Forget everything you know about Spanish food—València is a league of its own! This city is a gourmet powerhouse, blessed with an unparalleled natural larder. The fertile Huerta spoils the city with bright oranges, plump tomatoes, and crisp artichokes. Then you have the Mediterranean right there, delivering treasures like the succulent clóchinas (Valencian mussels) and the famed Dénia red prawns. And, of course, the Albufera is the cradle of Spanish rice, the secret to true paella. Whether you’re chilling on a sunny terrace or settling in for a Michelin-starred event, your taste buds are about to have a party. Forget bland food; València guarantees a lasting (and delicious) impression.
Here are the spots you absolutely need to hit to kick off your culinary journey.
La Sastreria
Step into a design masterpiece! The restaurant is located in the buzzing Canyamelar-Cabanyal fishing quarter, where the location is pure drama. The decor features a spectacular ceramic wave that looks like the Mediterranean just crashed inside. Chef Sergio Giraldo takes that seaside vibe and transforms it into market cuisine, masterfully modernizing hyper-fresh fish. It’s an immersive, artistic dining experience capturing everything the coast has to offer. Don’t skip the tasting menu!
Dos Estaciones
If you love surprise and seasonal genius, pull up a chair here. Chefs Mar Soler and Alberto Alonso treat their kitchen like a creative laboratory, constantly playing with ingredients to keep things fresh and exciting. It’s intimate, innovative, and perfect when you’re craving something a little different.
Mercabanyal
Imagine a lively, two-story gastronomic open-air market with street art and live music. That’s Mercabanyal! You’ll find locals enjoying a quick bite on their way to the beach, just steps away. It offers a relaxed atmosphere with multiple gourmet stalls—from freiduría and tapas bars to craft beer and even desserts. Grab a tray and create your own feast of local specialties!
Don’t miss the Madre counter, which offers a revisited version of traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Ostras Pedrín
Sprint to this trendy spot near València’s beaches! Ostras Pedrín serves the city’s finest, plumpest oysters. It’s the perfect place for a quick, salty bite—with chilled white wine and a relaxed atmsphere. Pure seaside indulgence!
Atenea Sky — rooftop dining in Valencia
Ready for the best view in València? Head straight to Atenea Sky, soaring eight floors above the historic Ateneo Mercantil. This majestic, nearly 500-square-meter rooftop doesn’t just offer a view; it gives you a great view 360-degree panorama that completely transforms your perspective of the city. Pay the small €8 access fee and settle in for a show. The vibe is sophisticated yet totally relaxed, fuelled by signature cocktails, the city’s best Agua de Valencia, and killer daily DJ sets.
Trust us: book a spot for sunset—it’s pure magic.
Taska la Reina Cabanyal
A beloved local secret, this is one of València’s best tapas bars. Enjoy traditional cuisine with a modern twist, like esgarraet esgarraet (salt cod and pepper) and the crispiest patatas bravas you’ll ever eat. It captures everything that makes the Cabañal-Cañamelar district special.
Casa Carmela — the best restaurant in Valencia for authentic paella
Forget what you think you know about paella. For the authentic experience, you must go to Casa Carmela on Playa Malvarrosa. Their legendary Paella Valenciana uses chicken and rabbit, not seafood! With a century of history, a sun-soaked terrace, and an unmistakable seaside charm, it’s a non-negotiable stop.
Warning: Reserve ahead of time, as a proper paella takes a full hour to prepare. If a restaurant claims to have one ready in five minutes, run!
Quiosc La Pérgola
Escape to the green heights of Jardín del Turia for a local lunch spot. This unpretentious kiosk is where locals grab fresh seafood and simple plates. It’s the perfect chill-out zone for a laid-back meal—don’t miss a traditional bocadillo (sandwich) while enjoying the sun.
Lienzo
Chef María José Martínez turns gastronomy into a masterpiece at this Michelin-starred spot. Expect innovative, artistic dishes and imaginative tasting plates in Ciutat Vella—the ultimate destination for a spectacular dining experience.
Entrevins
French Chef Guillaume Gloriès expertly weds creative cuisine with flawless wine pairings. Head downstairs to Birlibirloque gastrobar for a casual sip from their 24-wine list. An exquisite, tailored affair for wine lovers!
Restaurante Espurnes
This intimate Ciutat Vella gem gives traditional Mediterranean cuisine a modern makeover. Every dish delivers gourmet perfection, blending local flavour with cutting-edge technique. They capture everything great about València’s produce.
Horchateria De Santa Catalina
For a sweet break, visit Orxateria Santa Catalina to taste one of València’s most famous specialities: horchata. This refreshing tiger nut drink pairs perfectly with fartons, a sweet, fluffy pastry. Located in the heart of Ciutat Vella, this historic horchatería offers a classic dive into local tradition.
La Cooperativa del Mar Ruzafa
Seafood fan? This small gem on Carrer de Sueca serves the best local catch. Enjoy grilled gambas and perfect fresh fish focused on quality ingredients, simply and carefully prepared. An unparalleled taste of the sea!
Ricard Camarena — Spain fine dining in Valencia’s old town
Ready for a splurge? Chef Ricard Camarena delivers a mind-blowing, Michelin-starred experience at his namesake restaurant. His sophisticated food blends local roots with pure innovation, often using his own garden produce. A must-visit for world-class fine dining experience!
Casa Montaña — typical Spain food and tapas
Since 1836, Casa Montaña in El Cabanyal has been serving history on a plate. This rustic tavern is a València icon, famous for high-quality, seasonal tapas bars like the fresh clóchinas (Valencian mussels) and jamón ibérico. It’s a guaranteed great time with a gorgeous terrace and traditional charm. A must-visit on your first time in the city! This is one of the essential tapas bars to experience the city’s traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
Mercado Central
If you want to feel the pulse of València, start here. Central Market is a breathtaking Art Nouveau jewel and one of Europe’s largest fresh fish and food markets. Its towering iron domes and stained-glass windows flood the space with light, making the 900 stalls of huerta produce and every local delicacy imaginable look absolutely stunning. The energy is infectious, the smells are intoxicating, and the authenticity is unmatched—it captures everything about Valencian life.
Local secret: Grab a morning coffee at a nearby sunny terrace and watch the city wake up, then dive into the market for picnic ingredients to enjoy later in the Jardín del Turia.
Forn de San Pablo
This artisanal bakery in the heart of Ciutat Vella is a living, breathing piece of València’s culinary history, perfecting recipes for over a century! The daily line out the door are there for a good reason, and tells you everything you need to know: their sourdough and traditional pastries are simply exceptional. Grab their famous fartons—pillowy sweet sticks are the essential, perfect partner for a glass of horchata.
Café de las Horas
Step into the enchanted, Baroque world of this iconic café. It’s pure theatrical magic and the original home of Agua de Valencia (a deceptively potent mix of cava, orange juice, and spirits). Come for the unique setting, stay for the perfectly mixed drinks, and soak up the moody, sophisticated atmosphere.
