Valencia hides among its streets a corner filled with history and Cuban flavor. Restaurante La Calita, located very near the Plaza de la Reina, occupies the house where José Martí lived during his childhood, between 1857 and 1859.
The space has been rescued by Frank, a Cuban resident in Spain, who has transformed this place into a tribute to Martí, Caribbean roots, hospitality, and fine cuisine.
A video shared by the Instagram account MANANA Tour (@manana_tour) shows how La Calita is much more than a restaurant: "It's a little piece of Cuba" for those who live in or visit Valencia.
“Thank you, Frank and Wendy, for your hospitality and for so generously taking care of such a special space like this. (...) If you go to Valencia, don’t miss this place,” expressed Cuban actors Claudia Álvarez and Yadier Fernández after their visit.
The restaurant is cozy, with a patio that evokes Havana, where you can enjoy dishes such as patatas bravas, vegan options, and dishes like halloumi, a grilled Greek cheese served with guacamole, fresh tomato, and fried sweet potatoes.
The delights of the sea are also part of La Calita's menu, and in the desserts, the sweet touch of vanilla and lemon transports you back to childhood in Cuba.
A place rich in history
José Julián Martí Pérez (Havana, January 28, 1853 – Dos Ríos, May 19, 1895) is regarded as the initiator of literary modernism in Latin America. He was the founder of the Cuban Revolutionary Party and the organizer of the War of Independence, where he died in battle. He is the National Hero of Cuba.
Martí lived in this house in Valencia between the ages of 4 and 6, when his father, Mariano Martí, a native of this city, took the family to Spain for work reasons before returning to Cuba. La Calita today revives that historical memory and pays tribute to his figure.
A meeting point for Cubans in Spain
For the community of Cubans in Spain, and especially for Cubans in Valencia, La Calita is much more than just a restaurant. It is a gathering place, a space of identity, and shared memories. Frank, its owner, is clear about this: “I want this house to always be filled with Cubans.”
If you travel to Valencia and want to feel a bit closer to home, you can't miss visiting La Calita, that little spot where the history and flavor of Cuba come together.
Frequently Asked Questions about La Calita Restaurant and its history with José Martí in Valencia
What is the historical significance of La Calita in Valencia?
La Calita is located in the house where José Martí lived during his childhood, between 1857 and 1859, when his family moved to Spain for work reasons. This makes the location a point of historical and cultural interest, paying tribute to the figure of the National Hero of Cuba.
What does the Restaurant La Calita offer to visitors?
The La Calita Restaurant offers a culinary experience that evokes Cuban flavors, with dishes like patatas bravas, vegan options, and seafood delights. The restaurant's ambiance is designed to recall a Havana patio, providing visitors with an experience that combines history and Cuban culinary tradition.
Why is La Calita a special place for the Cuban community in Valencia?
La Calita is a meeting point for the Cuban community in Valencia, as it offers a space where they can connect with their roots and share memories. Its owner, Frank, has created a welcoming atmosphere that celebrates Cuban identity, making the restaurant a cultural and social reference for Cubans in Spain.
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