‘ESCAMA CÁNOVAS’ IS NOW OPEN IN VALENCIA…

A taste of Jávea? ‘Escama’ lands in the centre of Valencia to make it summer all year round. The restaurant sums up the essence of Jávea: from its origins as a fishing village, to its most hedonistic after-dinner meals, without forgetting the best of the gastronomy of the Marina and the Mediterranean larder. In addition to the establishment at Avenida Libertad, 34, in the town of Jávea, there is a second establishment in Valencia, located at calle Conde Altea, 22, whose menu focuses on tapas and rice dishes.

Valencia, Thursday 27 March 2025. A morning on Arenal Beach, a swim in Cala Blanca and a photo in front of the classic blue door of the fishermen’s cottages in Cala del Portitxol. And, of course, a meal with friends to round off a perfect summer’s day. The Escama Cánovas restaurant wants to transport diners to that infinite Jávea, where summer memories have no end: here it is summer 365 days a year. To this end, the new establishment in Valencia (Conde Altea, 22) has just opened, after almost two years of experience in Jávea (Av. Libertad, 34), next to the Arenal Beach.

To enter ‘Escama Cánovas’ is to be transported back to the best days of summer. The gentle breeze, the sound of the sea in the distance and an atmosphere that smells of salt and jasmine. Elements that merge with Mediterranean gastronomy, because it is already known that the pantry of La Marina is one of the best in the world, with a menu based on rice dishes and traditional tapas. But what is also important is the exclusive atmosphere, with a carefully decorated ambience, and the incredible experience offered by the new restaurant located in the centre of Valencia.

A place to share tapas and rice dishes

As we say, Escama is the best summary of a day in Jávea, with friends or family. You can sit down and order a salad with anchovies, a plate of bravas or different types of croquettes, such as red prawns or beef cutlet and cecina (cured beef jerky). It’s always a time for sharing, smiling while eating because, in short, every moment at Escama is a summer verbena in La Marina. Another great attraction are the classic cocas de Jávea (onion, sobrassada and goat’s cheese, and spinach and cheese), accompanied by other emblematic products of the area, such as grilled octopus with sweet potato purée, or clotxinas a la marinera (clotxinas with seafood). And, of course, the rice dishes, the perfect dish to complete that trip to the sea and the beach on a summer’s day. Escama Cánovas offers arroz del senyoret or seafood fideuà, among others.

Some other dishes that stand out on the menu are:

Ensaladilla Marinera with Anchovy

Sepia Mayonnaise in Honour of Chema

Red Tuna Tartar with wakame seaweed and pickles

Galician Blonde Beef T-bone steak 45 days matured

Salad from La Huerta de Jávea with our Sesame Vinaigrette

Seafood Fideuà

Tiramisu of horchata and fartons (sweet fritters)

The new premises are in an excellent location. In calle Conde Altea, 22, a place of great and varied restaurants, and one of the most important areas of the city to get together with friends and family. And, of course, it is just a few minutes from the centre of Valencia.

‘Escama Cánovas’ has long opening hours. From Monday to Friday from 12h you can book for the lunch service, which has the last pass at 15:30h. And from 8pm to 11pm, the dinner service. The non-stop kitchen on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00h to 23:30h should be highlighted. The restaurant has three areas for lunch and dinner. Firstly, the dining room, which transports the diner to the atmosphere and feel of Jávea with its incredible decoration and ambience. The dining room has a larger capacity on the ground floor, which is complemented by an upper floor that also has an exclusive space. On the other hand, there is also the possibility of having lunch or dinner at the extensive bar and also on the terrace.

A stroll around Portitxol: how Escama was born

The Portixol cove is one of the emblems of this summery, touristy and never-ending Jávea. In recent years it has become an idyllic spot to spend the day and, of course, to take some photos that remain framed for the rest of the year. On one of those long, sunny days, Fredy and Juanmi, friends and owners of Escama, were strolling along the Portitxol cove at a time when it was still free of crowds. During that walk, they remembered their meal the day before at the Jávea fish market. “Juanmi was eating a fish and choked on a bone. And he said: ‘I’ve choked on a scale (escama)’, and I corrected him… saying it was a thorn. Later, walking along the Portitxol cove, we decided that the name of the restaurant was going to be ‘Escama'”, Fredy explains.

With this little anecdote, the story of the restaurant begins. In August 2023, the two of them started Escama Jávea, located at Avenida de la Libertad, 34, with incredible views of the Arenal Beach. That was the fundamental premise from the beginning: to pay homage to Jávea, its gastronomy, its people and its incredible beaches and coves. And, of course, to immerse oneself in those conversations between friends on a summer’s day, like the one between Fredy and Juanmi, which gave the restaurant its name. With the same enthusiasm, Escama Cánovas opens its doors in March 2025.

The journey has already begun, and continues towards Jávea, the place of the infinitive summer with a gastronomy to share and enjoy. The port of Escama is already in Valencia

Report by ‘24/7 Valencia’ team

Article copyright ‘24/7 Valencia’