Quick answers — eating in Valencia
- Best restaurant overall
- Ricard Camarena Restaurant
- Best value
- Casa Montaña (€30-€60 / $35-$65)
- Strongest cuisines
- Modern European, Mediterranean, Spanish
- Dishes to try
- Paella Valenciana, Horchata con Fartons, Esgarraet, Fideuà
- Booking window
- For Michelin-starred restaurants, book 2-4 months in advance, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Some offer online systems, while others prefer phone calls.
Booking well in advance, often weeks or months for starred establishments, is crucial. Dress code typically ranges from smart casual to elegant, especially for dinner. Tipping is customary but discretionary, often 5-10% for exceptional service. Dinner hours usually commence between 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, extending late into the evening.
Modern European
Best modern European restaurants in Valencia
Modern European is the catch-all for kitchens that borrow technique from France, produce from their own region and ideas from everywhere — usually tasting-menu only.
Ricard Camarena Restaurant
Two MICHELIN StarsModern Valencian · Bombas Gens Centre d'Art · €185-€225 / $200-$245
Ricard Camarena
Located within a former factory, Ricard Camarena's restaurant offers a bold, intensely flavored cuisine that prioritizes fresh, seasonal produce. His innovative techniques amplify natural ingredients, creating a dining experience that is both sophisticated and deeply rooted in Valencian tradition. The industrial-chic setting complements the contemporary artistry on the plate, making it a cornerstone of the city's culinary scene.
Order: Smoked eel, foie gras and citrus; Valencian tomato, red shrimp, and basil
Riff
One MICHELIN StarModern European · L'Eixample · €115-€150 / $125-$165
Bernd Knöller
Chef Bernd Knöller's Riff is a Valencian institution celebrated for its meticulous sourcing and elegant, understated approach to fine dining. His German heritage subtly influences a Mediterranean core, resulting in dishes that are technically precise yet brimming with flavor and respect for ingredients. The minimalist, contemporary setting allows the exceptional quality of the food and wine to take center stage, offering a consistently high-caliber experience.
Order: Mediterranean red prawn and cauliflower; 'Ceniza' of vegetables
Arrels
One MICHELIN StarModern Valencian · Sagunto (near Valencia) · €95-€130 / $105-$140
Vicky Sevilla
Though a short drive from Valencia in Sagunto, Arrels is a significant culinary destination. Vicky Sevilla's cooking is an ode to Valencian roots, emphasizing traditional flavors and local ingredients with a contemporary, refined touch. Housed in a charmingly restored historic building, the restaurant offers an intimate and authentic dining experience that highlights the produce of the region with creativity and skill, earning its star.
Order: Rice 'a banda' with cuttlefish; 'All i pebre' of eel
Mediterranean
Best Mediterranean restaurants in Valencia
Mediterranean menus borrow freely across the sea — olive oil, fish, vegetables, citrus — and tend to be the easiest choice for a mixed table.
Begoña Rodrigo (La Salita)
One MICHELIN StarCreative Mediterranean · Ruzafa · €130-€160 / $140-$175
Begoña Rodrigo
Begoña Rodrigo's La Salita, housed in a beautifully restored palace, presents an imaginative and deeply personal take on Valencian cuisine. Her dishes are highly artistic, often featuring unexpected combinations and intricate plating, while always prioritizing flavor and seasonal Spanish produce. The restaurant offers a unique sensory journey that reflects Rodrigo's distinctive culinary vision and innovative spirit.
Order: Mushroom and truffle 'forest'; 'Carbonara' of sea urchin
Alma de Temple
Bib GourmandCreative Mediterranean · Ciutat Vella · €35-€65 / $40-$70
Alma de Temple offers a contemporary take on Mediterranean cuisine within a beautifully restored 18th-century building, featuring a charming interior that blends historic architecture with modern design. The dishes are well-executed, showcasing fresh, local ingredients with imaginative twists and appealing presentations. It's a relaxed yet refined dining spot, providing excellent value for its quality and inviting ambiance near the city's historic center.
Order: Red tuna tataki with avocado and mango; Cod confit with black garlic
Spanish
Best Spanish restaurants in Valencia
Spanish dining runs late and sociable: tapas standing at the bar, then a proper sit-down at 9pm or later. Basque kitchens in particular sit among the best in Europe.
Casa Montaña
Bib GourmandTraditional Spanish Tapas · El Cabanyal · €30-€60 / $35-$65
An iconic tavern dating back to 1836, Casa Montaña is a venerable institution in Valencia, renowned for its authentic tapas and extensive wine list. The rustic, historic interior, filled with old barrels and charming details, creates an inimitable atmosphere. It's a place to savor classic Spanish flavors, from cured meats to fresh seafood, reflecting decades of tradition and quality in a lively setting.
Order: Jamon Ibérico de Bellota; Canned clams 'al natural'
Origen Clandestino
MICHELIN SelectedModern Spanish · Ruzafa · €45-€80 / $50-$85
Javier Menéndez
Origen Clandestino, in the bustling Ruzafa district, offers a unique culinary experience focusing on product quality and innovative preparation. Chef Javier Menéndez blends traditional flavors with creative techniques, often surprising diners with unexpected combinations. The restaurant boasts a contemporary, slightly industrial decor, creating an intimate yet sophisticated atmosphere ideal for exploring modern Spanish gastronomy with a distinct personal touch.
Order: Grilled octopus with parmentier; Wagyu tataki with ponzu
Budget
Where to eat cheaply in Valencia
Central Bar by Ricard Camarena
Located within the Mercado Central, this spot offers high-quality tapas and sandwiches crafted by a two-Michelin-starred chef. Expect elevated local ingredients and vibrant flavors in a bustling market setting. Sandwiches around €5-€10, tapas from €4-€15.
Bar La Pilareta
An iconic, traditional tavern famous for its 'clóchinas' (Valencian mussels) and other seafood tapas. The historic atmosphere and delicious, simple preparations make it a local favorite. Clóchinas are typically €6-€10, other tapas €3-€8.
Tapas Pepi
A small, unpretentious bar known for its incredible value and authentic, homemade tapas. It's a true neighborhood gem where you can enjoy classic Spanish dishes like 'patatas bravas' and 'albóndigas' for very reasonable prices. Tapas generally €2-€6 per plate.
Horchatería Daniel
Essential for tasting authentic 'horchata de chufa' (tiger nut milk) and 'fartons' (long, sweet pastries for dipping). This historic establishment near Alboraya is a cultural and culinary must-visit. Horchata and fartons are typically €3-€6.
Restaurante La Pepica
A historic beachfront restaurant famous for its traditional Valencian paella, especially its seafood variants. It offers a classic, bustling atmosphere right by the sea. Paellas range from €15-€25 per person, other dishes available.
Local dishes
What to eat in Valencia
Paella Valenciana
The quintessential dish of Valencia, an authentic Paella Valenciana is cooked with rice, chicken, rabbit, green beans, and garrofó (a local white bean), often over an open wood fire. It's a flavorful, saffron-infused rice dish best enjoyed fresh at a traditional 'arrocería' or by the beach, offering a true taste of the region's culinary heritage.
Horchata con Fartons
Horchata is a refreshing, milky drink made from tiger nuts (chufas), originating from Valencia. It's naturally sweet and often served chilled. It's traditionally accompanied by 'fartons,' elongated, sugary pastries perfect for dipping. This classic combination is a beloved local snack, especially during warmer months, providing a unique and satisfying treat.
Esgarraet
Esgarraet is a traditional Valencian salad made with roasted red peppers and salted cod (bacalao), often dressed with olive oil and garlic. The ingredients are 'torn' into strips, giving the dish its name. It's a simple yet incredibly flavorful tapa, showcasing the quality of local produce and traditional preparation methods, often found in traditional tapas bars.
Fideuà
Similar to paella but made with short, thin noodles instead of rice, Fideuà typically features seafood like prawns, mussels, and squid, cooked in a rich fish broth. The noodles absorb the savory flavors beautifully, and it's often served with a dollop of aioli. This dish offers a delicious alternative to paella, particularly popular along the coast.
Clóchinas Valencianas
Valencian clóchinas are small, intensely flavorful mussels cultivated locally in the Mediterranean waters near Valencia, available primarily in summer. Steamed simply with garlic, lemon, and white wine, they are a delicacy. Their sweet, briny taste is distinct from common mussels, making them a must-try seasonal treat, often served as an appetizer.
Agua de Valencia
Agua de Valencia is a famous Valencian cocktail, a potent and refreshing blend of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine), orange juice, vodka, and gin. It's typically served in pitchers and shared among friends. Despite its name, it's not water but a festive, citrusy concoction, embodying the city's vibrant spirit, often enjoyed in cafes or bars.
Arroz a Banda
Arroz a Banda, meaning 'rice apart,' is a classic seafood rice dish from the Valencian coast. Historically, the fish was served separately from the rice, which was cooked in the fish broth. Today, it’s often served with all ingredients together, showcasing intensely flavored rice infused with rich seafood essences, often accompanied by aioli.
All-i-Pebre
All-i-Pebre is a rustic and intensely flavorful stew originating from the Albufera region, traditionally made with eels, potatoes, garlic, paprika, and a touch of chili. The sauce is rich and thick, perfect for dipping bread. It's a hearty and unique dish, reflecting the freshwater bounty of the region, often found in traditional restaurants in El Palmar.
How to book a table in Valencia
- · For Michelin-starred restaurants, book 2-4 months in advance, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Some offer online systems, while others prefer phone calls.
- · Many fine-dining establishments require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit to secure your table, which is deducted from your final bill.
- · Consider booking lunch. Often, the tasting menus are similar or slightly abbreviated versions of dinner offerings but at a more accessible price point, providing excellent value.
- · Be aware of cancellation policies. Most top restaurants have strict no-show or late cancellation fees, typically charging a significant per-person amount.
FAQ
Valencia restaurant questions travellers ask
What is the best restaurant in Valencia?
Ricard Camarena Restaurant in Bombas Gens Centre d'Art is the benchmark table — Modern Valencian, led by Ricard Camarena, two michelin stars, around €185-€225 / $200-$245 per person. Order the Smoked eel, foie gras and citrus; Valencian tomato, red shrimp, and basil
Where is the best modern European restaurant in Valencia?
Ricard Camarena Restaurant in Bombas Gens Centre d'Art is the modern European table to book in Valencia (€185-€225 / $200-$245 per person). Other strong options: Riff, Arrels.
Where is the best Mediterranean restaurant in Valencia?
Begoña Rodrigo (La Salita) in Ruzafa is the Mediterranean table to book in Valencia (€130-€160 / $140-$175 per person). Other strong options: Alma de Temple.
Where is the best Spanish restaurant in Valencia?
Casa Montaña in El Cabanyal is the Spanish table to book in Valencia (€30-€60 / $35-$65 per person). Other strong options: Origen Clandestino.
Where can I eat well in Valencia without spending a fortune?
Casa Montaña is the best-value table on this list at roughly €30-€60 / $35-$65 per person. Beyond fine dining, locals point to Central Bar by Ricard Camarena, Bar La Pilareta, Tapas Pepi.
How far in advance should I book restaurants in Valencia?
For Michelin-starred restaurants, book 2-4 months in advance, especially for weekend dinner reservations. Some offer online systems, while others prefer phone calls. Many fine-dining establishments require a credit card guarantee or a non-refundable deposit to secure your table, which is deducted from your final bill.
What food is Valencia famous for?
Paella Valenciana, Horchata con Fartons, Esgarraet, Fideuà, Clóchinas Valencianas — the dishes most worth eating where they come from. The quintessential dish of Valencia, an authentic Paella Valenciana is cooked with rice, chicken, rabbit, green beans, and garrofó (a local white bean), often over an open wood fire. It's a flavorful, saffron-infused rice dish best enjoyed fresh at a traditional 'arrocería' or by the beach, offering a true taste of the region's culinary heritage.
Planning the rest of Valencia?
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