At Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort, excellence has always been a top priority, and that’s why the addition of Quique Barella as Culinary Director marks a significant step toward achieving that goal. Barella, a renowned chef from Valencia with an impressive career, brings his innovative vision and passion for cooking to the resort’s fifteen dining outlets, including the standout Aura restaurant. Here, he aims to establish a signature, creative cuisine concept that will appeal to both local and international guests.
From His Origins to Author Cuisine
“My parents ran a traditional bar, and by the age of 14, I was already behind the counter,” recalls Quique Barella. Born in the Grao neighborhood of Valencia, he grew up immersed in the family business, where his love for gastronomy and cooking blossomed from a young age. He later studied at the Escuela de Hostelería de Castellón, marking the beginning of a professional journey that took him to various regions across Spain.
However, the turning point in his career came with his time at the prestigious El Celler de Can Roca. “At that time, there were only eight of us on the team. I learned so much working side by side with everyone. It changed the way I thought: cooking stopped being just a job and became my leitmotiv.” He explains, “They taught me that everything on a plate should have a reason, and every detail must make sense.” This experience taught him to question every detail and to create dishes with purpose and meaning. After this formative period, he went on to run his own restaurant, Q de Barella, in Valencia, and expanded into roles as an executive chef and culinary consultant.
This meticulous approach, combined with his passion for author cuisine, pushed him to continue refining his style. His appearances on shows like Canal Cocina helped him gain the recognition he enjoys today.
A Gastronomic Project with a Future at Oliva Nova
Since joining Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort in May 2024, Barella has focused his efforts on enhancing the resort’s culinary offerings. At venues like Wine&Tapas, he has introduced new items to the menu and cocktails, while at Aura, he is working to integrate a contemporary proposal without losing sight of the tastes of the regular clientele. According to Barella, the key lies in using high-quality local products, such as fresh fish from the markets of Dénia and Xàbia, to surprise diners from around the world.
Now, in his role as Culinary Director at Oliva Nova Beach & Golf Resort, Quique Barella has taken on the challenge of elevating the resort’s culinary offerings to new heights. “One of the things that made me bet on this project was the range of opportunities it offers. The spaces, the resources, and the climate are unique. Everything is set up to do things right and take full advantage of the enormous potential we have here,” Barella explains.
Quique not only highlights the beauty of the setting but also the quality of the team. “With the spaces we have and the team we’re working with, I’m confident this project will be a success. We want every dish to be an experience, and we want our restaurants to reflect the richness and diversity of Mediterranean gastronomy.”
A Gastronomic Offering That Captivates
The resort boasts a diverse array of restaurants, each with its own unique personality and charm. It’s a true gastronomic paradise, offering something for every taste. With Quique Barella at the helm, each of these venues is set to become a gastronomic landmark in the region.
Whether you’re looking for refined dining, casual bites, or something in between, Oliva Nova offers an extensive range of culinary experiences, all designed to delight and surprise. Under Barella’s leadership, the resort’s restaurants are bound to take center stage, attracting food lovers from near and far with their creative menus, emphasis on local ingredients, and distinctive flair.
If you’d like to learn more about Quique Barella and his culinary vision, don’t miss our ‘Living Oliva Nova Podcast’. In this podcast, Quique shares anecdotes, secrets, and insights into what he aims to bring to the resort’s restaurants. His arrival at Oliva Nova marks a new chapter in our gastronomic history, and we’re excited to embark on this journey toward culinary excellence.
We invite you to join us and experience this incredible gastronomic adventure firsthand!
