These great restaurants in Valencia exemplify the city’s long and rich culinary history. The food scene is influenced by the bounty of the sea, the cornucopia of succulent citrus fruits, nuts, and grains growing on fertile soils, as well as the endless cultures that have passed through or settled in this ancient city. Dining in Valencia is a tantalising epicurean adventure.

Exploring Valencia’s gastronomic delights includes enjoying traditional dishes like paella and tapas and regional drinks like Agua de Valencia or Horchata De Chufa. For dessert, don’t forget about churros, tarta de queso (traditional cheesecake), and flores de hojaldre (Spanish puff pastry). Come along with us as we explore the best spots to eat in Valencia and what to try. 

  • 1

    Colmado LaLola

    An unforgettable dining experience near Plaza de la Reina

    Colmado LaLola
    • Food
    • Group
    • Nightlife

    Colmado LaLola is a welcoming wine bar in Valencia. It’s where, after a trek to El Micalet (the bell tower) in the nearby Valencia Cathedral, you can grab an outside table, relax and enjoy an expansive selection of wines by the glass together with artisan tapas and intriguing entrees. Consider ordering the stuffed squid or the grilled octopus, sea urchins, and oysters.

    There is also a selection of items for takeaway items such as cheeses and jams that you can add to your picnic basket. What’s especially unique at Colmado LaLola is their exquisite homemade vermut rojo (red vermouth) served over ice with a spritz of soda water and an orange or olive garnish.

    Location: Carrer dels Brodadors, 10, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain

    Open: Thursday–Tuesday from noon to midnight (closed on Wednesdays)

    Phone: +34 963 91 80 45

    Map
  • 2

    Crudo

    Innovative Spanish cuisine in Valencia

    Crudo
    • Couples
    • Food

    Crudo is a bar where you can enjoy tasty seafood after a visit to la Fuente del Turia (Turia Fountain) in Valencia. Crudo features both raw entrees and raw cooking that uses minimal heat to preserve the freshness and flavour of the seafood dishes. 

    Crudo’s innovative menu features grilled octopus with purple potato Parmentier and Valencian mackerel tiradito. Non-seafood, raw entrée options include an Iberian pork tataki with cassava charcoal and coffee salt. Round out your meal with dessert – must-tries include the chocolate toast with nougat ice cream and the mango sorbet with citrus granita. 

    Location: Carrer de la Corretgeria, 7, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain

    Open: Sunday, Monday and Wednesday–Friday from 8 pm to 11 pm, Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm and 8 pm to 11 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

    Phone: +34 960 69 19 86

    Map
  • 3

    La Taberna Casera

    Tapas and Spanish sangria

    La Taberna Casera
    • Families
    • Food
    • Group

    La Taberna Casera is a local Valencian restaurant famous for its house-made artisan Sangria de Cava. The menu opens with many uniquely Valencian entrees and 9 types of paella, including authentic Valencian versions that are typically made with rabbit, snail and chicken. A must-try is the Fideo Fino del Signoret, a classic dish made with pasta. 

    The menu is designed to order per person, allowing you to enjoy family-style entrees. There are tapas and sections for seafood, meats and house specialities. The owner and his team are often at hand to make your dining experience memorable with their attentive service and care.

    Location: Carrer d'Antoni Joan, 10, 46011 València, Valencia, Spain

    Open: Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm, Thursday–Saturday from 1 pm to 5 pm and 8 pm to midnight (closed on Mondays)

    Phone: +34 617 69 73 69

    Map
  • 4

    Café Madrid Valencia

    Home of the celebrated Agua de Valencia

    Café Madrid Valencia
    • Food
    • Group
    • Nightlife

    Café Madrid Valencia is a high-end, stylish cocktail bar in Valencia where you can step back in time. It’s decorated to look and feel like 1940s Valencia and serves a signature cocktail with an interesting backstory. Agua de Valencia was crafted in 1959 when Basque regulars challenged the barkeep, Constante Gil, to come up with a fresh cocktail. The result has stood the test of time and is now an exalted aperitif. 

    The cafe is an excellent venue to meet with family or friends for cocktails and light fare, surrounded by elegance and art. And while Agua de Valencia takes centre stage here, there's a sophisticated cocktail list as well as a wine and beer selection. 

    Location: Carrer de l'Abadia de Sant Martí, 10, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain

    Open: Daily from 5 pm to 1.30 am

    Phone: +34 960 66 05 07

    Map
  • 5

    Horchatería Santa Catalina

    A Valencian cafe to satisfy your sweet tooth

    Horchatería Santa Catalina
    • Families
    • Food
    • Group

    Horchatería Santa Catalina in Valencia’s ancient Barrio del Carmen is where you can enjoy a sweet taste of Valencia in a vibrant section of town. The cafe whips up a classic Valencian beverage called horchata. This sweet, milk-like drink made from chufas (tiger nuts) is served with another favourite, fartóns. You can also sip a cup of hot chocolate with churros or buñuelos (fried dough fritters).

    Among Horchatería Santa Catalina’s noteworthy features is the mesmerising tile work that graces the shop entrance, walls and stairs. This unique style of tile, called Manises, which adorns much of Valencia, is named after the namesake village nearby where it’s produced.

    Location: Plaça de Santa Caterina, 6, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain

    Open: Daily from 8.15 am to 9.30 pm

    Phone: +34 963 91 23 79

    Map
  • 6

    Sidrería el Molinón

    Enjoy Asturias specialities without leaving Valencia

    Sidrería el Molinón
    • Food
    • Nightlife

    Sidrería El Molinón is an understated, cosy venue in Valencia that features food and drinks from Asturias, a province in a lush region known as Green Spain. Must-tries here include the house apple cider and pinchos Morunos (Spanish pork skewers served with a paprika aioli sauce). They also feature a long and creative list of tapas. If you dare, try the potatoes made with blue Cabrales, a very pungent and robust cheese that’s melted over the dish.

    Centrally located within walking distance of so many of Valencia’s famous historical sites, museums, parks, and cultural centres, Sidrería el Molinón opens daily and is an excellent spot to dine and briefly unwind after exploring the city. Keep in mind that the restaurant closes during the day for siestas. 

    Location: Carrer de la Bosseria, 40, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain

    Open: Daily from noon to 4.15 pm and from 8 pm to midnight

    Phone: +34 963 91 15 38

    Map
  • 7

    La Pepica

    A beloved Valencian waterfront icon

    La Pepica
    • Couples
    • Food
    • History
    • Photo

    La Pepita, with a terrace and seating overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, has lulled diners with its sea views since 1898. Steeped in a rich and long history, royals, writers, artists, tourists, and locals have all enjoyed dining here. La Pepita is known for serving a perfect paella.

    The starter menu is extensive, and paella is made to order, so order a bottle of wine and an appetiser or 2, relax and take in the fantastic vista. After dessert, stretch your legs and enjoy a stroll along the promenade by the sea.

    Location: Passeig de Neptú, 6, BAJO;DUP 6-8, 46011 Valencia, Spain

    Open: Sunday from 1 pm to 4 pm, Monday–Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm and 8.30 pm to 11.30 pm

    Phone: +34 963 71 03 66

    Map

    photo by damian@krass (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 8

    Bodega La Pascuala

    Dine with Valencian locals

    Bodega La Pascuala
    • Budget
    • Food
    • Group

    Bodega La Pascuala is a popular and busy watering hole that local Valencians love in the residential neighbourhood of El Cabanyal. The local spot specialises in enormous bocadillo sandwiches, stuffed with unique combinations of ingredients and served on a crusty roll.

    The sandwich menu features over 30 selections, ranging from the Estivador (fresh goat cheese with anchovies and tomato) to the Super (horse meat with bacon, cheese, onion and tomato), for those feeling adventurous. Tapas, wine and beer as well as coffee are also available. It’s a top place in Valencia to come hungry and leave with leftovers.

    Location: Carrer del Dr. Lluch, 299, 46011 València, Valencia, Spain

    Open: Monday–Friday from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm, Saturday from 9.30 am to 4 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +34 963 71 38 14

    Map
  • 9

    Bar La Pilareta

    A fabulous spot for local Valencian mussels

    Bar La Pilareta
    • Food
    • Group
    • Nightlife

    Bar La Pilareta is a popular spot in Valencia known for serving clóchinas, a local shellfish delicacy harvested from the waters around Valencia. The season for these tasty bivalves is from the full moon in April through the waning moon in August, and they are grown on rafts just off Valencia’s beaches. Succulent and smaller than mussels, clóchinas have more texture and flavour, and everyone looks forward to the season. 

    These clóchinas are so popular at Bar La Pilareta that they line the space with boxes to collect the discarded shells. If you visit during the off-season for this tasty steamed shellfish dish, there are many other delicious entrees to consider. After dinner, ask for a shot of Chupito orujo de hierbas – a traditional liquor of herbs.

    Location: Carrer del Moro Zeid, 13, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 12.30 pm to midnight, Friday–Sunday from noon to midnight

    Phone: +34 963 91 04 97

    Map

    photo by Enric (CC BY-SA 4.0) modified

  • 10

    El Tostadero

    A popular budget-friendly cafe in Valencia

    El Tostadero
    • Budget
    • Food

    El Tostadero is where you can queue up with the locals in Valencia to grab a quick and inexpensive breakfast or lunch. Highly recommended is the bocadillo de sepia Romana – tender cuttlefish that’s grilled or fried to crispy perfection and topped with ajo aceite (garlic aioli). 

    There are no tables at El Tostadero, but you can enjoy your sandwiches on a stool around a bar, or you can grab a spot at the counter along the window where you can also people watch. El Tostadero is an excellent choice if you’re visiting Valencia on a budget or if you’re looking for food on the go for the beach or a park. 

    Location: Avinguda de l'Oest, 31, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 7 am to 3.30 pm, Friday and Saturday from 7 am to 2.30 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +34 963 52 82 14

    Map
Kara K. La Lomia | Compulsive Traveller