Opened in July 2025, TOY is the newest addition to Dénia’s growing food scene. Housed inside a renovated toy factory, the space carries history in its walls while delivering a modern and elevated dining experience. This new project comes from the Nomada Group, known in the region for their focus on quality and creativity. TOY shares part of its structure with the lobby of the soon-to-open Nomada House, a boutique hotel inspired by vintage 1940s design.
A Space That Blends History and Design
Inside the restaurant, the first thing guests notice is the design. It’s elegant but full of character. Original wooden beams have been preserved and painted in deep blue and gold, the signature colours of the brand. These beams stretch across the ceiling, giving warmth and texture to the room. Art deco-style tiles in black and dark blue add contrast, while subtle touches throughout the restaurant nod to the building’s past as a toy factory. It feels modern and luxurious, but still playful in spirit.
An Open Kitchen That Draws You In
The open kitchen is central to the experience. Diners are invited to watch as the team works with quiet focus, led by Executive Chef Massimo Arienti. From final garnishes to the finishing of sauces, it all happens just a few steps from your seat. Chef Massimo brings years of international experience, with roots in Italy and time spent in London, Melbourne and Ibiza. His cooking is shaped by the seasons, with a deep respect for ingredients and technique.
A Tasting Menu Guided by the Team
At TOY, trust plays a part in the experience. For this visit, we put our trust in Giovanni Mastromarino, the maître d’, for the selected dishes. His confidence and knowledge shaped the evening.
The first plate to arrive featured a crisp truffle arancini with a soft, flavourful rice centre. Next to it, mortadella was served with a smooth pistachio cream on top. It was a simple but clever pairing that set the tone for what followed.
The next course brought a silky potato soup served alongside mussels and truffle shavings. Though on the same plate, each element had its own space. The mussels brought a bold seafood flavour, while the soup was light and clean. The truffle added an earthy balance, making it one of the more surprising combinations of the evening.
The spinach ravioli stood out for its freshness. Everything, from the pasta dough to the filling, was made using spinach. The deep green colour came from its chlorophyll, and the ricotta inside brought creaminess. What tied it together was the topping of lemon caviar, giving a sharp, citrus kick that made the dish feel light and summery.
For the main, ‘Calamar a la Pizzaiola’ arrived. It looked familiar but offered something very different. Strips of squid were shaped like pasta, laid over tomato sauce and mozzarella. It had the depth of a pizza, but the flavour was all seafood. The olives gave it a salty finish that worked well with the sweetness of the tomato.
Dessert was Zuppa Inglese, made with layers of sponge soaked in bright red Alchermes liqueur. Black cherries, chocolate chips and cream came together in a mix of textures. Some parts were soft, others had a slight chew, and the chocolate brought crunch. It was rich without being heavy.
A Wine That Pulled It All Together
The Aida wine, chosen by Giovanni, came from Italy. Light and aromatic, it matched the entire meal. It didn’t overpower the food but lifted it, especially the ravioli and dessert. It brought out the citrus in one dish and the sweetness in another. It was a clean, refreshing wine that worked from start to finish.
A Restaurant with Personality and Purpose
TOY offers more than just a good meal. It’s a space that brings together heritage, design and flavour. With an experienced team, a creative menu, and a strong sense of place, it is already shaping up to be one of Dénia’s most memorable new restaurants.
Contact Details:
TOY Restaurant
C/ Fora Mur, 14, 03700 Dénia
+34 658 19 58 62
