Grzegorz When travelers think of Spain, their minds often go to paella, vibrant markets, fresh seafood, and evenings filled with tapas and wine. Valencia, the birthplace of paella, is one of the best culinary cities in the country and an essential stop for anyone who loves good food. What makes Valencia unique is how it blends its rich traditions with a spirit of innovation—classic recipes are honored, yet many chefs reimagine them in exciting new ways. From rustic taverns that have been serving time-honored tapas for over a century to bustling beachside restaurants where rice dishes are enjoyed with the sound of the Mediterranean waves in the background, every meal tells a story. This city’s food scene reflects its culture: warm, communal, and endlessly creative.
Below is a carefully curated guide to Valencia’s must-eat restaurants. Each entry includes its location, approximate cost per person, signature dishes, opening hours, and how to make a reservation. With this, you’ll be ready to savor Valencia like a true local.
1. Casa Montaña
Address: Carrer de Josep Benlliure, 69, Poblados Marítimos, 46011 Valencia, Spain
Approximate Price per Person: €40–€60, depending on how much you order and whether you explore their extensive wine cellar.
Signature Dishes:
- Anchovies from Santoña marinated in olive oil
- Michirones (a hearty broad bean stew)
- Roasted artichokes with sea salt
- A range of local cheeses and Iberian cold cuts
- Fresh seafood rice featuring giant prawns
Casa Montaña is more than a restaurant; it’s an institution. Established in the 19th century, this bodega retains its rustic charm with barrels of wine lining the walls and waiters serving plates of tapas that taste like history. Locals gather here for vermouth before lunch, while visitors savor its famous seafood dishes.
Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 13:00–16:00 and 19:30–23:30
- Saturday: 12:30–16:00 and 19:30–23:30
- Sunday: 12:30–16:00 (closed for dinner)
Reservation Method:
Call directly at +34 963 672 314. Given its reputation, reservations are strongly advised, especially for dinner.
2. Pelayo Gastro Trinquet
Address: Calle Pelayo, 6, Extramurs, 46007 Valencia, Spain
Approximate Price per Person: Around €35 for a meal with tapas, a main rice dish, and drinks.
Signature Dishes:
- Titaina: a traditional Cabanyal recipe of peppers, tomatoes, pine nuts, and salted tuna topped with a fried egg
- Paella with cuttlefish and artichokes
- Creamy rice dishes with seasonal vegetables
- Classic Valencian desserts, reinvented with a modern twist
This restaurant sits inside a “trinquet,” a Valencian handball court, blending sport, tradition, and gastronomy. Dining here feels authentic, surrounded by locals who appreciate both the food and the history of the place.
Opening Hours:
- Open daily from 09:30 until late at night, often until 00:30
- Break between lunch and dinner service in the mid-afternoon
Reservation Method:
Phone reservations at +34 963 514 156 are recommended, particularly if you want to enjoy their famous rice dishes in the evening.
3. La Pepica
Address: Passeig de Neptú, 6, 46011 Valencia, Spain
Approximate Price per Person: €30–€50, depending on seafood and wine choices.
Signature Dishes:
- Paella Valenciana with chicken and rabbit
- Seafood paella with prawns and mussels
- Freshly grilled fish of the day
- Salads made with Mediterranean ingredients
La Pepica is one of Valencia’s legendary beachside restaurants. Overlooking Malvarrosa Beach, it has been serving paella for over a century. The sea breeze, the view of the Mediterranean, and the clatter of large paella pans create an atmosphere you can only find here. Ernest Hemingway was said to be a regular guest in the past.
Opening Hours:
- Open daily for lunch and dinner, typically 13:00–16:00 and 20:00–23:30
Reservation Method:
Best to call ahead at +34 963 710 366. Seaside tables are especially popular in the evenings.
4. Vaqueta Gastro Mercat
Address: Carrer de Sant Ferran, 22, 46001 Valencia, Spain
Approximate Price per Person: €30–€45
Signature Dishes:
- Senyoret rice (seafood rice served without shells for easy eating)
- Seasonal tapas featuring fresh market ingredients
- Iberian ham with artisan bread and tomato
- Creamy croquettes with local flavors
Located near the historic center, Vaqueta blends tradition with a contemporary market vibe. The décor is stylish but casual, perfect for travelers looking to enjoy authentic food with a touch of modern presentation.
Opening Hours:
- Lunch: 13:00–16:00
- Dinner: 20:00–23:30
Closed on certain weekdays in the evening; always check ahead.
Reservation Method:
Reservations by phone at +34 963 154 730 are highly suggested, particularly on weekends.
5. Habitual at Mercado de Colón
Address: Mercado de Colón, Carrer de Jorge Juan, 19, 46004 Valencia, Spain
Approximate Price per Person: €25–€35
Signature Dishes:
- Grilled vegetables with olive oil and sea salt
- Fresh fish prepared with Mediterranean herbs
- Traditional Valencian rice dishes with seasonal ingredients
- Inventive desserts highlighting local citrus fruits
Located in the beautifully restored Mercado de Colón, Habitual offers a modern take on Valencian cuisine. The high ceilings, vibrant marketplace setting, and contemporary plating make dining here both relaxed and elegant.
Opening Hours:
- Daily service: 13:00–16:00 and 20:00–23:30
Reservation Method:
Call +34 963 218 686 to reserve. Lunch spots are easier to find, while dinners fill up quickly.
6. Casa Carmela
Address: Carrer d’Isabel de Villena, 155, 46011 Valencia, Spain
Approximate Price per Person: €35–€55
Signature Dishes:
- Traditional wood-fired Paella Valenciana cooked in iron pans
- Arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock)
- Grilled cuttlefish and sardines
- Valencia-style salads with beans and tomatoes
Casa Carmela is beloved for sticking to traditional paella cooking methods. Each rice dish is made over an open fire of orange tree wood, giving it a smoky depth of flavor. The restaurant is located near Malvarrosa Beach, making it a great choice after a seaside stroll.
Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 13:00–16:00
- Closed Monday and evenings
Reservation Method:
Reserve by phone at +34 963 710 073. For paella, pre-ordering is often required.
7. Ricard Camarena Restaurant
Address: Av. de Burjassot, 54, 46009 Valencia, Spain
Approximate Price per Person: €90–€150 (Michelin-starred fine dining)
Signature Dishes:
- Seasonal tasting menu highlighting local produce
- Innovative takes on rice dishes with unusual ingredients
- Starters and desserts inspired by Mediterranean gardens
For travelers seeking haute cuisine, Ricard Camarena’s Michelin-starred restaurant is the crown jewel of Valencia. The dishes are experimental yet deeply connected to the region’s traditions.
Opening Hours:
- Lunch: 13:30–15:30
- Dinner: 20:00–22:00
Closed Sundays and Mondays.
Reservation Method:
Reservations must be made by phone at +34 963 355 418. Book well in advance.
Practical Tips for Dining in Valencia
- Timing: Lunch usually starts around 13:30, and dinner often begins after 20:00. Arriving at 19:00 might feel early in Spanish culture.
- Reservations: Always reserve paella in advance if possible, as it is often prepared to order and requires time.
- Local Specialties: Don’t miss dishes like Esgarraet (roasted peppers with salted cod), Fideuà (a noodle version of paella), and horchata with fartons (a sweet drink and pastry pairing).
- Atmosphere: Seaside restaurants offer views and fresh seafood, while historic taverns like Casa Montaña give you tradition and warmth.
Valencia’s food scene is as colorful as its architecture and as lively as its festivals. From rustic tapas bars to seaside paella houses and avant-garde Michelin dining, the city offers something for every traveler. By visiting restaurants like Casa Montaña, La Pepica, Pelayo Gastro Trinquet, Vaqueta, Habitual, Casa Carmela, and Ricard Camarena, you’ll experience the full spectrum of Valencian cuisine.
What makes dining in Valencia truly special is the way food is woven into the city’s cultural fabric. The historic taverns of El Cabanyal, where fishermen once gathered after long days at sea, still serve wines and tapas that taste of tradition. Along the golden sands of Malvarrosa Beach, paella is not just a dish but a ritual, lovingly prepared over wood fire and shared among family and friends. In the bustling heart of the city, modern restaurants push boundaries, blending local ingredients with contemporary techniques, proving that Valencian cuisine is as forward-looking as it is rooted in heritage.
Each establishment tells a different story. Casa Montaña whispers tales of the past with its old-world charm and barrel-lined walls. La Pepica recalls a century of celebrity visitors who came for paella by the sea. Pelayo Gastro Trinquet connects gastronomy with the Valencian sport of pilota, offering a cultural experience as much as a culinary one. Vaqueta and Habitual highlight the city’s growing appetite for fresh, seasonal produce and innovative cooking styles, while Casa Carmela keeps alive the slow ritual of paella cooked to perfection over orange-wood flames. Finally, Ricard Camarena elevates local produce to an art form, securing Valencia’s reputation on the global culinary stage.
In this city, every dish tells a story of tradition, land, and sea. Whether you’re sipping vermouth in a cozy bodega, enjoying a seafood feast by the Mediterranean, or savoring Michelin-star artistry, dining in Valencia is more than just eating—it’s experiencing the essence of the city itself. For travelers seeking authentic Spanish food, Valencia is not simply a stop on the map but a destination where your taste buds will truly celebrate, leaving you with memories as rich and lasting as the flavors you’ve enjoyed.
