Food and restaurants in Valencia - our top tips

Writer: Helena Bergström

Valencia is a city where food really takes centre stage. Here, the sea, rice fields and orange groves come together in a food culture that feels both rustic and modern. Did you know, for example, that the dish paella originated in Valencia? We've rounded up a bunch of restaurants in Valencia, as well as dishes and drinks you won't want to miss during your visit.

Restaurants in Valencia

We spent about four days in Valencia, and during those days we managed to try a bunch of restaurants. Here are a few restaurants in Valencia that are well worth a visit, including rooftop bars and places for breakfast or a light meal.

1. Poble Nou, Roig Arena - modern food in a new environment

In the new arena environment of Roig Arena you will find the restaurant Poble Nou. The atmosphere in the restaurant is stylish and elegant, and the windows offer a view of the stadium. The menu focuses on modern interpretations of local ingredients, and there is also an extensive wine list.

In the kitchen, Paella Valenciana is made on an assembly line - wood-fired paella with chicken, rabbit or sausage. Non-meat eaters can order a seafood version - but this is not the traditional paella of the region.

It is delicious to see the cooking and serving from the large pans. What we liked best were the starters, including calamari, and the desserts - not least the delicious chocolate cake.

2. Alegal - exciting dishes and stylish decor

It apparently took several years to rebuild the restaurant Alegal, which is understandable when you see the unique, delicious and well thought-out interior design. It feels a bit like stepping into a film, where the environment offers both cosy luxury and some kind of theatrical and almost exotic experience.

The menu (which begins with the words ”Not another f*cking restaurant”) offers many exciting dishes, which work well for sharing. We had the ensalladilla rusa (potato salad), foie gras in the form of a glazed apple, ceasar salad made on the spot at the table, and both fish and beef that tasted absolutely delicious. Dinner at Alegal was by far the best dining experience of the whole trip!

3. Atanea Sky - rooftop bar with a view

Another place well worth visiting, not least for the view, is the rooftop bar Atanea Sky. Here you sit relaxed, at bar tables or on sofas, while having an unrivalled view of the city. Coming here at sunset and having a drink was an experience we will never forget.

On the same floor, but indoors, there is a restaurant with classic white tablecloth decor. Here we had a good and quite classic three-course dinner, which started with a kind of avocado tartar, continued with Iberico pork and ended with a variation on cheesecake.

4. El Coso - dinner by the sea

Valencia offers not only an urban environment, but also a long and lovely sandy beach. Along the beach you will find several restaurants, and we had lunch one day at El Coso. From this restaurant you have a magical view of the beach, the sea and the palm-lined promenade. Simply marvellous!

Our large group started with a variety of starters which we shared - including creamy squid salad, calamari and mussels. The local variety of mussels, clóchina, is in season from May to August, so we ate classic ”regular” mussels. They were good anyway.

Paella Valenciana was also served here. This version was a little more yellow in colour and contained pieces of chicken, rabbit and artichoke.

5. MYR Puerta Serranos - breakfast and views

MYR Puerta Serranos is certainly a hotel, but it's worth mentioning in the context of food. The breakfast here is absolutely fantastic - at least if you appreciate an à la carte breakfast with creative and exciting dishes. We tried the eggs benedict, the ”health sandwich” (ham, avocado, spinach and egg), the chevre sandwich with walnuts and honey, and the delicious yoghurts with granola, seeds, honey, berries and other goodies.

The hotel also has a lovely rooftop bar, Luna de Valencia, which is a great place to visit if you want to have a drink while enjoying the stunning views. In addition to drinks, you can order small snacks such as olives, hummus and Spanish ham.

6. Bajamarea - a simpler stop for pizza

Last but not least, we'll mention a slightly simpler place, where we slipped in the first evening, after landing late. We just wanted something simple and therefore chose to share a pizza. The fact that this was served with scissors was a bit surprising to us, but after a little googling, it is apparently not completely uncommon in simpler places.

However, the pizza tasted absolutely excellent and the place also felt both cosy and snug. A nice place when you need to sit down in peace and quiet and refuel some energy, in the form of pizza or maybe a pasta.

Food in Valencia - dishes and drinks to try

Valencia is a foodie city, and there are some dishes (and drinks!) that you won't want to miss trying during a visit to the city.

Paella - this is where it all started

Valencia is the home of paella. This classic dish is not served with seafood as in some other places, but with chicken, rabbit or sausages, perhaps accompanied by artichokes.

Note that real paella takes time to cook, and is often made from scratch over an open fire. Many restaurants therefore recommend pre-booking your paella.

Horchata - a sweet cooling drink

Horchata is a sweet, cooling drink made from ground almonds. It is sold in cafés as well as in various stalls around the city. We liked this drink, which is sure to be especially good on a hot summer day.

Oranges in all forms

Valencia is famous for its oranges, which you can see growing all over the city. You can shop at the market, or savour oranges in desserts or cocktails, for example. We ordered freshly squeezed orange juice for breakfast so good!

Agua de Valencia - an iconic drink

Agua de Valencia is an iconic Spanish cocktail that originates from, and is very popular in, Valencia. The drink is known for its refreshing blend of freshly squeezed orange juice, cava, vodka and gin. Don't miss out!

Food in Valencia - at Mercat Central

Do you like to browse food at markets? Then you shouldn't miss the Mercat Central! Here you'll find a huge range of seafood, but also hams, vegetables, pastries and much more.

Food and restaurants in Valencia - our top tips

What we took away most from Valencia is that food here is all about pace. You eat slowly (preferably late!) and let meals become part of the day rather than a stop between activities.

Go for a long lunch by the sea one day, remembering that paella may need to be pre-booked and leave room in your schedule for spontaneous stops. Valencia is a city that offers wonderful local food experiences.

More to see and do in Valencia

There is, of course, much more to see and do in Valencia. You won't want to miss the Old Town, with all its beautiful buildings and historic sights. You can also experience all exciting architecture in Valencia. Other tips include the long fine beach, Las Fallas festival, Biopark Valencia, Oceanografic Valencia and Albufera Natural Park.

READ MORE: Things to do in Valencia - tips and attractions

This trip was a press trip organised by Visit Valencia. All thoughts and opinions as always our own!