Our favorite restaurants in Valencia
Oh Valencia, how lovely you are! The Ruzafa district is the undisputed favorite when it comes to fine dining, but you certainly shouldn't miss the old city center, any more than the beach. Hence, three tips for satisfying your appetite in each of those three districts. And a bonus address, so you can take home a nice souvenir too. Dive in during the Spanish nap especially into the extensive park; The park is at its best near the old town. These are our favorite restaurants in Valencia:
Valencia has been elected European Green Capital of 2024. How did they become that, and why do you want to know? Good question; we were curious about that too. And so we looked into it. It's like this: with this award, 'the European Commission recognizes (and honors) cities with more than 100.000 inhabitants that implement projects to reduce environmental impacts and improve quality of life'. Ah. Over time, Valencia has managed to gain important sustainability credentials, such as the title of European Capital of 'Smart Tourism' in 2022, and the Capital of Sustainable Food in 2017. In addition, the city is ahead of its European peers. cities when it comes to measuring and offsetting the carbon footprint in the field of tourism. Moreover, it is one of the 2 cities selected by the European Union for the Cities Missionproject, which aims to be climate neutral by 2030.
In the shadow of the cathedral you can sit at one of the terraces, but it is more fun to walk around the church and find one of the high seats in front of Lalola's door; here you can eat a fantastic paella and delicious tapas dishes. You get the street entertainment in front of you as a gift, as well as the incredibly friendly service - remarkable for such a tourist location. Nothing could be further from the truth. Lalola is an authentic favorite.
You might easily recognize this café from Madrid or Barcelona. And rightly so, because it is a lovely one in Spanish. But the Federal Café is now also represented in Valencia (olé!) and here too it remains one of the best spots for (especially) breakfast or a light lunch; the various pancakes They are delicious. And furthermore, those breakfasts you can dream by now, and yet still want. Avocado toast? Açai bowl? Anyone?
If possible, try to score a spot in the open window, that's where you enjoy sitting most. Although it doesn't matter that much; It's nice everywhere in the light business. Of course, the Federal Café is very centrally located in the city, in the middle of everything (not in the Rufaza district by the way, just so you know).
When it comes to dining, the Spanish and Italians are quite similar. A combination of good and lots of food in a lively atmosphere. San Tommaso is such a traditional Italian that is well liked by the Spanish. The restaurant is always full, often with famous Spaniards and world-famous football players. And that is not without reason. On the menu you will find pastas and pizzas. Would you rather fine Italian dining, then go to the sister Santa Rita. You will have to make a reservation in advance at both restaurants.
Although this site is mainly packed with contemporary, tastefully decorated items, we always try to look for authentic items. Often many times more unique than the majority of coffee shops covered with subway tiles. An age-old in that category, and still worth a visit, is this packed cafe hidden behind the city's cathedral. A party of an establishment with painted angels on the ceiling, statues of Mary all over the place, red velvet cushions and brocade curtains. Once upon a time – in the old medieval center of Valencia – this opulent café was founded as a teahouse for bookworms. Today it is an avant-garde cocktail spot. You can also go there for a cup of coffee earlier in the day. Although the baroque environment is even better with a glass of alcohol.
Casa Montaña is the oldest tapas restaurant in Valencia. Don't expect a designer interior here, fancy signs and soft lighting; no, at Casa Montana everything has been going the way it has been since 1836. This applies to the tapas, the service and the formal and casual looks. You go there – it should come as no surprise – for good, traditional Spanish tapas.
Valencia boasts not one, but two major rockstar chefs: first, Ricard Camarena, mentioned elsewhere, and Quique Dacosta, a chef who holds no fewer than three Michelin stars (Camarena has two). Dacosta opened his fourth restaurant in the city, Llisa Negra, in early 2019. Since then, the establishment has moved a few hundred meters to Calle Correos, even more centrally located in the commercial heart of Valencia. It became a light and soft restaurant where, just like in his other establishments, the atmosphere is deliberately kept small: a maximum of fifty guests can enjoy his remarkable, at first glance simple, creations.
At first glance, that is—but anyone who has seen Dacosta and co. at work will think otherwise: the chefs turn it into quite a show from the open kitchen whenever possible. Be sure to try the divine quisquillas (a kind of cross between a lobster and a shrimp), one of the signature dishes. Another signature trick of the chef is his salted fish. The interior had to be a reflection of the cuisine: natural and practical. As if you were on the Mediterranean Sea. They succeeded.
Wonderful when it's really just about the food. No hippy stuff and the location of Restaurante la Salita is somewhat out of the way, so not necessarily suitable for tourism. You notice that. Here it is simply very good food in a room covered with white wood, on tables with crisp white linen. Fresh wine next to it – just carry us away.
To stay in the 'fish atmosphere' for a while, we head towards the coast of Valencia to Casa Carmela for paella! Casa Carmela is a restaurant where you really need to make a reservation (especially on weekends). Once you have a spot, you are in luck and you can enjoy a delicious paella of all kinds, with black rice, chicken, or just vegetables, but in addition to the paella, there are also oysters, calamari and more on the menu. Reserve a spot at the bar or in the restaurant, both are fun.
Dulce de Leche is a household name in Valencia, also among tourists. To be honest: we have never heard any Dutch around us here. On the other hand, we have never not sat next to one local with a book, a nice baby and/or a good friend. A everyone's favorite, and rightly so. At Dulce de Leche boutique café (the original Dulce de Leche is a little further in town, but we actually like the café even more) you can honestly eat the tastiest and most divine-looking cakes, sandwiches, scones and muffins of all. Handsome boy who knows how to stick to one piece.
Surprise! You probably didn't see the spacious, bright store in the dilapidated warehouse on the beach coming when you stepped through the low door. Not us anyway. And then we thought it was the nicest (right? Yes, we think so) place in Valencia. Not because of the excellent food or the special drinks, because that wasn't too bad (again). And yes, you are inside… That too. But after a day with your face in the sun, it's wonderful A breath of fresh air. The people at La Fabrica de Hielo understand that, just as they understand how to perfect casual hospitality. The 'tap container' is open for drinks all day. In the late afternoon, the 'cooking container' opens where you can order light snacks, and a nice mix of recognizable classics and the raw rock Spain is so famous for plays from the speakers.
We also thought this, restaurant Dos Estaciones (or 2 E for intimates), was such a great place. Surprising because even though Dos Estaciones is located in the nice Rufaza (a stone's throw from Canalla Bistro by Ricard Camarena), you just don't automatically pass the small square where the restaurant is located. Once inside, this is exactly the kind of address where you feel that the people there have a love for food and gastronomy. It hangs sort of speaking in the air. And that turns out to be: delicious! From A to Z.
Are we lost? Suddenly, it seems like we are in Bali. What a hit, Voltereta Bali. You'd better book in advance before you leave for Valencia, otherwise you risk it being full. Voltereta has 4 restaurants: Manhattan, Kyoto, Casa, and Bali. The latter has a Balinese-style courtyard with lots of greenery and bamboo. The menu features healthy, fresh dishes such as tropical salad and vegetable tempura. In addition, they have small dishes to share as crunchy salmon en Teriyaki duck croquettesThey have fish, meat, and vegetarian options here.
There is also a branch in Ruzafa, but it cannot match the nicest beach bar in Valencia: La Mas Bonita Patacona. Okay, a tip that you read on every website, I know, but what is good can be tipped more often. Moreover, there is actually not that much to be found in this nothing-to-happen category for spending the whole day ON the beach (funny enough). Hence: here you go.
Start your day in front of the sweet blue-and-white shop with the terrace overlooking the sea, sand and palm trees. If the sea view is full, there is also an inner garden. The choice of healthy fresh juices and smoothies is extensive, the American Pancakes are delicious and the egg dishes can last half a day. Oh and the burrata is highly recommended.
The perfect spot for a hearty breakfast, a quick coffee, or working from home – for those staying in Valencia for a while. The contemporary coffee shop not only exudes coziness and friendliness; the all-female staff acts accordingly too. You can sit comfortably in the sheltered patio at the back, while the seats at the front by the window are perfect for people-watching. The food is delicious, featuring, for example, poached eggs or avocado on toast, and be sure to order a coffee or a fresh juice with it – highly recommended.
Whatever you do when in Valencia, rent a bike! Anyway by far the best means of transport anywhere in the world (cheap and good for you and the environment) and the city is very cycle friendly (and public transport is so-so). You cycle through the long, extensive Turia park (once a river) towards the beach and pass the nicest neighborhoods of the city. In the meantime, keep a little one every now and then nap in the park.
We rented our bikes right in the center at Passion Bikes. That's a terrible name for a remarkably cool bike shop; all the walls are scribbled with slogans from happy tenants and you will be helped by a pleasant mustached Spaniard. But hey, it doesn't really matter where you are bike-he rents.
First of all: the Ruzafa district is by far the nicest, most versatile, foodie-esque district of the entire city. Walk through the narrow streets here and you will stumble across nice restaurants. If you like 'canned food', canned sardines and such, then La Cooperativa del Mar totally your thing! For us Dutch it is more of a typical snack, but Southern Europeans will happily prepare an entire meal. Recommended!
Let's talk for a moment about really good paella—yes, all in one restaurant; at the back of Dos Lunas sits La Pecica, a beachside classic. Did you know that paella originated in Valencia? Well, now you do. There are plenty of places where you can go for this excellent rice dish, but at lunchtime, La Pecica is actually a must. The gigantic restaurant at Malvarosa beach is a household name for a reason, and it has been for over 125 years; we've been told it was Ernest Hemingway's favorite restaurant, among others. The paella recipe has remained unchanged since then, and reservations—even for lunch and especially on weekends—are recommended, certainly if you want to take a seat at the partially covered outdoor tables.
It's probably no surprise to you, but still... In Spain (or anywhere in Southern Europe) you don't actually sit down to dinner before 21pm. Nothing new, right? So we did... Because I'm exhausted after a day of lugging around the city with a baby. We thought it was all too strange that the very nice Bar Aladroc was completely empty... Why? Because the salad with fresh burrata and tomatoes (oh the Spanish tomatoes!) and the fresh fish were to die for. Don't panic: the next day we bumped by a little later and the place was – rightly – packed. Phew.
How could you not go to Valencia's grand central market hall? It remains a pleasure to stroll along the stalls with fresh goods and it remains a pleasure to sit down at the Central Bar of the rock star chef of Valencia: Ricard Camarena (the best man also has the Canalla Bistro business further down in Valencia, in the Ruzafa district (recommended!). You may have to wait a while for a bar stool, but it is worth it. The small Spanish bites that are served to you are delicious. Moreover, there is no better excuse to have a cava before noon (the market is closed in the afternoon!). By the way, you will find Mercat de Colón in the new part of Valencia. This is not a day market like the central market, but a covered hall with a nice terrace.
Stroll through Valencia's most beautiful and charming shopping street (with shops like Sandro, Ba&sh, and the like), Carrer de Sorní, and you'll pass La Petite Brioche: freshly baked bread, cakes, and French pastries with a Spanish twist – and you'll end up at restaurant Al Tun Tun (right near the park again!). The interior of this establishment was designed by the same designer responsible for Bar Lobo in Barcelona. And that is a good thing; Al Tun Tun has that same warm, casual atmosphere. Thanks to the open kitchen, you can see what the chefs are preparing, and the menu features a wide variety of tapas: from the well-known Spanish croquettes to oysters. But what about the name? Exactly: the tuna dishes here are not to be missed. There are four types on the menu.
Somehow we always end up in this café with books and swings, don't ask us why. Probably because it is a bit like a Brabant pub in Spanish. A bit student-like, not too slick, just completely fine. And cava for a euro or two. So fine.
We have exactly the same with the Ubik Café Cafetería Librería. Also a regular shot. Also cozy. Also cheap. Also more than fine and also in cozy Rufaza.
An insider tip par excellence. Not a trendy affair but a traditional Italian restaurant. Outside you sit in an idyllic alley completely illuminated by lights. Inside it is just as cozy with all the candle lighting and the delicious Italian hustle and bustle in the restaurant. The menu includes cheese, meat and salad as a starter, a mix of pastas as a main course and a delicious dessert afterwards.
Lambrusqeria has 3 places (Conde Altea, Pizzeria and Caballeros) and although we suspect that all three are good, we are talking about Caballeros here.
You have stylish restaurants, chic and hip. If you are looking for a restaurant with a nice atmosphere, good paella, prawns, manchego and more typically Spanish, then El Trompo Restaurante is the place for you. On top of the beach that is. For lunch or paella with the setting sun, among the pleasant people, you can go to Playa de Malvarrosa in Valencia.
Kukla Valencia is for when you're hanging around a bit longer and want to step away from the local cuisine. A more than good Middle Eastern vegetarian restaurant with many vegan options. We would order the paprika crème brûlée, hummus, eggplant fries, and falafel again.
Another trendy spot for brunch and coffee is Cult Café. No tapas, but well-filled sandwiches, friendly staff, and quick service. Lots of vegetarian options, and don't forget the avocado toast with halloumi and egg. A go-to when we're craving a sweet treat between tapas.
Blackbird is also for sweets, because my lord this cinnamon roll and the salted chocolate cookies. Any.
The word oysters alone turns us around quite quickly. You have to love it, that's for sure. But once you become a fan and you happen to be in Valencia? Then don't forget to drop by Ostras Pedrin. The combination of oysters with a nice glass of cava, it doesn't get much better. Ostras Pedrin has various oysters on the menu, such as French, fried or oysters Ostra Valenciana and more. But besides oysters, there are plenty of other snacks on the menu; the salmon with toast, for example, is highly recommended. You get the idea, so it's definitely worth a visit. Oh, and did we mention that there are two locations in Valencia?
It is clear that Valencia has a wide range of places to eat delicious food. And of course eating involves drinking, but what do we drink in Valencia? That's right, Agua de Valencia. And although they can most likely be enjoyed at any place, the Agua de Valencia from Sant Jaume is number 1. No fuss on the menu only drinks, with the specialty being the Agua de Valencia.
Once in Spain you can't really avoid it and to be honest we don't mind it at all, but Spanish tapas are of course found in many restaurants in Valencia. And if you want to stay close to Cafe Sant Jaume for a while, you will come across the tapas place Casa Vani in the same street a little further. Cute decoration, nice staff but mainly delicious tapas. With the Spanish basics as squid, pimientos del padron, patatas bravas – we could go on and on – there is something for everyone on the menu.
Delicious and healthy lunch in an oasis of peace in the middle of the city center. The cozy Mercado de Tapineria almost resembles a village square where young & old, locals & tourists come together to eat, drink, play, dance and party. Art events, markets, parties, exhibitions and workshops are also regularly organized on this square.
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