Our History
Over 60 years of history
The history of Parpalló Restaurant dates back to the early 1960s, though our roots and what influenced us go much deeper.
Here, we invite you to learn more about our past, we have also included some "Parpalló impressions" in a separate section.
At the beginning...
In the early 20th century, the first holidaymakers arrived in La Drova, a mountain location which had once been inhabited by the Monks of La Valldigna. These early visitors came especially to enjoy the health benefits of the waters from the La Drova Font.
In the 1930s, the arrival of archaeologist Luis Pericot marked a new chapter, as his excavations transformed the Parpalló cave (“Cueva del Parpalló” in Castellano and “Cova del Parpalló” in Valenciano) into an important site for Mediterranean cave art.
During the 1950s, with the growth of summer residences in the area and Pericot's return for further excavations, a bar with a terrace was established at a former post house along the road from Gandia to Barx. This road was subsequently renamed Avenida de Luis Pericot, in honour of the archaeologist, and the bar, initially known as “Bar de Benito,” became “Bar Parpalló.”
In 1963, María Rubiella and Julio Donet rented the bar for the summer season, and by 1965, they had become its owners.
Over time, thanks to María’s culinary skills “Bar Parpalló” gradually transformed into the beloved “Bar de Maria.” By the 1970s, it was operating year-round as a restaurant.
From this point on, the restaurant established itself as a go-to spot in the mountains for traditional paella, with pasties (locally known as “pastissets”) introduced as starters. Salads, croquettes, and paella have since become the hallmark dishes of the restaurant.
María Rubiella’s excellent cooking and the warm, family-oriented service of Julia Donet have helped turn the beautiful location in La Drova, Parpalló Restaurant into a gastronomic highlight of Barx, Gandia and the La Safor region.
Under Julia's direction, the original name of Parpalló was revived, even though the name Casa María still graces one of the restaurant's facades. During this period, the establishment became renowned for its specialities, including Valencian paellas, pastries, and homemade desserts, which have become the very essence of the restaurant.
Today, Julia Pastor, Julia Donet's daughter and the third generation of the family, continues to uphold the family legacy through traditional recipes that have remained largely unchanged.