Namu’a

Namu’a is a tiny, uninhabited island off the east coast of Samoa’s Upolu island, one of four in the Aleipata Islands.

A ten minute boat ride will get you there from Upolu, and you can see it all in an hour’s stroll.

Alternatively you can go to Valencia’s Avenida del Puerto, where the island inspired restauranteur Victor when naming his eatery.

You can be sure of a warm welcome, especially if you happened to be his teacher at primary school.

There is an excellent tasting menu at 23 euros which offers three imaginative tapas (and often a fourth thrown in if you happen to have taught Victor in primary school), and then a main dish, which in my case was a variation on Asturian Fabada, drenched in beans and a rich sauce.

The tapas on our day were all lovingly prepared in the open-view kitchen, and consisted of a variation on patatas bravas, stuffed peppers and ‘bullit,’ a tangy vegetable ensemble.

There is a good selection of wines from all Spanish regions, including a new favourite of mine, El Palomo Cojo.

The crockery is also fairly special, with each plate or dish’s design inviting the mind to wander as the taste buds sparkle.

The restaurant is spacious, with minimalist but tasteful decor.