Russafa Youth Hostel in Valencia

I visited Nolita Space on Friday night around 10.00PM, given our interest in the Ruzafa neighborhood and finding quality Spanish food with a twist. Nolita is an all white establishment set next and adjacent to other eateries on a busy road. The space is fairly small and it features two lovely tables set outside for some al' fresco dinning. Upon arrival the service was friendly and cordial. The menu options where interesting. A traditional a'la carte menu or the option to select from four select menu's for couples, which included unlimited wine or beer for 2.50 Euros a person. We opted for Menu X which at a price of 26 Euros a head (52 Euros total) seemed reasonable given the expectation of great food. All drinks and bread had to be paid on top of the set menu.

Unfortunately the food was mediocre and while the plates were visually interesting, the food quality was poor. All together six dishes where brought to the table and the only dish that was of any basic quality was the dessert. The meat dish included grilled vegetables that were over cooked and oily, with the meat being rubbery. With the total bill adding up to 62 Euros we headed to another restaurant as we didn't finish any of the six dishes for the exception of the dessert. Maybe the chef was having a bad day but the food did not match the superlatives used in Nolita's own website, describing itself as a "club gastronómico creativo". The problem with Nolita Space is this. The food concept (how the plates look, how the food is described, the menu options) is more important that the food preparation and taste. It seems that image is more important than substance. To be frank and while not a view shared by all, I do not come to a restaurant for creative inspiration. The city of Valencia provides enough of that is the form of street art, galleries and local culture. I visit a restaurant and willing to pay good money for great food. Simple. While full of novelty Nolita Space failed at delivering on the most important requirement of a restaurant - good food.

The food was not good at all and the quality of service really poor