a spacious house with a large rear garden, tastefully decorated and offering an eclectic selection of Mediterranean cooking with Asian influences, especially in the use of ghee butter.

There is a 22.50€ menu, drinks excluded, offering three shared starters and a main course of surf or turf or a rice dish.

You can eat in any of four locations; the garden, inside, a covered terrace or under umbrellas on the promenade, the latter two offering a perfect blue sea as a backdrop.

The toilet is especially attractive, with a baby changing section correctly located in the women’s toilet, as God ordained, and some tasteful ceramics.

The wine list covers most needs and there is also a second set menu with a wider offer and various special dishes such as Fish and Chips.

The desserts include a couple of tarts and ginger ice cream.

Tame sparrows are optional

All the food is clearly lovingly crafted and well presented on attractive crockery with little surprises to inspire the taste buds, such as the figs in the salad.

Passeig Marítim de la Patacona, 15, 46120 Alboraia.