Mengem is a cosy little restaurant in Valencia’s up-and-coming Cabanyal, the former fishing district that is quickly becoming one of the city’s most interesting neighbourhoods. The colourful Mallorcan tiles and friendly service create a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Chef Elias Kogler focuses exclusively on Spanish ingredients, with most of the produce coming from the surrounding Valencia region. Some of the vegetables even come from the chef’s own garden, strengthening the connection between the kitchen and its local surroundings. The cuisine is minimalist and flavour-driven, with a limited number of elements carefully combined to create distinctive compositions. Vegetables are treated with creativity throughout the menu, even making an appearance in the dessert course. Mengem does not currently offer a pure plant menu, although we believe the restaurant has all the ingredients to make one work beautifully. With an increasing number of diners open to discovering new ways of eating, perhaps this is the next step for Chef Elias Kogler and his team.
