Valencia, a coastal city in the eastern region of Spain, is known for its stunning beaches, beautiful architecture, and, of course, its incredible food. Whether you\’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, Valencia\’s cuisine is bound to leave you wanting more. In this article, we\’ll explore some of the best food in Valencia and what makes it so special.

One of the most popular dishes in Valencia is paella, a rice dish typically cooked with chicken or rabbit, and seasoned with saffron for a unique, aromatic flavor. While paella can be found in many restaurants throughout Valencia, some of the best places to try it are in the El Carme district of the old town. La Riua, for example, has been serving up delicious paella and other traditional Valencian dishes since 1897.

Another must-try Valencian dish is all i pebre, a stew made with eels, potatoes, garlic, and paprika. This dish is typically eaten during the cooler months and is a favorite among locals. For a truly authentic experience, head to the nearby village of El Palmar and visit one of the restaurants that specialize in this dish.

Valencia is also known for its seafood, and the local specialty is arroz a banda, a rice dish flavored with fish stock and a mix of different types of seafood. The dish is typically served in a clay pot and is best enjoyed by the sea. Restaurante Casa Carmela is one of the best places to try arroz a banda, and it\’s located right on the beach.

For a sweet treat, try horchata, a refreshing drink made with tiger nuts, sugar, and water. This traditional Valencian beverage is best enjoyed with a sweet pastry called fartons. One of the oldest horchaterias in Valencia is Horchateria de Santa Catalina, which has been serving up this refreshing drink since 1836.

Valencia\’s culinary scene isn\’t just limited to traditional dishes. The city is also home to a growing number of trendy restaurants and cafes that offer a modern twist on classic Valencian cuisine. One such restaurant is Ricard Camarena, located in the trendy Ruzafa neighborhood. The restaurant offers innovative dishes that incorporate local ingredients and traditional Valencian cooking methods.

To truly experience Valencia\’s food culture, it\’s worth exploring the city\’s food markets. The Mercado Central, for example, is one of the oldest markets in Europe and offers a wide variety of traditional Valencian ingredients such as fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables. The market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike and is a great place to try some of the city\’s most iconic dishes.

In conclusion, Valencia\’s cuisine is a reflection of the city\’s rich history and cultural heritage. From traditional dishes like paella and all i pebre to modern culinary creations, Valencia\’s food scene has something for everyone. Whether you\’re a foodie or simply looking to try some delicious food, Valencia is a city that should definitely be on your list.

Where to Find the Best Paella in Valencia

While there are many restaurants in Valencia that serve paella, not all of them are created equal. Here are some of the best places to try this iconic dish:

La Riua: This restaurant has been serving up traditional Valencian cuisine since 1897 and is known for its delicious paella. The restaurant is located in the historic El Carme district and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

Casa Roberto: This family-owned restaurant has been serving up paella in Valencia for over 50 years. The paella is cooked over an open flame for a unique, smoky flavor.

Restaurante Levante: This restaurant is located right on the beach and is known for its incredible seafood dishes, including paella.

Alqueria del Pou: This restaurant, located in the nearby village of El Palmar, specializes in traditional Valencian cuisine, including paella.

Valencia\’s Best Seafood Restaurants

Valencia\’s proximity to the Mediterranean Sea means that the city has a thriving seafood scene. Here are some of the best seafood restaurants in Valencia:

Restaurante Casa Carmela: This restaurant, located right on the beach, is known for its arroz a banda, a traditional Valencian seafood dish.

Casa Montaña: This historic restaurant has been serving up seafood and other traditional Valencian dishes since 1836. The restaurant has an extensive wine list and a lively atmosphere.

La Pepica: This beachside restaurant has been serving up seafood dishes since 1898 and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.

El Poblet: This Michelin-starred restaurant offers innovative seafood dishes that highlight the flavors of the Mediterranean.

Valencia\’s Best Horchaterias

Horchata is a traditional Valencian drink made with tiger nuts, sugar, and water. Here are some of the best horchaterias in Valencia:

Horchateria de Santa Catalina: This horchateria has been serving up this refreshing drink since 1836 and is the oldest horchateria in Valencia. The horchateria is located in the historic El Carmen district.

Horchateria el Siglo: This horchateria is known for its delicious horchata and traditional Valencian sweets.

Horchateria Santa: This horchateria is located in the trendy Ruzafa neighborhood and offers a modern twist on traditional Valencian drinks.

Toni Montoliu: This horchateria is located in the Mercado Central and offers a wide variety of traditional Valencian drinks and sweets.

Valencia\’s Best Food Markets

Valencia is home to several food markets that offer a wide variety of local ingredients and traditional Valencian dishes. Here are some of the best food markets in Valencia:

Mercado Central: This historic market is one of the oldest in Europe and offers a wide variety of traditional Valencian ingredients such as fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables.

Mercado Colon: This market is located in the trendy Eixample neighborhood and offers a variety of food stalls and restaurants that specialize in local and international cuisine.

El Mercat de Russafa: This indoor market is located in the Ruzafa neighborhood and offers a wide variety of artisanal products and local ingredients.

Mercado de Tapineria: This market is located in the historic El Carmen district and offers a variety of artisanal products and traditional Valencian dishes.