Cocina de Mercado CV: the new seal that distinguishes restaurants that buy from the market

How do you know if the restaurant you’re going to eat at actually buys from the market in their neighborhood? Starting this week, there’s a very easy way to see it: a plaque on the door. That’s how it was born. Cocina de Mercado CV, The new label for bars and restaurants in the Comunitat Valenciana that regularly purchase from municipal markets.

The initiative was presented on November 10, 2026, at the Mercado de Castilla in Valencia and begins in the three provincial capitals: Valencia, Alicante and Castellón.

What is Cocina de Mercado CV?

It is a label promoted by CONHOSTUR, the Business Federation of Hospitality and Tourism, with the support of Turisme Comunitat Valenciana and in collaboration with Confemercats. The idea was born together with the Academy of Gastronomy of the Valencian Community.

The local members display a plaque at the entrance or on the window displaying the text «Restaurant affiliated with Mercado Cuisine». The criterion is not to occasionally have a dish with some local ingredients, but to regularly buy from the municipal markets and cook with fresh, local and seasonal produce.

The first restaurants to join

In this first phase, these premises have already been added:

• Valencia: Casa Montaña, Lienzo, Bar Ricardo, Bambar Ruzafa, Restaurante Kabanyal, Mi Cub, Las Cervezas del Mercado, Comeddia and the Bar del Mercado de Castilla.
• Alicante: Restaurant Gastrobar Jorge and Taberna La Vendimia.

The applications are still open and the full list will be published on the official website, cocinademercadocv.com. The idea is to bring the seal to more municipal markets in the upcoming editions and that it eventually become a recognition for the entire Community.

Why it matters: the market, the heart of every neighborhood

In the presentation, the Councilor for Commerce and Markets of Valencia, Santiago Ballester, summarized it as follows: «Our markets are much more than places to buy.» The president of CONHOSTUR, Manuel Espinar, explained that the seal aims to recognize the commitment of the hospitality industry to local commerce, and the Director General of Tourism, Israel Martínez, presented it as a reflection of the Mediterranean way of life.

For those visiting Valencia, it is also a very practical guide: if you see the plaque, you know that behind the menu are purchases made in the market in the neighborhood.

A must-visit: the Mercado Central of Valencia

If you like this way of understanding the city, start with the Mercado Central, a modernist gem of domes, mosaics and stained-glass windows where neighbors and travelers blend in, and which will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2028.

Among its traditional products you will also find Valencian handicrafts. We tell you about them in our guide to buying authentic handicrafts at the Mercado Central.

If you come to Mercado Central

If you like this way of experiencing the city, we suggest you:

• Do you want to discover the historic center that surrounds the Mercado Central? Sign up for our Essential Valencia Free Walking Tour: Historic Centre.
• Take home a souvenir made with skill: Ceramics from Manises, wooden fans and ours Ceramic, wrought-iron and resin bulls.
• Visit us in person! We are waiting for you in our two stores within the Valencia Mercado Central (Palcos 10–11 and Stalls 241–245). And if you have any questions, Write to us.

Source: Valencia Plaza.

Photo: Valencia market TBD Traveller on Pexels.