El Tunel is a charming restaurant with a beautifully designed interior and a truly authentic Mediterranean gastronomic proposal. Let us tell you a bit about its history!
Rubén and Iliyana are the ones in charge of this restaurant, which you definitely have to visit at least once in your life. El Tunel is located right in the historic center of Xàtiva, a town in the inland of Valencia, 25 km away from the Mediterranean Sea.
According to official sources, Xàtiva’s old town is the second largest in the Valencian Community and was declared a historical-artistic ensemble in 1982. Beyond its well-preserved state, narrow streets, and the aroma of flowers and vegetation that fills its corners, it boasts the famous Xàtiva Castle, highly visited by locals and tourists.
The Tunnel opened its doors in 2012. This week marks exactly 11 years since its opening. Rubén tells us that the name of the restaurant comes from his grandmother, Dolores, who lived in Moixent, a town near Xàtiva. Dolores had a bar that was very famous back in the 1960s, and due to its success, they decided to keep the name to perhaps have the same luck.
GASTRONOMIC PROPOSAL
El Tunel Tapas Xàtiva offers a new proposal of typical Mediterranean cuisine with a touch of creativity. They base their dishes on seasonal vegetables. “Sometimes, we innovate with some spices and preparations typical of other countries,” highlights Rubén. The result is a combination of dishes prepared with a unique, healthy, fresh, and intense flavor style.
HIGHLIGHTED DISHES
One of the standout dishes is their rice and “fideuás” (noodle-based dish similar to paella) which are prepared in a different way than most Valencian restaurants. For example, they offer ribs and “pelotas” (meatballs) with leeks, lamb and eggplant, and the rice dishes are not traditional, although the cooking method is. Some must-try options include mushrooms, pig’s trotters and cabbage, and “rapel” with Swiss chard.
PERFECT AMBIENCE
El Tunel is housed in a very ancient building dating back to the 18th century, which was restored while preserving certain antique elements. The combination of old and modern is well achieved through an interesting mix. An example of this is its ceilings with wooden beams combined with a timeless decoration.
Even today, a stone fountain and the wooden entrance door remain standing. A curiosity? To dine at El Tunel, one must knock on the door, which is always closed for several reasons. One of them is that the restaurant is located in a very narrow street, and this way, the privacy, intimacy, and silence of the place are respected. Rubén’s idea is to make guests feel at home.
Another notable feature is their internal courtyard, bathed in natural light and adorned with live plants. It is covered for climate reasons and has a very special charm.
EL TUNEL CUSTOMERS
The audience that chooses El Tunel for a delightful gastronomic experience is quite diverse. It includes young couples, older individuals, with or without children. People from nearby towns visit daily, as well as a large number of tourists, especially from England, Belgium, and Germany.
TASTING MENUS
The lunch menu has two prices, both on weekdays and weekends. The price varies according to the fixed starters chosen. Then, guests can select the main course, which usually consists of rice and fideuás.
À LA CARTE DISHES
Take note, as these dishes are the chef’s best selections!
- Crispy lamb, cooked overnight, shredded, and prepared with yogurt, mint, and lemon zest. A delicacy!
- Octopus with boletus cream and artichoke.
- Cuttlefish “figatells,” romesco sauce, and yuzu mayonnaise (Japanese citrus).
- Venetian-style chicken livers with grapes and a spicy touch: a favorite among English customers.
There are plenty of reasons to book a table at this charming restaurant located in beautiful Xàtiva. Bon appétit!
Make your reservation HERE: https://eltunelxativa.com/es/reserva/
SUNDAY: CLOSED
MONDAY: CLOSED
TUESDAY-SATURDAY:
LUNCH: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
THURSDAY-FRIDAY-SATURDAY:
LUNCH: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM
DINNER: 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Contact details
Calle Portal Valencia, 22, 46800 Xàtiva, Valencia
96 228 82 37
