Ona Cuina Oberta

The story

Ona Cuina Oberta, Gandia – Mediterranean Cuisine with a Personal Vision

ONA CUINA OBERTA

In Gandia, Ona Cuina Oberta is a quiet expression of chef Francisco “Paco” Castelló’s decades of experience. After twelve years leading Al Punto Gastrobar, Castelló opened this small, open-kitchen space to cook exactly as he wants. The name is a tribute to a loved one, and the philosophy is clear: Mediterranean at its core, rooted in the local orchard and fish market, but open to the techniques and flavors picked up during stages at Azurmendi, Comerç 24, Bagá, and other celebrated kitchens.

The dining room seats just six tables, and the intimacy is deliberate. Castelló’s partner, Gabriela Tarín, runs the front of house, and her warmth sets the tone. The cooking is seasonal, driven by small local suppliers, Valencian wines, and what the market brings. Two tasting menus are offered — a nine-course option at 60€ and an eleven-course menu at 75€ — both changing with the market and the season. The kitchen is open to view, and the cooking is direct, personal, and precise.

Ona Cuina Oberta earned a Michelin Recommended distinction for 2026, a recognition of the clarity and sincerity of its cooking. It is a restaurant that feels less like a production and more like a chef’s genuine point of view, served in a room where every detail has been considered.