The Foodie Guide to the Best Restaurants in Valencia Spain

After spending the a couple of months living and eating in Valencia, I've rounded up my favorites into this guide to the best restaurants in Valencia, Spain. If you're planning on visiting Valencia, don't miss these foodie hot spots! | https://passportandplates.com

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After spending an entire summer in Valencia, I can confidently claim two things: my travel guide to Valencia is incredibly comprehensive and I know the majority of the best places to eat in Valencia.

There’s no shortage of good food in Spain and I would even venture to say that some of Spain’s best food is in Valencia. It’s a total foodie city, home to specialties such as paella and horchata.

While eating out frequently for two months wasn’t necessarily great for my bank account or my waistline, it certainly allows me to say that this post is the ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Valencia, Spain. Pack your eating pants and get ready for some delicious eats. (*) indicates a must-visit restaurant.

Where to Eat in Valencia: The Best Restaurants in Valencia Spain

The Best Tapas in Valencia

Café Infanta*

Patatas bravas at Cafe Infanta in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com
Patatas bravas <3

We came here by pure coincidence after missing my reservation at another restaurant. Best accidental discovery ever. This place is decisively Spanish fusion and probably a tad touristy, but everything we ate here was amazing: chicken croquettes, duck samosas, goat cheese samosas, patatas bravas, moussaka, and spinach salad. None of the dishes disappointed, so I have a feeling that you can’t go wrong with most menu choices here.

Café Infanta, Plaça del Tossal, 3, València,+34 963 92 16 23
Read reviews on TripAdvisor

 

MercatBar

 

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There are plenty of trendy restaurants and tapas bars in Valencia, with MercatBar being a prime example of a traditional tapas bar with a modern twist. Like the many good places to eat in Valencia on this list, MercatBar has a variety of menus to cater to every taste bud – a Peruvian menu, a tasting menu, and even a bocados menu. There’s no shortage of options at Mercat and that, combined with the modern ambiance, makes it one of those Valencia restaurants that any visitor would be happy to eat at. Did I mention the chef has three Michelin stars at his restaurant in another city? Impressive!

MercatBar, Carrer de Joaquín Costa, 27, València, +34 963 74 85 58
Read reviews on TripAdvisor

 

La Pilareta*

Mussels at La Pilareta in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

Does La Pilareta have the best tapas in Valencia? I say yes, considering that one of the saddest parts of my trip was not eating here enough. They serve both traditional Valencian dishes as well as typical Spanish fare, and everything is incredibly fresh. They charge slightly more for sitting at a table rather than at the bar, but the difference is pretty insignificant. What to order: esgarraet (pepper and cured cod salad), sepia (cuttlefish), clochinas (Valencian mussels) and patatas bravas (spiced potatoes). This was one of my favorite places for classic Spanish meals in Valencia.

La Pilareta, Carrer del Moro Zeid, 13, València, +34 963 91 04 97
Read reviews on TripAdvisor

 

Bar El Kiosko

 

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I’m going to be honest. I didn’t love Bar El Kiosko BUT there are two things about it worth noting. 1) It’s good for cheap tapas in Valencia and 2) it’s located near a ton of the touristy attractions in Ciutat Vella (the old town). This makes it a convenient stop for the basic Spanish tapas: patatas bravas, pimientos de pardon (padron peppers), and manchego cheese.

Bar El Kiosko, Carrer dels Drets, 38, València, +34 963 91 01 59
Read reviews on TripAdvisor

 

La Freiduría Puesto No5

A variety of tapas at La Freiduria in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com
Those innocent looking fried things are actually shark. Ooops

La Freiduría is quite the unassuming shop, located on the corner of one of the main shopping streets in Colón. It prides itself on fresh fried seafood and totally delivers. We ordered gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp), patatas bravas (#PotatoLovers) and a cazón de tiburón. I later realized that we accidentally ordered fried shark (the cazón), although we didn’t know it at the time. It tasted good, too *guilty face.*

La Freiduría, Calle de Don Juan de Austria 20, Valencia+34 963 12 80 27
Read reviews on TripAdvisor

 

Central Bar 

 

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Located inside Valencia’s Central Market (which, incidentally, is definitely worth a visit), this unassuming bar is another one of Michelin-star chef Ricard Camarena’s creations. Here you’ll find both traditional and fusion tapas: don’t miss the hearty bocadillos (small sandwiches), ceviche, or artichokes.

Central Bar, Mercado Central, Plaza Ciudad de Brujas, Valencia
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Casa Montaña

 

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This restaurant has been around since 1836 and boasts incredible tapas at decent prices, especially considering its seemingly upscale ambiance. Here, you can find plenty of Spain’s most well-known tapas, but Casa Montaña also boasts an impressive seasonal menu as well. If you’d rather not choose on your own, there’s both a regular and gluten-free set menu as well. Nice job catering to dietary restrictions here!

Casa Montaña, Carrer de Josep Benlliure, 69, València, +34 963 67 23 14
Read reviews on TripAdvisor

 

Aquarium

Steak, padron peppers, and potato chips at Aquarium Restaurant in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

Aquarium was my last meal in Valencia, and it has a bit of a strange ambiance. Most of the customers were older men and seemed to know each other, and we got some strange looks when we walked in. The menu was a bit confusing, but the waiter created a meal mix just for us. Ambiance aside, the food is delicious and it’s conveniently located on Gran Via.

Cerveceria Aquarium, Gran Via del Marqués del Túria, 57, València,+34 963 51 00 40
Read reviews on TripAdvisor

Heading to Valencia? Start planning the ultimate vacation with these guides:
The Ultimate Valencia Travel Guide
24 Hours in Valencia
Valencia Food Tour with Urban Adventures
Valencia Street Art Tour with Urban Adventures
Paella Cooking Class with La Escuela de Arroces

 

The Best Paella in Valencia 

La Pepica

 

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There’s no doubt about it – La Pepica has the best paella in Valencia. If you didn’t already know, paella was born in a little town just outside Valencia called La Albufera, which is why Valencia has some of the best paella in Spain. Although many people think that the original dish is made with seafood, that’s not true. Paella Valenciana (the true and original paella) is actually made with chicken, rabbit, and oftentimes, snails. Spaniards only eat paella during lunch (because lunch is the heaviest meal) and paella needs to be cooked for a minimum of two people. Just a couple of golden rules of eating in Spain for you.

La Pepica, located near La Malvarrosa Beach was actually a favorite hangout spot of Ernest Hemingway back when it was just a shack. It has been around since 1898, has a gorgeous interior decor, and has a large selection of delicious paellas, tasting menus, and more. La Pepica is not to be missed and is an excellent beach restaurant in Valencia. Be sure to make reservations because it gets crowded.

La Pepica, Paseo Neptuno 6Valencia+34 963 71 03 66
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La Escuela de Arroces y Paella Valenciana

Valencian Paella at La Escuela de Arroces y Paella Valenciana in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

It’s one thing to eat the best paella in Valencia, but it’s even more fun to learn how to make it yourself! Enter La Escuela de Arroces y Paella Valenciana, where you can take a half-day paella cooking class and eat your dish after (that’s what they call having your paella and eating it too, am I right?). Check out my review and what the experience was like here.

La Escuela de Arroces y Paella Valenciana, Carrer del Bisbe En Jeroni, 8, València, +34 961 04 35 40
Read reviews on TripAdvisor | Read my review.

 

Trendy Dinner Restaurants in Valencia

Copenhagen

Potato balls, hummus, and bread at Copenhagen Restaurant in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

Copenhagen is the only vegetarian restaurant on this list because Spain isn’t particularly vegetarian-friendly and I generally prefer my protein in animal form. That being said, the food was actually really tasty, albeit distinctly not Spanish. We shared hummus (eh) and two types of croquettes and I had the Indian curry. Pretty impressive considering there was no meat to be found!

Copenhagen, Carrer del Literat Azorín, 8, València, +34 963 28 99 28
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Imperdible

Beef and spinach atop mashed potatoes at Imperdible restaurant in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com
It tastes way better than it looks!

Imperdible is a good choice if you’re looking for a slightly more upscale restaurant with a variety of both traditional and fusion choices. It’s located right next to Mercado Colón, which makes it a good spot for people watching. While the food here was exquisite, it was on the pricier side for Valencia. I had the rabo de toro (oxtail) with potatoes, which is one of my favorite Andalusian dishes. It was tasty, although the portion was on the on the smaller side. Overall, it’s a good option for a nice night out but not a must-visit.

Imperdible, Carrer de Martínez Ferrando, 5, València, +34 609 02 17 66
Read reviews on TripAdvisor

 

Canalla Bistro by Ricard Camarena*

An ahi tuna bowl at Canalla Bistro in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

Ricard Camarena is one of the most famous chefs in Valencia and this is one of Valencia’s best restaurants. In fact, if you look up any top restaurants in Valencia list, you can pretty much guarantee that at least one of Camarena’s restaurants will be on it. Luckily, we were able to squeeze in at the bar at Canalla one evening since all the tables were taken (make reservations, guys!). They serve a mixture of small shared plates and individual portions. What to order: the tuna tartar bowl, prawn empanadillas, and the Mexican taco with tuna belly.

Canalla Bistro, C/ Maestro José Serrano, 5, València, +34 96 374 05 09
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Have limited time to eat in Valencia? Take a Valencia Food Tour!
Book it | Read my review.

 

The Best Coffee in Valencia

Coffee Time Artisan Roasters*

Coffee beans and coffee at Coffee Time in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

I’m a coffee addict, so naturally, I had to find the best coffee in the city. Although Spain is a coffee-loving country, sometimes you just want to snob it up and drink the gourmet stuff. Enter Coffee Time, located inside the Russafa Market. It’s hands down my favorite cup of java in Valencia – plus, the owner actually put an ice cube made of coffee in my iced coffee. If that doesn’t scream customer service, I don’t know what does.

Coffee Time, Mercado de Ruzafa Casetas interiores 91-92, Valencia, +34 622 08 92 84
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Retrogusto @ Mercado Central

A cup of coffee at Retrogusto in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

Just like Coffee Time, Retrogusto at the Central Market serves some delicious coffee. They use the locally sourced Nomad Coffee, which is both strong and aromatic. It’s an excellent choice if you want a flat white, iced coffee or affogato.

Retrogusto Coffeemates, Mercat Central, Palcos 169 y 170, Valencia,+34 637 95 92 70
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The Best Spanish Tortilla in Valencia

La Peseta

Spanish tortilla, coffee, water, olives and bread at La Peseta Restaurant in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

I would have never discovered La Peseta if it weren’t for my local Valencian friend. It’s about a 15-20 minute walk from Malvarrosa Beach. The place itself is more of a bar that happens to serve various types of tortilla than a proper restaurant. We drove here one Sunday morning and opted for two kinds of tortilla: one with onions and potatoes and the other with cod. Surprisingly, both were spectacular, especially with the generous serving of alli-oli (garlic aioli) on the side. This truly is a spot for locals, but definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

Bodega La Peseta, Carrer del Crist del Grau, 16, València, +34 637 86 05 28
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The Best Cafés in Valencia

Federal*

A burger and a sandwich at Federal Cafe in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com
Seated literally on the window – best of both worlds!

Federal is one of those ultra-modern and incredibly designed cafes that makes you want to spend the entire day there. The food is great if you’re looking for a really good sandwich or salad, if not a tad overpriced. I had a really good burger with fries here, and they even serve mosto, one of my favorite Spanish drinks! Side note: mosto is grape juice made from unfermented grapes. Come here for a leisurely lunch or coffee – you won’t regret it.

Federal Café, Carrer de l’Ambaixador Vich, 15, València, +34 960 61 75 96
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Ubik Café

In Valencia, there are several shops and cafes that have been deemed “special places.” These special places have historical and/or cultural significance to the city. Ubik is one such place, a combination second-hand bookshop meets café. It holds events for the local community, does a paella lunch on Sundays, and is a generally cool spot to hang out. I personally didn’t love the food here, but it’s a cozy option to grab a coffee or relax with a good book.

Ubik Cafe, Carrer del Literat Azorín, 13, València, +34 963 74 12 55
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Dulce de Leche

Carrot juice, yogurt and a spinach quiche at Dulce de Leche Cafe in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

I’m a tad obsessed with cafes and bakeries and Dulce de Leche totally hits the spot. It’s an excellent café to go for brunch, where you can get a fresh juice, quiche, croissant, yogurt and coffee all for a set price. They have a mouthwatering bakeshop and tons of tempting savory items as well. The inside looks incredibly relaxing, although we chose to sit outside and people-watch. I highly recommend it for both food and ambiance.

Dulce de Leche Café, Carrer del Pintor Gisbert, 2, València, +34 960 03 59 49
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The Best Pintxos in Valencia

Tanto Monta*

I only went to Tanto Monta once in Valencia and am SO disappointed I didn’t get a chance to return! It’s located slightly outside the center (15 minutes in a cab) and is incredibly popular. Even though we arrived “early” (by Spanish time) at 8 pm, there was only one empty table left. It’s easily the best place for cheap eats in Valencia that’s also delicious.

Quick lesson: pintxos are essentially little snacks served buffet-style at specialty bars. They’re popular in the Basque region of Spain and often consist of bread with toppings. At Tanto Monta, you pick out your preferred pintxos and servers heat them up and bring them to your table. The fun part is that nothing is labeled, so it’s a bit of a Russian Roulette as to what you’ll get. The food was heavenly and incredibly cheap (around 10 euro per person) which meant a happy wallet and stomach. Win, win! Get here early to snag a table and all the good pintxos; they don’t take reservations.

Tanto Monta, Carrer del Poeta Artola, 19, 46021 València, +34 963 29 81 06
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Taberna La Reina

Two pintxos on a plate at Taberna la Reina in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

Located in Plaza de la Reina, Taberna La Reina is also a decent option for pintxos. It’s nowhere near as rave-worthy as Tanto Monta, but its location is incredibly convenient since it’s in the heart of the city. We came here one day for a snack after an early morning tour and were pleased to find a huge variety of good quality pintxos. Not a must visit, but it’s an excellent choice in this part of town!

Taberna La Reina, Plaça de la Reina, 1, València, +34 963 15 22 14
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The Best “Nice” Restaurants in Valencia

Ricard Camarena

 

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Ricard Camarena’s restaurants are all over this list and that’s because he can basically do no wrong when it comes to good food. Here you have the option to try tasting menus of varying sizes: six dishes, eight dishes, or a whopping eleven dishes. The ingredients used here are locally sourced and dishes have a Mediterranean twist that’s as delicious as the plates are beautiful. Make reservations!

Ricard Camarena, Av. de Burjassot, 54, Bombas Gens Centre d’Art, Valencia, +34 963 355 418
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El Poblet

 

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The same chef (Quique Dacosta) behind MercatBar opened this restaurant back in 2011 and was awarded a Michelin star the following year. Although he isn’t the current chef, the menu remains faithful to his essence. This is haute cuisine at its finest and is definitely the fanciest of the restaurants on this list. Come here for a special occasion or simply to experience some of Valencia’s finest cuisine. Your stomach will not regret it.

El Poblet, 1º, Carrer de Correus, 8, València, +34 961 11 11 06
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El Huerto

Meloso, bread, and water at El Huerto Restaurant in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com
Meloso, a Valencian soupy rice dish

Although I only visited El Huerto for lunch as part of a food tour, it deserves a special shout-out. Located in Russafa, El Huerto is definitely a restaurant worth adding trying. It provides an excellent mix of old-school Valencian cuisine (like meloso) and fusion food (like beetroot gazpacho). The food is as delightful as the ambiance– especially if you get a seat at the beautiful outdoor patio. You won’t leave disappointed!

El Huerto, Carrer de Pere III el Gran, 11, València, +34 963 33 47 49
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Momiji

A sushi roll at Momiji in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

There’s an excellent sushi restaurant located right at Mercado Colón if you get tired of Spanish food. It’s best to make reservations for Momiji and even better to ask for seats at the bar. Sitting at the bar here is like watching a live show: you see every step of the sushi-making process right in front of you, and boy is it impressive. The food is melt-in-your-mouth good and as an added bonus, the chefs are cute. The cost is slightly more than I would pay at home in Los Angeles, but the freshness makes it totally worth it.

Momiji, Mercado Colón, Carrer de Jorge Juan, nº 19, Valencia, +34 960 70 91 75
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Crudo Bar

It was nearly the end of summer by the time we sampled Crudo Bar and in our excitement, we went slightly overboard and ordered a lot of food. Somehow, every dish we ordered was better than the last; Crudo Bar is hands down the best restaurant in Valencia for fusion seafood. We had the curry patatas bravas, tuna tataki, AND tuna carpaccio because there’s no such thing as too much tuna, fresh shrimp, and octopus. Just looking at the photos again is making me drool. If you like seafood, Crudo Bar is the place to be.

Crudo Bar, Calle Corregería, 7, València, +34 960 69 19 86
Read reviews on TripAdvisor

 

Where to Drink Horchata (Orxata) in Valencia

Casa de L’Orxata*

Horchata and a farton at Casa de l'Orxata in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com
You can’t have an horchata without an accompany fartón!

Oh, orxata (OR-CHA-TAH), how I love thee. Valencians are obsessed with this refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, and I can guarantee it will be your new addiction. The New York Times says Casa de L’Orxata is the best horchata in Valencia, and I can vouch wholeheartedly for that statement. Their version is organic and just the right amount of sweet. Plus, it’s conveniently located at Mercado Colón. Just don’t ask how many times I went there. We’re looking at double digits, easily.

Casa de L’Orxata, C/ Jorge Juan s/n- Mercado de Colón, Valencia, +34 963 52 73 07
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Horchatería Santa Catalina

Me dipping a farton in horchata at Horchateria Santa Catalina in Valencia, Spain - Best restaurants in Valencia Spain | https://passportandplates.com

Although Casa de L’Orxata has the best horchata, the most famous one can be found at Horchatería Santa Catalina. Conveniently located in the center of town, Santa Catalina is also the oldest horchatería around. It’s a close second to Casa de L’Orxata and is worth visiting at least once, if not for its historical significance and colorful décor. Plus, their horchata is a tad sweeter, for you sugar lovers out there.

Horchatería Santa Catalina, Plaça de Santa Caterina, 6, València, +34 963 91 23 79
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Where to Eat Authentic Italian in Valencia

Lambrusqueria

 

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We clearly left no stone unturned when it came to restaurants in Valencia, and the final one for this list is not Spanish, but Italian. At first glance, Lambrusqueria looks like a fancy Italian restaurant that’s suited for a night out on the town. In reality, it offers generous plates of handmade pasta dishes for less than 15 euros. I’m a self-proclaimed Italian food hater (maybe hate is a strong word, but I do find it underwhelming). However, I ate here twice in the span of weeks. It’s the best Italian food in Valencia.

Lambrusqueria, Carrer del Comte d’Altea, 31, València, +34 963 34 07 53
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Tips for Eating in Valencia (and in Spain)

  • The Spaniards pretty much eat all day – five meals a day including snacks. Lunch is the main and heaviest meal and is oftentimes 2 or 3 courses. Dinner usually consists of lighter fare such as tapas or pintxos.
  • Lunchtime is usually between 2 pm – 4 pm and is a long affair (1-2 hours). This is the best time to try some of the more expensive restaurants as many places have a menu del dia (menu of the day) that includes 2-3 courses for a set price.
  • Most restaurants won’t open for dinner until 7 pm at the absolute earliest but most Spaniards don’t eat until after 9 pm. Lots of restaurants even close between 5 pm and 7 pm.
  • If the restaurant you’re at is serving paella for dinner, it’s probably touristy. That’s not necessarily a bad thing but just know that Spaniards take the “no heavy food at dinner” rule very seriously.
  • Service in Valencia (and Spain in general) is not overly attentive, especially compared to the U.S. They’re pretty hands-off as far as service goes.

Phew. I know, this list is extensive. But hey, I wasn’t kidding when I called this the ultimate guide to the best restaurants in Valencia. Happy eating!


More Spain Resources

Planning a trip to Spain soon? Check out ALL my posts on Spain below:

 

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33 thoughts on “The Foodie Guide to the Best Restaurants in Valencia Spain

  1. Ryan Biddulph says:

    Hi Sally,

    The food looks delish! And good on you for being open to veggie fare 😉 Fellow meat eater here but I usually consume carne (note Spanish 😉 3-5 times monthly. Because wifey has been a vegetarian for 11 years. And I usually follow her lead. Amazing too: when you go to a REAL vegetarian or vegan restaurant – you will find these easily in a place like NYC – you will drop $30 to $50 for a meal for 2 and enjoy vegetarian, or outright vegan, that tastes almost EXACTLY like meat. From a former meat lover, the vegan bacon and cheddar burgers are astoundingly authentic, like a damn fine bacon cheddar burger….almost shockingly! Which is why they are $18 in some restaurants LOL. But worth every freaking cent.

    Thanks for sharing!

    Ryan

  2. Hallie Bradley says:

    Ummm.. Aquarium and La Peseta look amazing. Also, yes, all the tapas and coffee I can get my hands on and I’d be a happy girl. THat looks like a stunningly delicious trip. ^^

    • Sally E says:

      Yesssss so delicious! I’m so glad my friend took me to La Peseta. I would have never found it without him! You can’t go wrong with Spanish food 🙂

  3. Natasha says:

    Wow — this all looks amazing. I waitressed for a bit at a Spanish restaurant in the states and I remember our patatas bravas was my favorite appetizer — so I’d love to try that! But wow — the Spanish tortillas sound and look amazing, too! 🙂

    • Sally E says:

      Mmmmm I miss patatas bravas so much! There aren’t many Spanish places in LA unfortunately. But yeah all the food there is so good! I definitely miss it.

  4. Sally says:

    Yummm, these places look delicious! I would love to go around and spend the time exploring all of these hidden gems in Valencia. I have been to Spain twice but never made it to Valencia.

    • Sally E says:

      It took me 3 trips until I finally made it to Valencia, so I understand! it’s such an underrated and vibrant city though – I hope you get a chance to go soon 🙂

  5. Cori Carl says:

    I loved Valencia and did not spend enough time there. Hopefully I’ll be back soon and I’ll be able to try your suggestions — these look great!

  6. Ivy says:

    My goodness… I’m salivating reading this post!! I’l definitely have to hit up at least 5 of these when we go. If we’re short on time and can only visit TWO, which two would you recommend?!

    • Sally E says:

      Oooh that’s SUCH a hard question! I would say La Pilareta for Spanish / Valencian food and either Crudo Bar (not super Spanish but amazing seafood) or Canalla Bistro for upscale fusion food.
      Also, I’m so jealous you’re going! You’re going to love it. Be sure to check out the ultimate travel guide I just published when planning your itinerary :). Happy travels! https://passportandplates.com/destination-guides/ultimate-valencia-travel-guide/

  7. sonderbarmii says:

    ALL of it looks amazing!! I’m drooling already … I need to go back and visit all of these restaurants (except the Santa Catalina, I’ve been there already!). I really really really want the octopus!! 🙂

    • Sally E says:

      The octopus was heavenly! I’m drooling just thinking about it. You need to go back and eat your way through the city – so many good places!

  8. Kerri McConnel says:

    This is such a great wrap up Sally, and as I read through them all, I have come to the conclusion that I couldn’t possibly choose a favourite. I could rule out the coffee places as I’m not a coffee drinker (although I’m quite sure my husband would be in for those 🙂 ) There is so much to love about Spanish food. After I was in Spain, I went to a cooking class back home with a well know expat Spanish chef and bought his hugely expensive book (the moment took over me 🙂 ) I think Canella would be at the top of my list.

    • Sally E says:

      Thanks so much Kerri :). I know what you mean – even now I couldn’t choose a favorite! Spanish food is just too good.
      Just out of curiosity – did that chef happen to be Papa Serra Jr? I’ve been eying his book (Papalosophy) and am thinking of buying it!

  9. Hung Thai says:

    Two weeks ago I met up with some friends in Chicago and ate at a tapas place – they lived in Spain for half a year and talked about patatas bravas like it was the best thing in the world. We had some at the restaurant but it wasn’t the same. Have you had this and where in Valencia is the best spot to find some?

    • Sally E says:

      I looooove patatas bravas! They really are the best. I have yet to find a good place in the US that makes a good but my favorite places for bravas in Valencia are La Pilareta and Cafe Infanta. If you go, I highly recommend those places 🙂

  10. Paige Brown says:

    I love when a destination starts to become all about the food – sometimes those sneak up on you! I’ve not been to Spain yet, but I always hear nothing but great things about Spanish food! Trying orxata just climbed its way to the top of my eating list since I have a massive sweet tooth! I’m simultaneously drooling and trying to convince my husband that Spain needs to happen ASAP. Ha!

    • Sally E says:

      Haha same…although I try to make most destinations about food :p. You have to go to Spain and try the food. There are so many good eats! Go go go!!

  11. Leah Kate says:

    Wow amazing!! I absolutely LOVE Spanish food and although I haven’t been to Valencia yet, I definitely plan to and now I’m drooling just thinking about it. Thanks for sharing, pinning for later! 🙂

  12. Sara Bernard says:

    That is a big list, and I’m hungry now 🙁 I want to go back home (anywhere in Spain) and have a little bit of this and that. Don’t get me wrong, I love it but I “hate” you

  13. Sarah @ Endless Distances says:

    I loooove this post. I spent a few days in Valencia this past spring and we ate our way through that city haha. So excited to see Ubik and Dulce de Leche made your list too! We had breakfast at Dulce every day <3

    • Sally E says:

      Thanks Sarah! And yessss Valencia has SO much good food! I’m glad I made it to Dulce – it was closed all summer and I finally visited near the end of my trip. SO delicious!

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