This blogpost is a call for foodies! While you’re living in the homeland of paella (or you’re just stopping by for a holiday) you can’t miss trying some authentic local dishes. Explore the best restaurants in Valencia with us!

Studying abroad in Valencia (or in Spain, as well) will turn you into a real foodie. Spanish culinary tradition will make you completely forget about fast food and cheap chewy pizza.

Get ready to join our gastronomic journey around the Valencian local goodies you have to try at least once if you’re living in Valencia or you’re just stopping by for a trip. Discover the best restaurants in Valencia and live the tastiest Spanish adventure!

What food is Valencia famous for? 6 Valencian dishes

Valencia is the kind of place you can find whatever food you’re looking for: seafood, earth flavours, international cuisines or junk food. But here we’re going to tell you the traditional dishes that make Valencia famous all over the world (coming from a very interesting mash up: Balearic cuisine, Catalan cuisine, Aragonese cuisine, Manchego cuisine and Murcian one).

1. Paella Valenciana

How not to mention the one and only great paella?! Valencia (La Albufera, right south the city) is the birthplace of this amazing rice-based dish mixed with chicken and rabbit or with seafood. It is served in a huge pan for sharing!

2. Arroz negro

Another delicious recipe from the maritime tradition: it is rice cooked in the paella (pan) with squid ink and pieces of squid.

3. Sobrasada

Along with botifarró, Sobrasada is a typical Balearic product (from Mallorca) also famous in Valencia. It’s raw cured sausage, made up of ground pork and spices, such as paprika.

4. Fideuá

It is typical of the Valencian coastline (originally from Gandía region), and this one is also a seafood based dish with noodles.

5. Horchata and Fartons

Ready for a very sweet flavour? Horchata (Orxata in Valencian) is a sweet beverage made with submerged rice or tigernuts. While Fartons are long shaped and glazed pastries made to be dipped in the Horchata.

6. Esgarrat

Another fish based dish from the community of Valencia, more specifically from the mountains of Alcoi: a mixture of red peppers, salted cod, olive oil, garlic and black olives.

Paella, tapas and much more...the best restaurants in Valencia

Valencia offers a wide variety of traditional and international restaurants, tapas bars and much more. You can spot them all around the city, from the central areas, to the beachfront ones. Here we have some tips to enjoy local food in Valencia without getting stuck in the usual tourist traps. 

1. Bodega Casa Montana, a historical restaurant dating back to 1836, famous for its delicious seafood tapas and wide selection of wines. This lovely dining spot is located in Cabanyal neighborhood, an area a few steps away from the beach, boasting the liveliest atmosphere.

2. Palace Fesole is a call for all the Valencian cuisine lovers! This restaurant will delight you with the most typical flavours of this incredible land: traditional meat dishes, rice, fish ones with a contemporary twist.

3. Restaurante Arribar is a must visit restaurant for fans of seafood dishes. Its excellent and wide menu offers many options and each one of them is prepared picking only fresh and quality products.

4. Few steps away from the popular Torres de Serrano cultural site, you can spot La Taberna de Marisa, an intimate restaurant boasting a cosy, welcoming and familiar atmosphere. Here you can enjoy tasty tapas at a very convenient price.

5. La Pepica, a maritime inspired restaurant standing on the beachfront avenue, offers great quality seafood and the locally famous paella. Moreover, here you can spot signed pictures with some famous visitors such as Ernest Hemingway, the Spanish Royal Family and many others.

You’re now ready to start your delicious journey through the best restaurants in Valencia and make unforgettable your adventure abroad.