One of the aspects that struck me most on my recent trips to Valencia (map) in Spain is the city’s culinary diversity. From simple food stands to lovely seafood restaurants at the beach to Michelin star outfits, Valencia definitely has lots of culinary highlights to offer. Paella and calamari dominate menus everywhere but look closer and you’ll find many Valencian specialties that are prepared using fine regional ingredients in accordance with age-old recipes. Many restaurants also have a distinct character, making the culinary experience all the more intriguing. If you’re looking for places to eat in Valencia, I’ve chosen five restaurants which really impressed me with the quality of their food and the unique ambiance. Here are my recommendations for where to eat in Valencia:
La Riua
Located in the city centre, La Riua is a family establishment that serves authentic Valencian fare. As you step into the restaurant, you’ll notice the gorgeous ceramic plates that cover the walls. Try the arroz a banda and the rabbit and chicken paella.
Casa Montana
This atmospheric restaurant is situated in the El Cabanal neighbourhood near the port area. Valencians have been eating at Casa Montana for more than a century and it’s not hard to see why. The atmosphere is casual and jovial – guests are packed together at large wooden tables. Try the wafer-thin cured meats, anchovies, marinated tuna, grilled sardines and the divine patatas bravas. Oh, Casa Montana also serves over 1,300 types of wine, with more than 20,000 bottles in the cellar! 🙂 To cap off a wonderful meal, ask the waiter for their chocolate truffles. They’re simply heavenly!
Read more about things to do in Valencia
Sagardi Euskal Taberna
This beautiful restaurant is situated in the historic centre of Valencia. Sagardi comprises two floors where guests can have a casual meal at the counter (downstairs) or a more formal meal in the dining area (upstairs). Whatever you decide, don’t miss the grilled meats! The steaks are absolutely delicious.
La Ferradura
This beach-side restaurant is popular with families, especially in the weekends. Sit outside in the cool shade and enjoy the stunning views of the boulevard, the beach and the Mediterranean sea. La Ferradura is famous for its Valencian specialties which include a variety of rice (arroz) dishes and grilled seafood.
Vertical
This is an impressive Michelin-star restaurant with a stunning view of Valencia’s City of Arts & Sciences on one side and the port of Valencia on the other. The interior of Vertical is contemporary chic and the food likewise. The gastronomic tasting menu was full of surprises, my favourites being the shellfish platter (we were provided with funky-looking tweezers to eat it) and the boiled egg on hummus in a mushroom broth.
Note: my trips to Valencia were sponsored by the Land of Valencia.
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[…] to offer. From tapas/pintxo bars to Michelin star establishments, there’s a broad range of restaurants to choose from. My favourites include La Riua, a popular paella restaurant; Sagardi, a pintxo bar […]
Oh well. Next time to you to Valencia, you’ll be better prepared. 😉
Cheers,
Keith
I cannot believe I did not check out your site before heading there! I may have to make a side trip back just to try some of these restaurants.
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I recommend also La Querencia , in the city cebter , just around the train station , for tapas and wines , very good selection of valencians and spanish wines. http://www.la-querencia.com
Thank you Jen, Kathryn and Mei for your comments. It really was an awesome culinary experience. Can’t wait to go back for more grub… and awesome wines! 🙂
Hugs,
Keith
W.O.W.!!!! I envy you…Food is my weakness!
Oh yum! I should know better than to have read this post right before lunch….somehow my tinned soup is not seeming so delicious anymore! 🙂
The paella looks especially yummy!
awesome food. I’m so jealous.. sigh, maybe one day I’ll get to eat there too eh? 😀
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