Opened in December 2024 , Mengem is a small bistro that exudes simplicity and openness, both in its recipes and its philosophy. Its name—which means “we eat” in Valencian—already anticipates its intention: to offer local, rooted cuisine made from the heart. “This recognition makes us proud because we’ve worked hard to be here, to offer something different and full of value,” says Sandra Guglielmetti, owner of the restaurant with Elias Kogler . These two young chefs are of French origin but have been based in Valencia for several years. They also have a solid track record in award-winning haute cuisine restaurants in the city such as Fierro, El Poblet, and Ricard Camarena Restaurant.

The recent MICHELIN recommendation demonstrates the level of excellence they’ve maintained over the past few months. As indicated on the guide’s website, these are establishments that deserve to be included in the selection for their quality of cuisine.

If Mengem had to be defined in one phrase, it would be: “Mengem with the heart”. It’s the expression Sandra and Elias use to describe the values ​​that underpin their cuisine. Together, they have created a gastronomic space that prioritizes seasonality, Spanish produce, and a vibrant, demanding, and creative cuisine. “When we say we only work with local products, it’s true: we spend a lot of time researching which suppliers work with Spanish products and we reject many things on a daily basis,” says Guglielmetti.

At Mengem, every step is conscious, and this is evident in both the dining room and the kitchen. They only grow seasonal produce, cultivating it in their small 100 m² garden located in Meliana. They complement their ingredients with raw materials from small producers who share their values: proximity, craftsmanship, and environmentally friendly practices. This combination allows them to maintain traceability and consistency of supply throughout the year, without compromising quality or sustainability.

This choice isn’t a fad, but rather a firm, long-established idea, they explain: “If a product exists in Spain, there’s no reason to import it from another country”. Their supplier network includes names such as Arat Natura, SH Levante, Suralgas, Granja Luisiana, Bluebell Coffee, La Fantástica, and Cervezas Destino, among many others.

Mengem  recently  celebrated its first anniversary in the El Cabañal neighborhood, at C/ Columbretes (19) , and they’re celebrating in a very special way. For now, with its entry in the MICHELIN Guide, the restaurant is consolidating its position as a place that combines excellence and commitment, and one that deserves a place on the Valencian gastronomic map.

Carrer dels Columbretes, 19

Poblats Marítims,

46011 València

Teléfono: 602 66 16 67

Reservas: thefork.com

@mengemvlc