From the fish auction to your plate

The restaurant La Llotja Cuina de Mar ('The fish auction, marine cuisine') has opened its doors in Gandía's port, on the top floor of a building shared by the local Cofradía (fishermen's association), the town hall and the Port of Valencia. La Safor FLAG had long considered the idea of setting up a restaurant in this empty building. It was an innovative idea, which could attract people to the port while promoting fisheries heritage and the consumption of local fish. In one FLAG meeting, they met Diverfun Safor, a successful, young company experienced in the catering sector. It was love at first sight. With the FLAG’s support, Diverfun was able to install the kitchens and furnish the restaurant and, after much hard work, this new gastronomic space finally saw the light in January 2018.

Diverfun Safor wanted to offer customers freshly caught products from Gandía's fish auction on the ground floor. The restaurant has a glass viewing area on one side that allows customers to watch the fish auction that takes place below every afternoon. The project promoters not only rent the premises from the Cofradía but, in order to promote local products, they have also committed themselves to buying fish from the local fish auction, including undervalued and commonly discarded fish, which are now on the menu daily.

To liven up the wait until the next dish, customers can also browse the monthly magazine published by the restaurant itself and dedicated to local marine culture and cuisine. Moreover, local fisherman are particularly encouraged as customers, benefiting from a special discount.