‘Anita Giro’ will celebrate their 14^th anniversary this year. Various members of the ‘24/7 Valencia’ team have been popping in for their mostly Mediterranean tapas and tasty dinners, with an international touch, over the years. It’s a liberal mix of clientele, attractive cuisine and it has a rather distinctive buzz too. The name of the place  is a play on words of the Bonnie Tyler song ‘I Need a Hero.‘

There is a long terrace outside that is often busy and the arty interior is an unpretentious mix of styles with an historic wall at the back and vintage-style long bar, black high stools, low chairs & modern white tables for dining.

We have always been treated well by the welcoming staff and their menus are conveniently in either Spanish or English.

There is an international vibe to this place and it is still very much the local popular hangout with open-minded  individuals in the historic centre. It’s a tolerant place and there is a sense of freedom here that only adds to its appeal.

Starters include a tasty & fluffy hummus topped with pimentón de la vera with nachos that have a distinctive tang. It’s worth mentioning that care is taken to present all their dishes with artistic flair as well as having the freshest ingredients.

There are seafood choices like Octopus and Langostine platos. Vegetarians are well catered for too in their ‘Green Love You Green’ section with healthy salads like the aubergine, roasted red peppers, onion with smoked anchovies and black olive pâté choice, for example.

For the main course section known as ‘With Knife and Fork’ we did not hesitate to try their superb ‘Barbecue Beef ribs’ yet again and we were not disappointed. Beautifully presented with sweet potato shavings, the meat was rich and lovingly tender and the well-prepared barbecue sauce was just right…so we really took our time savouring this filling dish.

We were well sated by our main course but we chose to share a recommended dessert in their ‘Share Something Sinful’ section, which was the ‘French toast of horchata ice-cream almond.’ It was a delicious creation to look at as well as wind the evening down with and is unique to Anita Giro and popular with their regular crowd. They have a nice choice of white & red wines as well as a fair choice of Gins and Vermouths to savour too.

Their ‘tapas to share’ choice is ample and attractively-presented with choices like ‘Vegetable curry samosas’ as well as an ample ‘Cheese board’ and tasty ‘Bravas Veganas con sajonesa,’ a range of filling croquettes and so much more. Incidentally, there is the option of a gluten-free toast supplement for just a touch more  in their ‘More Than Mass’ section, which includes toasts with appetizing choices like crispy monkfish, falafel durum, pork loin, goat’s cheese and salmon choices.

The soundtrack is relaxing and eclectic with anything from jazz to film music and classical and more. A typical night out here with tapas, drink and dessert included should come to around 23€ each. The philosophy of ‘Anita Giro’ is quality product & presentation at affordable prices in a pleasant setting. Funky terrace too!

Report by ’24/7 Valencia team

Article copyright ’24/7 Valencia’

(Anita Giro photo copyright Quincy Walter/ 24/7 Valencia)

ANITA GIRO

C/ Pintor Domingo, 7 (near Torres de Quart)

Zona Centro Historico

46001

Tel: 96 1133418 / Movil: 665 36 50 47

For opening and closing times: https://www.facebook.com/AnitaGirovalencia