In our experience while living in Spain, restaurants located inside or adjacent to a market hall are almost always great. This rule definitely applies to Restaurante Rojas Clemente, which is found right outside the market of the same name, in the neighborhood of Botànico, east of Valencia’s old town.
The market of Rojas Clemente is small, with just a handful of vendors set up inside. You get the feeling that it’s seen better days, but with discount supermarkets on every street corner, a traditional market like this is just going to have trouble competing. Better produce, yes, but also higher prices; and that’s all anyone cares about anymore. A neighborhood group has been putting effort into keeping the market open, with events and kids activities on weekends, and we really enjoy the relaxed, local atmosphere here. If you need a break from the overcrowded Mercado Central, check out Rojas Clemente!
But let’s get back to this excellent restaurant, which is what you’ve come for in the first place. We’ve been patronizing this place for years, and have noticed a lot of changes. Like the market itself, it’s had to adapt to survive, with new branding, new management, and price increases. But we’re still coming back — there’s so much to love about Rojas Clemente: the location, the swift and friendly service, and the incredible quality of food.
Despite the huge amount of outdoor seating, getting a table in the large plaza isn’t always a guarantee. This restaurant is no secret among Valencians, so make sure to call for a reservation in advance, or you might be turned away on an empty stomach. But once you’ve secured and taken your seat, a waiter will come over with this giant chalk board menu, listing everything on offer on that that day. Take your time and choose wisely.
On this particular day we ordered:
While sitting in the plaza, enjoying the perfect weather and the first sip of red wine, our first plates arrived. Mike’s homemade Pastel Casero de Beicon Ahumado with tomatoes, zucchini and mozzarella cheese looked just so colorful, and knowing this savory quiche was freshly made, makes it even taste better. Juergen chose a classic rice dish from Xàtiva, a town south of Valencia: Arroz al Horno baked in a traditional ceramic dish.
At Rojas Clemente, the second plate holds up with the first plate. Mike’s pan-fried Caballa (Mackerel) was perfectly cooked, and served with fried potatoes. Juergen’s lomo (pork tenderloin) was served with a creamy pepper sauce, also with fried potatoes. Both plates were delicious.
However, the stars of Rojas Clemente are the desserts. All of them are homemade, and the servings are generous. One specific item we always get without fail is the Tarta de Almendra con Leche Merengada, a traditional Spanish almond cake topped with a sweet, cinnamon milk slush. Extremely delicious and refreshing, especially in the summer. And the Torrijas are also a must — the Spanish version of a French Toast, served with vanilla ice cream.
Though €16 per person is on the higher end of what we’d normally like to spend for a menú del día, we know though that it’s worth every cent, because of the quality of food, the great service, and the lively atmosphere you’ll experience at Rojas Clemente.
