Riff

About

German-born chef Bernd Knöller, a Valencian by conviction, leads this dynamic and ever-evolving restaurant with a spirit of creativity and spontaneity. At the heart of the dining experience is an open kitchen, surrounded by a sleek counter where guests can watch the culinary action unfold in real time—an embodiment of the restaurant’s engaging and contemporary approach.

A globetrotting chef now deeply connected to his surroundings, Knöller has entered a mature and expressive phase of his career. His cooking reflects a free-spirited and occasionally rebellious interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine—always personal, often surprising, and firmly rooted in local tradition. His deep affection for the region is evident in dishes that highlight ingredients from the nearby fish market and the Valencian terroir, particularly through his imaginative takes on rice and seafood.

Guests can choose between a fixed-price à la carte offering and two menus: a more concise lunch menu and an ambitious tasting menu. Standout dishes include refined, regionally inspired compositions such as sweetbreads with roasted onion jus and pickled onion petal—a perfect illustration of Knöller’s light-handed technique and his talent for harmonizing bold ideas with delicacy.

Expert Review

At Riff, chef Bernd Knöller channels his cosmopolitan background and deep connection to Valencia into a restaurant that is as expressive as it is unconventional. With an open kitchen at its heart and a contemporary, almost theatrical ambiance, the space invites guests into a direct dialogue with the chef’s vision. Knöller’s cuisine is a liberated and sometimes provocative interpretation of modern Mediterranean cooking, grounded in exceptional local ingredients—from daily catches at the Valencia fish market to regional rice and produce. His dishes are crafted with both precision and flair, delivering an experience that is at once intimate, dynamic, and deeply rooted in his adopted homeland. The menu structure includes a fixed-price à la carte selection, a succinct lunchtime offering, and a more expansive tasting menu that reveals the full scope of his culinary imagination.

Pros Overview

Live Culinary Theatre: The open kitchen and counter seating create an immersive and engaging dining experience. Distinctive Culinary Voice: Knöller’s uninhibited and inventive Mediterranean cuisine stands out for its personality and originality. Exceptional Local Sourcing: Ingredients from regional markets are used with creativity and respect, particularly in seafood and rice dishes. Flexible Menu Options: Guests can choose between à la carte, lunch, or full tasting menus tailored to their appetite and time.

Cons Overview

Uncompromising Style: The chef’s bold and unconventional approach may challenge those with more traditional tastes. Limited Seating Variety: Counter-focused dining might not suit all guests, especially those seeking a more private or formal setting. Intensity of Flavors: Some dishes, by design, lean toward powerful or unexpected contrasts that may not appeal to all palates.