If you've ever spent a morning in Dénia, you'll have noticed that by mid-morning the bars fill up. It's no coincidence: it's time for the esmorzaret, the Valencian almuerzo. For many people here, it's the most anticipated meal of the day, even more so than midday lunch. In this guide, we tell you what it is exactly, what it usually includes, how it's eaten, and what to look at to decide where to have almuerzo in Dénia without making a mistake.
What is the Valencian esmorzaret
The esmorzaret (or simply "almuerzo") is a mid-morning break that goes far beyond a snack. In the Valencian Community, it has the status of a custom: people meet with colleagues, with their weekend group, or with family, and dedicate time to it. It's not a coffee standing up with a croissant; it's sitting down, ordering a good sandwich, and chatting.
The word comes from Valencian esmorzar, which means to have almuerzo or breakfast depending on the area. The diminutive "esmorzaret" gives it that affectionate tone that everything enjoyed without rush has.
The components of a complete almuerzo
Although each household has its own way, a classic Valencian almuerzo usually has these parts:
- Something to snack on while the sandwich arrives: pickles, olives, peanuts or some small tapa.
- The sandwich: is the star. Crispy bread, generous filling and, often, fried egg, omelette or grilled sausage.
- The drink: beer, wine with soda, or a soft drink, to each person's taste.
- The coffee to finish: the famous cremaet (coffee with burnt rum, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon peel) is the most typical finish in many areas.
What time is almuerzo eaten
Almuerzo is eaten between breakfast and lunch, usually mid-morning. There isn't a fixed time for everyone: those who start work very early have lunch earlier, and on weekends it tends to be extended. If you're going to a specific place, the most sensible thing is to call and ask for the day's schedule.
Why almuerzo in Dénia is so good
Dénia has a strong connection to good food. In 2015 UNESCO named it Creative City of Gastronomy, a recognition that focused on its cuisine, its seafood and garden produce, and its way of understanding food. You can read more about the city on the website of Dénia tourism.
That love for the product is also noticeable mid-morning. In Marina Alta there's a strong tradition of cured meats, salted fish, and seasonal vegetables, and all of that ends up, sooner or later, inside a sandwich. That's why it's not uncommon for people to travel kilometers to find the best almuerzos in Dénia and surroundings.
Where to have almuerzo in Dénia: what to look at before choosing
There are many places to have almuerzo, so it's worth looking at a few things before deciding. Here's a quick list to save you surprises:
- The bread. It's half the sandwich. Ask what bread they use and if they have alternatives, for example gluten-free bread if you need it.
- The variety of the menu. A good almuerzo spot has classic sandwiches (omelette, pork loin, cured sausage) and some with their own personality.
- Prices in plain sight. Look at the menu before you go. That way you know what to expect and won't be surprised when paying.
- Something to snack on. An almuerzo with a couple of small tapas to share tastes much better.
- The location. If you're going to spend the day downtown, a place near the port and the castle suits you well.
- If you come in a group, the reservation. Mid-morning the bars fill up quickly; with a call you secure a table.
Almuerzo at El Mosset: what you'll find
On Sertorio street, 24, right in the center, El Mosset has been a brewery since 1997. Almuerzo is an important part of the house, and the menu is designed so that everyone can find their sandwich. If you want to see it whole before coming, you have it in the full menu of El Mosset.
31 sandwiches, each with its own name
Here, sandwiches are not ordered by what they contain, but by their name, and many of those names come from cinema. There are 10 house sandwiches and another 21 that complete the family. We leave you some of the most representative ones to give you an idea:
| Sandwich | What it contains | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Torrente | Serrano ham with Manchego cheese and tomato | €8.00 |
| Clint Eastwood | Chistorra sausage with young Manchego cheese and fried egg | €8.30 |
| Gamberrete | French omelette with prawns and tender garlic | €8.30 |
| Tarantino | Grilled Galician cured pork shoulder, camembert, onion and spicy mojo sauce | €8.10 |
| Sepiardo | Cuttlefish, mayonnaise and green sauce | €8.90 |
| Mad Max | Pork loin, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese with jalapeños, potatoes and fried egg | €8.00 |
| Figafló | Figatells with young sheep cheese and mustard | 8,20 € |
| Curro Jiménez | Serrano ham with virgin olive oil | 6,60 € |
You can see the ten house sandwiches with photos in the section of movie-named sandwiches de nuestra portada. Y si te pica la curiosidad por los nombres, te lo explicamos con calma en el artículo sobre la carta de bocadillos de cine.
The bread: sourdough, crystal bread or gluten-free
El pan se puede elegir: de masa madre, de cristal o sin gluten. El pan sin gluten tiene un suplemento de 1,50 €. Si tienes celiaquía o una intolerancia, cuéntalo al pedir; en nuestra guía para comer sin gluten en Dénia tienes las preguntas que conviene hacer en cualquier restaurante.
To snack on before the sandwich
If you like to start with something small while the sandwich is being prepared, at the bar there are very typical options:
- Mallorcan sobrasada, pickles and bread, for 2.20 €.
- Gildas, Basque piparra or pickled garlic, for 2.50 €.
- Russian salad marinera with anchovy, for 3.50 €.
- Toast with tomato, for 2.20 €, or serrano ham or Galician lacón toast, for 5.30 €.
How to build your almuerzo according to your hunger
Not every day you have the same appetite. These are three ways to approach almuerzo with dishes from the menu:
Light almuerzo
A toast with tomato (2.20 €) or a tomato and avocado toast (4.00 €), and a coffee. Perfect if you're going to have a big meal later or if you just want to take a break.
Classic almuerzo
A gilda or some pickles to whet your appetite and a classic sandwich: the Torrente, the Bruce Lee (serrano ham and lacón with peppers, 8.20 €) or the Sobrao (sobrasada and grilled lacón, 7.80 €). It's the traditional almuerzo, no complications.
Hearty almuerzo
For very hungry days, sandwiches with fried egg are a safe bet: Clint Eastwood, Mad Max, Sancho Panza (bacon, tender sheep cheese, pepper and egg, 8.60 €) or Iron Maiden (sausages, bacon, camembert and egg, 8.00 €). If you also share a marinera, you'll be set until dinner.
Practical tips for your almuerzo in the center of Dénia
- Call ahead if there are several of you. For groups, a call to 966 42 54 16 avoids waits.
- Check the day's schedule. We don't give a fixed schedule here because it can vary; it's best to ask by phone.
- Enjoy the walk. El Mosset is a short walk from the port and the castle, so almuerzo fits well with a morning in the center. You can find ideas in our one-day plan for Dénia center.
- If you stay for lunch, take a look at the sharing menus, designed for a minimum of two people.
If it's your first time at this restaurant in Dénia, ask without fear: the perfect sandwich is the one that fits your hunger and your taste, and that's what the bar is for.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Valencian esmorzaret?
It's the typical mid-morning almuerzo of the Valencian Community: a generous sandwich, something to snack on, a drink and, to finish, a coffee. It's enjoyed without rush and almost always in company.
What time is almuerzo in Dénia?
It's usually mid-morning, between breakfast and lunch. Each place has its own schedule, so at El Mosset we recommend checking the day's schedule by phone at 966 42 54 16.
How much does a sandwich cost at El Mosset?
The 31 sandwiches on the menu range from 6.60 € (Curro Jiménez, serrano ham with virgin olive oil) to 15.80 € (Pata Negra, acorn-fed Iberian ham). Most are between 7.90 € and 9.20 €.
Can you have a gluten-free almuerzo at El Mosset?
Yes: any sandwich can be ordered with gluten-free bread for 1.50 € extra. If you are celiac, let us know when ordering so they can explain how they prepare it.
Is it necessary to book for almuerzo?
For one or two people it's not usually essential, but if you come in a group it's better to call ahead at 966 42 54 16 so they can save you a spot.
Come for almuerzo at El Mosset
We are at C/ Sertorio, 24 (ground floor), in Dénia. You can call to book a table at 966 42 54 16 or place orders at 649 526 234. You can also book a table from the website, see how to get there and contact or review the menu with all prices.
