The Ultimate Valencia Food Guide

This blog post was updated in October 2024

Valencia is an amazing city for foodies because you can find so many great quality restaurants for a decent price.

Having lived in this city for a while now, I thought I’d compile a list of my favorite restaurants in Valencia, Spain. For some of them, I have also added which dish is a must try!

Jump to the different sections:

  1. Spanish Cuisine

  2. Spanish Fusion

  3. Seafood & Meat

  4. Italian Cuisine

  5. Japanese Cuisine

  6. Other Asian Cuisines

  7. Middle Eastern Cuisine

  8. Other Cuisines

  9. Michelin Star / Fine Dining

  10. Brunch & Breakfast

  11. Map


Spanish Cuisine

Casa Carmela

Shrimps of Denia at Casa Carmela

For some of the best Paella, visit Casa Carmela in Cabanyal. If you want to try the traditional Valencian paella, make sure to reserve it beforehand. Also love their seafood such as the fried cuttlefish and the fresh shrimp.

  • Must try dish: Paella, seafood, especially the shrimp and fried cuttlefish

ALENAR Bodega Mediterranea

This is a lovely little tapas restaurant right in the city centre of Valencia. I love the freshness of the food here. They also have a good selection of wines.

  • Must try dish: The tomato salad, Sardines, the Russian salad

  • Price range: 25-40 euro per person

  • Location (Google Maps)

Xanglot Restaurant

An intricate fruit dessert at Xanglot restaurant

This is a bit of a fancier Spanish restaurant, but the food is truly amazing so I had to list it here. You can choose different menu’s, and the cheapest starts at 38 euros per person.

  • Price range: Menu’s start at 38 euro

Bar Cassalla

This is a trendy tapas bar that many locals frequent as well, so that must be a good sign! Be sure to book if you’re going in the weekend as it’s a popular place. Try the croquetas, the ensaladilla russa, and the crispy pork. 

  • Price range: 25 - 45 euro per person

Central Bar

For an authentic Almuerzo snack (which is a second breakfast for Valencian people; usually eaten around 10AM) you should try the bocadillos (sandwiches) at the famous Central Bar, which sits inside the Central Market in Valencia. The sandwiches are filled with different delicious fillings, such as squid with mayonnaise and meatballs.

  • Price range: 10 - 20 euro per person


Spanish Fusion

Raro

Gyoza's in Ponzu sauce at Raro restaurant

A more recent addition to the growing number of high-end Spanish fusion hotspots in Valencia is Raro, which is already one of my favorite restaurants in the city.

  • Must try dish: The Carbonara croquettes, the lamb brioche (although menu may change), the gyoza’s

Restaurante Bouet

A whole fried fish with Malaysian sauces at Bouet restaurant

I’ve had some of the best fish at this elegant Mediterranean Fusion restaurant, located just outside the city center. The ambience and service is also outstanding, and definitely worth a visit.

  • Must try dish:

Canalla Bistro by Ricard Camarena

Canalla Bistro is the Bistro of Michelin star chef Ricard Camarena. The food is really good and the ambience of the restaurant is… let’s just say it is interesting and you will see a lot of pig statues. Jokes aside, it’s an excellent restaurant that serves Spanish fusion food.

  • Must try dish: The burger, ‘Torrija’ dessert, among many others


Seafood & Meat

La Sastreria

A grilled monkfish at La Sastreria Restaurant in Valencia

Probably one of the best fish restaurants in Valencia, this place is located in Cabanyal, which is close to the beach area. The interior design is also quite beautiful and unique, which really adds to the overall ambience and experience.

  • Must try dish: Any seafood dish, I especially like the monkfish; the “KitKat” dessert (though menu may have changed)

Basea

A steak at Basea restaurant

Basea serves amazing charcoal grilled meats and fish, and I’m honestly not sure which one is better. Add to the experience the elegant ambience and top notch service, then you got yourself a lovely evening with superb food.

  • Must try dish: The “Chuleton” meat, or any fish dish


Italian Cuisine

Osteria vino e cucina

a plate of cold cuts and cheeses at Osteria vino e cucina

One of my personal favorite Italian restaurants in Valencia, which is located right next to the market of Russafa. It’s a small and cozy place that serves amazing Italian food, specifically pasta, cold cuts and cheeses.

  • Must try dish: The cheese and cold cuts platter, the ragu,

Trattoria Piemontese

a plate of pappardelle with ragu

We found this beautiful Italian Trattoria by accident and I was amazed by how good it was! The food is delicious and the service friendly. If you find yourself in Cabanyal and are craving for some Italian food, go here and nowhere else.

  • Must try dish: Ragu Tagliatelle

Grosso

a pizza with tomatosauce and a burrata

I’m usually not such a fan of chain restaurants, but this pizza spot actually serves some pretty good pizza and I would even go as far as saying it is one of the better pizzas you can find in Valencia.

  • Must try dish: My personal favorite is the “Pomo D’Oro” pizza. I also think their Tiramisu is really good!

Bottega Marsengo

This restaurant serves a pizza type that is difficult to find elsewhere in Valencia: Roman Pizza. They have the “Croccante” pizza which is a crunchier pizza dough with various toppings. Also try the ’Sfera’ which is a friend ball of dough with different toppings. Even though it is fried it somehow feels pretty light! (Or that’s just in my head…😅). We didn’t like so much their Neapolitan pizza’s though, so I’d recommend to order the Roman style ones.



Japanese Cuisine

Damura Ramen

Shoyu ramen at Damura ramen restaurant

The best Ramen in Valencia in my opinion, Damura is located in the hip neighborhood of Russafa. Also try their amazing bao buns and the mochi donut for dessert!

  • Must try dish: Ramen (any kind), bao buns, Mochi donut

Nozomi

A plate with two nigiris

Nozomi is most likely one of the best sushi places you can find in Valencia - but that also makes it quite hard to reserve a spot! It is a more upscale restaurant but I would say it’s definitely worth the price. The sushi is exceptional and the service is first class.

  • Must try dish: The sushi menu (degustation menu)

Hikari Yakitori Bar

If you love Yakitori then this is the place to be in Valencia. The stylish Japanese interior adds to the ambience, while you munch on the delicious Yakitori grilled meats and seafood. Also try their Karaage - I think it’s some of the best you can find in Valencia.

  • Must try dish: Karaage,

Kaido Sushi Bar

Japanese grilled Unagi on a plate

This sushi bar was recently awarded a Michelin star and since then it’s basically impossible to get a table. After weeks of refreshing the booking page (I am literally not joking 😂) I was able to snag a spot! It’s easy to see why it’s so difficult: for each evening the restaurant is open, there are only about 10 seats available. But the experience is really amazing! This is an Omakase menu, with a lot of attention to detail. The chef is Japanese and you can watch him prepare every dish. All in all a truly exceptional experience and it’s definitely worth the star.

  • Price range: 120 - 200 euro per person

Shenu

Sushi, sashimi and gyozas

This is technically not a restaurant, though they do organise pop up events! Shenu is sushi delivery and catering service. The sushi is really amazing and super fresh. You can order via Instagram or whatsapp and also check out his pop-up events.

  • Must try dish: Everything!

Mochisan

This little Japanese dessert place is super cute - and their mochi and tayaki’s are really good. Their mochi are filled with different mousses, like Matcha, Yuzu, Oreo, Pistachio and many more. One of my fave’s in Valencia:)

  • Must try dish: Any mochi or taiyaki (Waffle shaped like a fish with different sweet fillings)


Other Asian Cuisines

La Taula de Yoon

a plate of Korean mandu's

For amazing Korean food go to this restaurant, also located in Russafa. They have recently added amazing Mandu’s (Korean dumplings) to their menu as well as serving Korean bbq dishes. Because of its popularity, I would reserve a few days before.

  • Must try dish: Everything

Kathmandu

Kathmandu is a Nepalese/Indian restaurant and serves very authentic and delicious food. The service is also outstanding!

  • Must try dish: Any of the specialties, Peshwari Naan (Naan with coconut and nuts, so good!)

Xiong he jia - El sabor de Taiwán (Xúquer)

If you have a dumpling craving, specifically for Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings) then look no further in Valencia: Check out this Taiwanese restaurant that is located a little outside the centre but definitely worth traveling for. In my opinion, it’s some of the best dumplings I’ve had in Valencia and their beef noodle soup tastes so rich and flavourful as well.

  • Price range: 15 - 30 euro per person

Saigon Delice

One of the few Vietnamese restaurants in town, Saigon Delice is run by a chef from Ho Chi Minh City, so you know it’s pretty authentic.

  • Must try dish: The pho

CHILA

If you like spicy food then this is the place for you in Valencia. This Chinese restaurant is specialised in cuisine from the Hunan region, which is right next to Sichuan. If you don’t love spice then there’s also an option to order the dishes non-spicy or less-spicy. 

  • Must try dish: the pork belly and the beef noodles

  • Price range: 20 - 30 euro per person


Middle Eastern Cuisine

Kukla

a plate with Hummus and tomato

Kukla, in my opinion, is the best Middle Eastern food you can get in Valencia, especially for the price. Their hummus is one of the best I’ve ever tasted and I love their falafel as well. Definitely recommend this place if you love Middle Eastern food!

  • Must try dish: The fried aubergine, the cauliflower, the hummus, Malabi dessert

Restaurante Ninda

This restaurant is a bit far out of the city in the student area called “Beniclamet”, but if you like Turkish food I would definitely recommend this laid-back place.

  • Must try dish: Kebabs, hummus


Other Cuisines

Enchilame

Tacos on a plate

Enchilame is my favorite Mexican place in Valencia - I just keep coming back because I believe they have the best tacos in Valencia! They also have some great cocktails.

  • Must try dish: All the taco’s, and tostadas, and a dessert called “Manjarate” - which is a dessert made of dulce de leche mousse and chocolate, so good!

Quina

a plate that contains Ceviche

If you love Peruvian food, you must try this little restaurant, which serves superb Peruvian dishes, such as Ceviche and Causa. Definitely recommend!

  • Must try dish: Ceviche, Causa

Kuzina

One of the better Greek restaurants in Valencia, Kuzina is a great place if you’re craving some Greek cuisine.

  • Must try dish: Moussaka,

Hundred Burgers

A tray with a burger and fries

My favorite burger place in town is Hundred burgers (and trust me I’ve tried most of them!). They have various locations in the city, but my favorite is the one in the city centre - the interior resembles a US University library.

  • Must try dish: Any burger, the sweet potato fries

Honest Greens

The inside of a restaurant with green plants and people

This is a health food chain restaurant that is very popular in Barcelona and Madrid, and has recently also opened in Valencia. It’s actually one of my favourite delivery options in Valencia, as their dishes are packed with vegetables, protein and other healthy stuff. Also the restaurant itself has a cool vibe and ambiance. They also have some great brunch options, as well as many vegan/vegetarian options.

  • Price range: 15 - 25 euro per person

Batumi

If you’re looking for a nice Georgian restaurant, then Batumi is a great option in Valencia. They have 2 locations: One in Ruzafa and one in . They’ve got all the classic Georgian dishes: the Khinkali dumplings, the Khatchapuri as well as different meat stews, which are all delicious. They also serve great Georgian wines.

  • Price range: 20 - 40 euro per person


Michelin Star / Fine Dining

Ricard Camarena

4 small appetiser dishes at Ricard Camarena restaurant

A 2 Michelin star restaurant, Ricard Camarena’s main restaurant is a luxurious spot for foodies. The dinner is a multiple course meal, complete with a private tasting session with the chef himself. If you’ve got the budget and fancy it, you definitely won’t regret an evening here!

  • Price range: Multiple course menus starts from 165 euro per person

Fierro

A fish with caviar

Another fine dining spot in Valencia is Fierro. This Michelin starred restaurants serves creative dishes that let the ingredients shine. What I loved about the experience is that they don’t tell you what you are eating. You need to taste yourself what ingredients are in the dish! Very unique experience and definitely worth the price.

  • Price range: 120 euro per person

Fraula

Make it stand out

Fraula just recently got awarded their Michelin star and for good reasons! The food is fine-dining at its best: intricate dishes but with simple ingredients, impeccably plated, in a setting that I would describe as casual-chic, so you don’t have any of the pretentiousness that often is associated with Michelin restaurants. Also, the menu prices are very reasonable, so I definitely recommend this place if you fancy and fancier dinner in Valencia!

  • Price range: 60 - 130 euro per person


Brunch & Breakfast

Casa Fran

My favourite specialty coffee and breakfast place at the moment is Casa Fran, which is located in El Carmen (close to the Botanic Gardens). The coffee is top-notch and the breakfast dishes simple but delicious. Also try their Alfajor, which is a popular Argentine cookie made with corn flour and dulce de leche.

  • Price range: 10 -18 euro per person

Blackbird Cafe

donuts and pastries

Another personal favorite of mine is this cute cafe located in Russafa. They make all their delicious pastries themselves and they also serve excellent coffee. In the weekends, try to come here around opening time, as it can get quite packed around 11am and 12pm!

  • Must try dish: Any of the pastries!

Fav Coffee

Coffee at Fav coffee

Fav Coffee is a specialty coffee place in the city centre of Valencia. They also serve some light breakfast toasts and also have some pretty good pastries.

  • Must try dish: The coffee, and if they have it, the pastry with the pistachio cream

Let it Bloom

A relatively new specialty coffee and breakfast spot in the heart of Ruzafa. They specialise in Vegan dishes and pastries and serve excellent specialty coffee using beans from different coffee roasters around the world.

  • Price range: 5-15 euro per person


Map

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