Michelin discovers Ca SeKo: Dénia adds another recommended restaurant

Ca SeKo is moving fast. The small restaurant opened its doors in the centre of Dénia in February, and in the Michelin Guide’s latest update, in mid August, it already appears with the label new. For a town long regarded as the culinary capital of the Costa Blanca, it is another confirmation: this is where it happens.

In the guide after six months

Michelin listed Ca SeKo as a recommended address: no star yet, but the official seal of the world’s strictest restaurant guide. The inspectors describe the cooking as regional and contemporary, in the middle price bracket. The restaurant sits at Plaza Oculista Buigues 3, a few metres from the harbour, and averages around 80 euros per person. Booking is wise: the dining room is small and the guide will do the rest.

The people behind Ca SeKo

Chef José Manuel López is no stranger to the area. He spent five years at Quique Dacosta, Dénia’s three star house, and then eleven years in the kitchen of Peix & Brases, where he earned a Michelin star. Early this year he struck out on his own together with Zoriana Hlovak, who takes care of the desserts. The name tells their story: Ca is Valencian for house, Seko is the chef’s nickname, and the capital K nods to Zoriana’s Ukrainian roots. On the plate: the fish and produce of the Marina Alta, without fuss.

Dénia keeps building its reputation

The timing could not be better. Dénia has held the UNESCO title of Creative City of Gastronomy since 2015, and after the latest updates the Marina Alta counts 19 entries in the Michelin Guide: from the three stars of Quique Dacosta and the star of Peix & Brases to a growing list of recommended addresses. Earlier this year Toy in Dénia and Ca Aleix in Xàbia joined too. For anyone living here or owning a second home, the conclusion is simple: you no longer need Valencia or Alicante for a big night out. Want more inspiration? See our restaurant guide for Javea too.

Read also: on 2 and 3 October, 32 boats cook a sea bass dish during the Gourmet Race of Moraira, with Alberto Ferruz of the two star BonAmb chairing the jury.

About the authorMilo Schuijt

Milo Schuijt is an entrepreneur and DJ on the Costa Blanca. He writes about the places where he lives, works and plays: from beach bars to the housing market.