Over the past two days, the program has been filming at the renowned three-Michelin-starred hospitality establishment. Discretion has been the prevailing theme, as the production team did not wish for publicity. The only visible clue was traffic signs installed by the Dénia City Council prohibiting parking near the restaurant.

This filming marks Masterchef's return to Dénia seven years after its last visit. In 2019, the city hosted the final of the seventh edition of the program, also at Dacosta's restaurant. That occasion was surrounded by controversy due to the 31,000 euros the council had to disburse to host the competition, an expense justified as promotion for Dénia as a UNESCO creative city of gastronomy.

News of Masterchef's return, spread through social media via the traffic signs, has reignited debate among citizens. While some applaud this return as a major gastronomic platform for the city, other voices are more critical. Amid discussions about touristification, they fear the program could create a pull effect and increase overcrowding in the city.

The current season of Masterchef began airing on March 30. It has introduced some changes to the jury, with Marta Sanahuja replacing Samantha Vallejo-Nájera. The program premiered with a 13.6% audience share, a respectable viewership given the television competition.