Valencia Food Guide: The Best Paella and Local Restaurants

Famous as the birthplace of paella, the iconic Spanish rice dish, Valencia takes full advantage of its idyllic location on Spain’s eastern coast, sourcing high quality ingredients from nearby farms, rice paddies, and the waters of the Mediterranean. This guide will help you eat your way through the city, getting a taste of the local flavors that define the city.

Casa Roberto

Located just off the Gran Vía in the charming, tree-lined Eixample southeast of the historic center, Casa Roberto is an institution, beloved by locals for its top quality paella.

Though the dish is now famous around the world, paella developed as a humble meal prepared by the rice farmers of the Albufera lagoon south of the city, consisting of their crop and whatever ingredients they could find in the fields. There are now many different variations of the dish, but the ‘true’ paella (paella valenciana) is the one that would have been eaten by these farmers: rice, chicken, rabbit, vegetables, and snails. One of the more popular modern variants is the arroz de marisco (seafood rice), so I recommend coming with a group and trying both.

Blanqueries

This modern restaurant in the medieval neighborhood of El Carme is a gem from the hands of two chefs who trained at some of Spain’s most esteemed restaurants, including the legendary El Bulli on the Costa Brava. The menu is constantly rotating to prioritize seasonal ingredients, but some highlights from my meal included Catalan canelons (tubular pasta filled with savory ground meat) and a delicious lomo de bacalao (cod loin) with varying preparations, as well as an excellent tarta de queso (Basque-style cheesecake) for dessert. The restaurant also has a very good wine list featuring many grapes grown in and around Valencia, which are often overlooked in other parts of the country: try Bobal for a rich red, Merseguera for a crisp white, or Moscatel for a sweet dessert.

Forastera

Forastera is another great option for modern, creative cuisine. The small restaurant is run by a husband and wife and offers inventive tasting menus that showcase local ingredients. The small size of the restaurant makes for an intimate dining experience; I recommend reserving in advance to make sure you get a spot.

Mercat Central

Valencia’s central market is one of the largest in Europe and is filled to the brim with purveyors of fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, and cheese, in addition to some stands selling tapas and other eats.

For a classic local sweet, I recommend visiting La Huertana for some orxata. Though there are different varieties of horchata across Latin America, Valencian orxata is made from xufas (tiger nuts) that are soaked, ground, and sweetened. The cold, sweet drink is traditionally served with fartons—long, glazed pastries made for dipping. Pick up some of both and take them with you on a stroll through the market.

If you’re looking for something savory, try the popular Boatella Tapas right across the street from the main entrance. The corner bar is famous for their fried seafood like calamares (squid), sepia (cuttlefish), and gambas (shrimp), as well as their alcachofas fritas (fried artichokes), which are a winter specialty.

Tasca Hogan “La Coveta”

This cozy spot is tucked away in an arcade off the circular Plaça Redona, and they serve delicious paella as well as a number of well-made, classic tapas like croquetas (croquettes), albóndigas (meatballs), and different fresh seafood. After finishing the paella, be sure not to neglect the socarrat, the crispy rice scraped from the bottom of the pan that represents the dish's ultimate prize.

Las Carabelas

If you’re looking for lunch during your day at the beach, visit this restaurant next to Platja de les Arenes for excellent paella. After you eat (and drink) your fill, head back to the sand for a lovely siesta (nap).

Looking for more tips on what to see and do around the city? Visit our Valencia page here.