'PUERTA DEL MAR': THE MOST ICONIC RESTAURANT OF 'LOS GÓMEZ' HAS BEEN COMPLETELY RENOVATED AND BREATHES THE MEDITERRANEAN! • 24/7 Valencia

This is the ‘Gómez’ hospitality group’s first establishment in the city of Valencia. Following its opening in 2009, Los Gómez Taberna, Gran Mercat, and La Picaeta followed, in addition to the ‘Yurest’ business line. ‘Puerta del Mar’ is named after the first restaurant José and Marcos opened next to the beach in 1997, so its spectacular renovation brings us back to the sea and evokes a menu based on fish and rice. Life begins at sea, and that’s where Los Gómez come from. The history of one of Valencia’s most important hospitality groups dates back to 1989, with the first bar run by Amparo and Paco. Later, in 1997, Puerta del Mar opened its doors , located on the beach of Pobla de Farnals. In 2009, brothers Marcos and José moved the business to the center of Valencia, also maintaining the original. They have not stopped growing since then, and now, in 2025, they have decided to take a step further. Puerta del Mar has just premiered a complete remodelling of its interior design , which completely modernizes its image, without losing the essence of traditional cuisine. The new decor, inspired by the Mediterranean Sea and the Albufera de València, offers a welcoming and elegant atmosphere, ideal for enjoying a gastronomic experience featuring fish, rice dishes, and fine local produce.

This renovation adds to the overall rebranding that Los Gómez has been implementing since the beginning of the year. Not only has the main brand been updated, but so has the graphics of the group’s other establishments: Los Gómez Taberna, Gran Mercat, and La Picaeta , in addition to strengthening the Yurest business line. The motto with which they defend this new phase highlights their passion for the trade, as they consider themselves “Proudly, we are actually restaurateurs since 1989,” when their parents, Amparo and Paco, began their journey by the sea.

“We were clear that we wanted to reclaim the type of cuisine our parents pioneered in Pobla de Farnals . Puerta del Mar was the first space where we made a name for ourselves and the one that has helped us grow as Grupo Gómez in Valencia since 2009. Now, we’re looking ahead, promoting a cuisine based on seafood, local produce, and zero-mileage . Anyone who comes to visit us will be able to immerse themselves in the Mediterranean, both through the exquisite decor we’ve created and, of course, through the cuisine we offer,” explain Marcos and José Gómez .

For all these reasons, and with the intention of celebrating the group’s past and family legacy, on Thursday, May 22nd, Marcos and José’s mother, Amparo , will be the star of the re-opening celebration for the new Puerta del Mar. It all began with her, alongside her husband Paco. And the story continues with her children at the helm. From the first to the last, guests will enjoy a sample of the restaurant’s finest cuisine, as well as a variety of activities, enlivened by live music.

HARMONY AND WARMTH IN THE NEW PUERTA DEL MAR

Located at 4 Calle Trànsits in the centre of town, the renovated establishment was conceived as a tribute to the land and sea, integrating natural elements and fine materials that evoke the serenity of the Valencian coast. Thus, the interior design harmoniously combines soft colours and thoughtful lighting. Shades of sand, beige, and olive green predominate, evoking the colour palette of the Valencian landscape.

The undulating ceiling, also clad in a soft green, simulates the movement of water, while the natural fiber pendant lights, inspired by local flora, add texture and a handcrafted feel. Architect Merce Donderis and interior designer Karla Irazu were responsible for the spectacular renovation.

The “sea and land” lamps come down to the table

The table layout is also essential, ensuring spaciousness, privacy, and comfort. They are dressed with white tablecloths and classic tableware, enhancing the sense of elegance. The furniture combines upholstered chairs in neutral tones and curved sofas that hug round tables, creating intimate nooks for sharing. A spectacular glass-enclosed wine cellar on the main wall stands out, not only showcasing the restaurant’s extensive selection but also serving as a decorative and functional focal point.

One of the most striking elements of the space is the fresh produce display: an open pantry displaying fruits, vegetables, and greens carefully arranged in wicker baskets. This detail not only reinforces Puerta del Mar’s commitment to local, seasonal produce, but also brings colour and life to the interior. Also crucial is the sea urchin lamp, located at the restaurant’s entrance, which welcomes diners and reminds them of how close they are to the shore, also in terms of the culinary offerings.

Finally, we find the bar, made of natural wood and framed by warmly backlit arches. It serves as an anteroom to the dining room, but is also a space for informal aperitifs, perfectly integrating functionality with aesthetics. With this renovation, Puerta del Mar not only reaffirms itself as an emblematic spot for enjoying Mediterranean cuisine in the city centre, but also as a space where every detail, from the lighting to the furniture, has been carefully designed to elevate the diner’s experience and connect with the Mediterranean.

A CULINARY PROPOSAL TRUE TO ITS ESSENCE

Specializing in rice dishes, meats, and fresh fish, all representative of Mediterranean cuisine, Puerta del Mar also offers a revamped menu that combines classic dishes with innovative offerings. Its specialties include:

Duck and mushroom fideuà
🍴 Baked lobster gratin
🍴 Grilled beef steak (aged 45 days)
🍴 Torrija with meringue ice cream

ABOUT THE GÓMEZ FAMILY

Puerta del Mar is part of the Gómez Group, a family with over 35 years of experience in the hospitality industry. Founded in 1989 by Amparo and Paco on the beach of La Pobla de Farnals, the group began with a small bar that quickly became a local landmark. In 1997, Marcos and José opened Puerta del Mar, establishing itself as a symbol of Mediterranean cuisine in the area. Over the years, the group has expanded its presence with several gastronomic concepts, including Los Gómez Taberna , La Picaeta , and Gran Mercat , and in 2024, made the leap to Madrid. Brothers Marcos and José Gómez , at the helm of the group, have driven a comprehensive renovation of all their brands under the motto “Proudly Hoteliers” since 1989 , reflecting their commitment to quality, tradition, and innovation in gastronomy. They are also committed to implementing Yurest, a hotel management software that optimizes processes such as reservations, orders, inventory, and costs, facilitating digitalization and improving the profitability of restaurant groups nationwide. Puerta del Mar continues to be a landmark in the city for lovers of fine dining, offering an accessible space tailored to the needs of all its guests. With this renovation, the restaurant reaffirms its commitment to excellence and innovation , while continuing to showcase Mediterranean cuisine. Thank you to the good people of ‘Brava’ agency for providing the photos.