Standing in the shadow of Valencia’s Central Market, you are surrounded by the scent of fresh oranges, cured jamón, and simmering seafood broths. The market itself is a masterpiece of Valencian Modernism, but the surrounding streets of the Ciutat Vella hide some of the city’s most authentic dining experiences. While tourists often get pulled toward the overpriced terraces directly on the Plaza del Mercado, the savvy traveler knows to wander just a block or two in any direction to find where the locals actually eat.
The area around the market is a dense labyrinth of narrow, stone-paved alleys that have fed Valencian merchants for over a century. Here, family-run taverns serve rice dishes that have been perfected over generations, while modern bistros reinterpret Mediterranean classics with a contemporary twist. The proximity to the market means one crucial thing for diners: the ingredients are as fresh as it gets, often carried by hand from the stall to the kitchen just hours before service.
Finding a great meal here isn’t just about satisfying hunger; it is about understanding the rhythm of the city. You might sit next to a third-generation fishmonger enjoying his afternoon break or a chef sourcing produce for the evening rush. The energy is bustling, the marble tables are worn smooth by time, and the clatter of plates mixes with the distant chatter of the market vendors closing up their stalls.
However, the sheer density of options can be overwhelming. For every hidden gem serving transcendent esgarraet (salted cod and roasted red pepper salad), there is a tourist trap serving microwaved paella. Knowing where to go requires a bit of local insight, an understanding of what constitutes true Valencian hospitality, and a willingness to step off the main drag.
This guide focuses on quality, authenticity, and value. We have scoured the side streets, checked the chalkboard menus, and talked to the regulars to bring you a curated list of the best dining establishments within a short stroll of the Central Market. Whether you are looking for a quick bocadillo (sandwich), a long leisurely lunch of arroz meloso, or a glass of local wine with tapas, this area has something to offer every palate.
From historic holes-in-the-wall that have barely changed since 1920 to innovative kitchens pushing the boundaries of Spanish cuisine, the culinary landscape here is diverse. The best part? You can easily combine your meal with a visit to the market, the Lonja de la Seda, or the bustling Plaza del Ayuntamiento. You are standing at the gastronomic epicenter of the city.
To help you navigate this dense culinary map, we have compiled the definitive list of the best restaurants near the Central Market of Valencia. These selections prioritize fresh, local produce and offer the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger over a coffee or a digestif long after the plates have been cleared.
Restaurante Rincón del Mercado
| Address | Pl. del Mercat, 90, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 7:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 963 15 33 68 |
the restaurant is really really good looking, the food is great and the view on the Mercat Central worths everything!
My special mention is for Julio, he was really nice during the lunch. He was polite, kind, professional and smiley.
Everything was super nice!
¡Hasta Luego!
Do not recommend this place, reviews are misleading!
The typical dish we went to try “paella valenciana” was really disappointing — the rice was undercooked
The rabbit and chicken were both dry and unseasoned, probably left from the previous day
I normally dont leave food, but this time I couldnt continue as the food was horrible.
The calamari was also chewy and unpleasant.
To make things worse - the service was poor. The waitress came across as unfriendly and
uninterested. When I told her the paella wasn’t good, she actually laughed, which I found very disrespectful.
Overall - do not recommend, a restaurant that ruins the image of Valencia and Ciutat Vella.
Great food, it was warm and delicious. Top! Clark our waiter was very friendly and in a good mood. We will definitely come again. Great experience!!
What a great restaurant and service.Stumbled in on a rainy day and happy I did. My server Smith was nice, attentive and friendly! Stop in for a grilled steak cooked to perfection and some great wine!
Great vibe and amazing Sangria! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
We had a fantastic time here! The sangria was absolutely delicious—super refreshing and well-made. A huge shoutout to our waiter, Jakob, who made the night even better. He was incredibly friendly, funny, and took great care of us.
Gran Mercat
| Address | Av. de María Cristina, 12, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 961 36 89 28 |
On our final night of Valencia we tried Gran Mercat. I was a little skeptical at first as it's right outside of tourist hotspot food market, but I shouldn't have worried. The prices are very fair, the food is great quality and the service was immaculate. The menu splits between Spanish classics & Valencian classics as well as a range of Paellas. We stuck with tapas and ordered a crazy amount for two people including the bread with tomato, calamari, jamon, patatas bravas, two grilled scallops (absolutely delicious), grilled artichokes, meatballs in sauce, Tellins (tiny mussels in the most delicious sauce, A MUST TRY), Padrón Peppers, Catalan crem brulee and two glasses of white wine. The total was €107 euros and was plenty of food for 5 people let alone just 2 of us!
The also have Sangria which everyone seemed to be drinking and the local agua de Valencia for a tiny £9 euros per glass, incredible value!
My tip would be to skip the queues waiting to be sat outside and ask for a table inside, there are plenty of seats available and the service was great, fast, friendly, polite and everyone spoke English.
A great spot in the heart of the city, Thank you Gran Mercat!
Excellent restaurant! The food was delicious and arrived very quickly. A special thanks to Rafa for the outstanding service—he was friendly, attentive, and made our visit even more enjoyable. We will definitely come back!
An excellent experience in Valencia! The restaurant left us with the best impressions, both for the quality of the food and the atmosphere. What truly stood out, however, was the service. Our waiter, Eduardo, was extremely kind, attentive, and very professional, making sure we had everything we needed throughout the entire meal. This level of service really makes a difference, and we will definitely be coming back!
This authentic Valencian restaurant offers all the classic meals, including paella. We ordered it, but it was just regular risotto, but a little bit drier. It didn't have the caramelized crust on the bottom, and it wasn't juicy at the top.
Everything else was good, the fried squid and potatoes. The beer and wine list is pretty extensive.
The service by Yulka was exceptional.
Gran Mercat is perfectly located just outside the front of the Central Market. Serving a wide range of traditional tapas dishes it’s a nice enough restaurant. Given its location, my first thoughts were it’s a tourist trap which isn’t completely true. With nice food and good service you do still get a quality meal but at a steep price when compared to other tapas restaurants just a couple streets away from the central market. if you want convince it’s a good meal, if you want a cheaper meal i’d look else where.
ESQUINITA MÍA
| Address | C. dels Mallorquins, 1, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM Wednesday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM Thursday: 11:30 AM – 5:30 PM Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | — |
Absolutely loved our experience at Esquinita Mía! We were greeted by Juan, who made us feel welcome from the moment we sat down. His service was friendly, attentive, and genuinely made the meal even better.
We started with the empanadas, and they were incredible—fresh, flavorful, and some of the best we’ve had. The beer was hands down the best we’ve had in Valencia, and paired perfectly with the food. Everything we ordered was delicious.
The atmosphere was fantastic too. Sitting outside near the Central Market made for a great vibe, with plenty of energy without feeling overwhelming.
Amazing food, outstanding service, great drinks, and a perfect atmosphere. We’ll definitely be back before we leave Valencia. Highly recommend asking for Juan if you get the chance! 🍻🥟
Super cool place! Every tapas we had was amazing! The place is run by two guys from Latin America, very friendly and fun. To make a choice of out wide tapas menu, we just followed the recommendations from the waiter.
It was 50 euros for 4 people - including 2 glasses of wine.
Best place for tapas!
What a wonderful place to have a drink and something to eat near the central market of Valencia. The guys who ran the restaurant are super nice and friendly. There are lots of options in the menu both fish and meat and some vegetarian options. The atmosphere outside and inside is amazing. Truly an amazing spot in the heart of the city ❤️
What an amazing find! We walked past on Monday just as Mercat Central were closing down. It was busy, we marked the spot on google maps to return another day.
We came back two days later and were delighted to get a table. It’s a busy place for good reason the food and service is excellent.
Their empanadas were so good we had to have two! It’s the real deal!
Check their opening times online - they are not open every evening - from what we saw their main trading hours in March was lunchtime and they were open Friday and Saturday evenings. Do not rely on this review for opening times - as mentioned check online.
Worth visiting - the food absolutely delicious.
As already mentioned they are busy - great blend of customers loved by locals, families and general foodies who love good food and a great atmosphere.
The empanadas were honestly the best I’ve tasted in Spain absolutely delicious. The chips were also really good, and I loved the sangria. The staff were incredibly friendly, Definitely a place worth visiting!
La Terrazza
| Address | Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir, 26, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 963 58 35 42 |
Came here after a 7 hour road trip. Pastas were so hearty, exactly what we needed! Their chili oil is actually spicy and full of flavour (rare). Service from Luis was quick and attentive! Going to be the neighborhood italian comfort go-to.
Great food, fast service, Dani was our server and was attentive and their house limoncello is delicious! We sat outside with our doggie and they even brought a doggie bowl with water for her. Excellent service
The pizza was delicious. Alberto was amazing, he was very kind and his service was a 10 on 10. If you’re in the mood for pizza while in Valencia, it does the job.
Some of best pasta we've ever had in our life. The Arrabiatta is super spicy but so good. The highlight was the Cacio e Pepe, just so well balanced and delicious. Dani took care of us and he's a blast. Highly recommend you check out this Italian place very close to the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
Luis helped us tonight, The food came very fast and tasted really good! If you like Pasta then i recommend this place!
La Calita
| Address | C/ de la Tapineria, 16, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 963 60 97 95 |
Lovely place! Absolutely amazing amosphere.
They had plant based option as well, Beyond vegan burger, and it came with fries.
I advise making a reservation ahead, all tables were taken fast.
Service was super friendly with good English. It was however a bit slow, had to ask 3 times until i got my second drink.
Prices are on the higher end.
We chose this place on our first evening in Valencia because it was close to our hotel and comfortable. Sitting on the street was very enjoyable. The staff were incredibly friendly. The food was delicious and the service was fast. Save this place! 👌🏻
What a beautiful little place, hidden in the backyard of the restaurant. Irene and her colleague took really good care of us, the food was high quality and super delicious, the atmosphere is cosy and nice and we were super happy with everything. Would recommend this place over and over!
We had a very nice dinner here in La Calita. The service was quick and our waiter Erik was very friendly and forthcoming, his food recommendation was on point. The portions are not huge but very tasty. The atmosphere is quite cozy and feels authentic.
Had such a great time at La Calita 🤩✨ The food was sooo good and full of flavor. There’s a super cozy spot outside to chill and enjoy your food, but you can also sit inside.
Special thanks to Manuel, Mahan, and Adrian amazing service!! 🙌 Highly recommend this place if you’re looking for great tapas and a fun vibe 🌮💃
Central Bar by Ricard Camarena
| Address | Central Market of Valencia, Pl. de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 963 82 92 23 |
Absolutely magnificent! Top notch service from Maria Paz who was a delight. Great wine options.
Really great and creative food options. We loved the oxtail, cuddlefish, sandwich, and gazpacho. We also had the best cheesecake I've ever had in my life, by an absolute mile.
Arrive early for shorter wait. Line gets long after 1.
Overall the entire market atmosphere is electric and has an incredible buzz.
We were quite happy to wait in the queue about 40 minutes. It was not a problem at all because we can see it’s busy, they don’t have many seats and the best of all the waiters walked the queue taking drinks orders. Made the wait sweet!
The food was good, we did enjoy the patatas bravas and the artichokes were delightful.
Two highlights for us - Aqua de Valencia served in a big glass - was delicious worth the €10 and the warm chocolate cake was incredible!
Not so delightful was the pork, cheese and mustard sandwich that people rave about, it was not to our taste.
Will we visit again - yes and do we recommend a visit = yes!
Keep in mind that all seating is at the bar in the middle of a crowded market place. There's no reservations and you will probably have to wait. But it is worth it! The food could easily be served in a high end restaurant so the chef definitely lives up to his reputation. We enjoyed being in the hustle and bustle of the market and would definitely recommend that you sit down for a glass of aqua de València and some tapas! We ordered off the daily menu and it was all good!
We were on a very short trip to Valencia, and after having a very disappointing breakfast at the hotel, we decided to have our last breakfast in Valencia in the Mercado Central. Two birds, one stone right?
If it weren’t for my friend, I would never think of Central Bar for breakfast, because it’s just not what you would normally eat at that hour, but it was the best decision ever.
We ordered a piece of tortilla, a chicken sandwich from the Sandwich Menu of the day, and a Rabo de Toro.
Everything was phenomenal. It’s not even a normal restaurant kitchen but the food blows your mind. My biggest regret was being too full to finish my sandwich. It was such a simple sandwich consisting of marinated chicken THIGHS, baby spinach, cheese and a beautiful crusty bread, with a lot of garlic. I will dream about that sandwich. It sounds simple but it’s flavour was anything but.
The Rabo de Toro was generous in portion, extremely tender and the sauce was a delight. I dipped the bread of my sandwich in it because it was so well balanced. A bit tart, a bit sweet, for sure very meaty in flavour, just the right gloss and viscosity.
Finally the tortilla. It was thick, but runny in the center, yet somehow still held its shape. Of course, made with onions. It was also a wonderful tortilla. Maybe not the best I had, but definitely up there.
If I ever come back to Valencia, I will stop by this place again. It was phenomenal.
Sorry to say, but this place is highly overhyped due to the famous chef. But it wasn’t anything special nor worth the price. Our grilled squid was undercooked and the meatballs had little flavour. Croquettes were nice though. Honest opinion.
Sagardi Valencia Centro
| Address | Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir, 6, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:30 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 963 91 06 68 |
I really enjoy going to Sagardi due to their delicious pintxos which are available for consumption immediately and drinks orders that come to your table, just as quickly. This is a pintxos and drinks bar with food from the Basque country. There is a buffet of pre-prepared selections that are made on-site so you can satisfy your hunger immediately, and a constant stream of hot pintxos coming out from the kitchen and presented in trays to you by a server for your selection. Everything I tasted was exceedingly good and very authentic to the Basque gastronomy. This staff really caters to you with lots of attention. Everyone is very serviceable and I really appreciated the attention from Angie who really took the time to explain the hot selections being served and was also quick to refill my glass of vermouth. Angie was genuinely friendly and made my time at Sagardi very pleasant. This bar is perfectly located in the city center of Valencia which is great for those of us who live in this neighborhood, but also for folks that are visiting our city. This place can get very busy, but the quality of service and food is still amazing.
We had a sensational meal. The staff were very knowledgeable about the different foods available and so friendly. We loved our experience. Thank you for a wonderful evening. 🥰
It was a very nice surprise.
The restaurant is very cosy, calm, the service is sharp and precise, and all the waiters are very friendly, most speak English.
The food was really good and very tasty.
I strongly recommend this place
We loved the food (fish, carpaccio, greens, and homemade cheesecake). The wine list was not extensive but we found an amazing wine at a fair price. Waitstaff were professional and kind. Highly recommend and would happily return.
Sagardi was the restaurant visit of a lifetime!!! The food was beyond impeccable with specialties on the house. The steak was mouth watering and had been cooked to absolute perfection. The desert “Chocolate!!!” was a pleasant surprise which was lovely for the family to share. The service was excellent with constant refills of bread and water. Thank you Sagardi we will never forget this meal.
Papanato Plaza Mercado
| Address | Pl. del Mercat, 40, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Papanato in Plaza Mercat is a unique restaurant in the city center of Valencia. It stands on the merits of its own delicious and affordable menu which can be enjoyed by locals and tourists alike. The menu is Argentinian cuisine which offers a wide variety of choices. In addition to their delicious food, they also serve beer, wine and a nice selection of cocktails that can either be enjoyed inside their restaurant or while seating at their delightful terrace which faces the Mercat Central. Their terrace seating is a wonderful relaxing spot for eating, drinking, socializing and people watching. Papanato’s empanadas are a good appetizer to start your meal, but since there is so much to choose from, you can pick an appetizer that suits you best. I will consistently order their Carne a La Plancha which comes with a fried egg over the meat and an ample amount of potato fries (you can order sweet potato fries, if you prefer). I love the chimichurri sauce that comes with the dish to dip the steak. These are very generous portions so you won’t ever leave hungry. It goes without saying that the staff at this restaurant is incredibly friendly and they bring your food and drinks very quickly. The excellent service of Lule and Seba have made my experience a most pleasant one during my visit. Lule has a very kind demeanor and doesn’t hesitate to bring whatever else you may need at a moment’s notice. Seba is as equally pleasant and he is a champion at taking care of several tables with speed and ease. He certainly makes you feel like you are dining at a private home instead of a restaurant. I recommend a stop at Papanato. Your tastebuds and wallet will appreciate it.
We tried the buffet and the paella. The buffet is great to try out multiple options. The service was quick and efficient. Most of the options were fried so it got tiring after a while. The paella wasn't great, so I wouldn't order that again. I'd be willing to try this place again for the other items (milanesa and burgers). The sweet potato fries were great
I went to Papanato Plaze Mercado because I wanted to try and drink the Mate Argentino for the first time in my life. The lady who welcomed me is so wonderful and friendly -her name is Carina. She is so professional and helpful. The package that I ordered included a sandwich and desserts. The food was nice and the Mate Argentino is a nice hot drink. I've heard it's healthy.
The location of Papanato restaurant is wonderful in front of el Mercado central in a very nice and touristic district. The restaurant is clean. And as I mentioned before, the service was amazing. A very special thanks to Ms. Carina.
Papanato plaza Mercado is recommended.
Totally okay place in the city center, serving maily "milanesa" which is kind of like a schnitzel. Overpriced compared to local prices, but understandable for the location and the food is not bad. Some of my friend said the meat was dry, but the vegetarian milanesa was alright. The fries are soggy and unsalted, but they provide salt on the table so they are okay. Not the worst but definitely not the best.
Really enjoyable meal. Friendly staff, outdoor seating with a nice street view, super tasty food and a great drink deal - don't have anything bad to say about the place!
TABERNA ALKÁZAR
| Address | Carrer de Mossèn Femades, 9, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 10:45 PM Friday: 1:00 – 10:45 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 10:45 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 963 52 95 75 |
The service was excellent! Wafi and Anthony were both very kind, attentive, and patient. Overall, we had a great experience.
We ordered the Paella Valenciana, and it was absolutely delicious. I highly recommend trying it! Just keep in mind that you need to order it before 2:00 PM or mention it when making your reservation.
We will definitely come back!
We were served by a very pleasant girl named Luz—she was extremely friendly and attentive! The food was excellent, everything was very tasty, and the portions were large. We were very satisfied and will definitely come back again!
Anthony and Inez provided an amazing experience! The food was so fresh and well prepared. The meal was staged and timed well. The restaurant smells like the ocean 😍😍😍 such care. Please treat yourself to a fabulous dinner and service!!!
The paella valenciana was delicious and the patio seating provided a peaceful atmosphere on this warm summer day. Anthony was awesome and I enjoyed talking to him about his time in Valencia and appreciated his recommendations for places to check out. I came solo, and the minimum paella order is for two people, but it was so good I almost finished the whole thing. Very friendly service overall and I would highly recommend this spot for those visiting.
We were really satisfied with our experience here. The food and the service is great. The staff was really attentive and nice. Special thanks to Mario and Angel for attending us and their great recommendations.
Le Favole Ristorante
| Address | C/ de l'Hedra, 5, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:30 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 961 67 26 30 |
We had a wonderful dining experience! The food was absolutely delicious, with fresh homemade pasta that was full of flavor and cooked perfectly. Every dish we tried was excellent, and you could really taste the quality of the ingredients. The service was equally impressive—friendly, attentive, and welcoming throughout our visit. A fantastic restaurant with great food and amazing service. We’ll definitely be back! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Wonderful experience! They serve especially pasta & pizza ! No way to find meat and potatoes! 😁
Very crowded but we were lucky! The temperature was ideal to stay at the terrace on February!
A playground for kids next to it.
PS: the limoncello from the house was excellent!
Anyone that reckons the perfect restaurant for young families doesn't exist has never been to Le Favole. Wonderful Italian cuisine with a great little playground adjacent. Our server Maria was so welcoming and friendly. The salmon and steak were both excellent with a lovely char on the steak. The pistachio crust on the salmon was delicious. For desert the kids have vanilla gelato and the adults had the Sicillian Canola which was incredible. All in all a wonderful place. Highly recommended, particularly for young families who don't want to sacrifice taste/cuisine for comfort.
There were two of us; we stopped by on the spur of the moment and managed to get a table. The food was fantastic—I had the truffle pasta, and it was delicious. Unfortunately, the waiter brought the bill right after we finished eating, even though we hadn't even finished our drinks and there were plenty of other empty tables. It felt a bit stressful... otherwise, everything was great. There’s a public playground right next door, so it’s perfect for parents with children.
Cool place with mediocre food. Not bad not amazing. A bit boring wine list.
The strongest part of the menu is their PIZZA. Good dough. Good ingredients.
Good for families cause the have a nice playground just next to the summer terrace.
Escalones de la Lonja
| Address | C/ Pere Compte, 3, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia |
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| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | — |
Escalones de la Lonja completely stole our attention while we were walking through the old town. The street musician outside created such an amazing atmosphere that we instantly wanted to sit there and enjoy the moment. Being right next to La Lonja de la Seda made everything feel even more special and full of history. The octopus was absolutely delicious, the sangria was fresh and refreshing, and the whole place had that lively, warm Spanish energy that makes you want to stay all evening ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥
Great tapas and wine! The service was excellent, we had a very patient waiter that took the time despite our limited spanish. And the tapas came out super quick and were delicious.
Great location too, super central in the old town near the mercato and lla Lonja.
Nice place, friendly staff, delicious good. Octopus was okay but something was missing in the taste. Squid was great but need to ask for extra lemon and salt , croquettes were not tasty
Awesome dinner on our first night in Valencia.
Fantastic food, was a totally different taste experience.
I recommend the tuna with guacamole, the taste profile is just very different.
Service was great, I have a feel that it’s a family run business.
Expect good honest food.
Highly recommended.
Octopus and Cuttlefish were standouts. Service was quick and friendly. Nice outside seating available.
San Tommaso
| Address | C/ de la Corretgeria, 37, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 963 92 07 55 |
Dining here was a reminder that great restaurants are about more than just food—they’re about creating moments that stay with you.
The service was exceptional and Sebi deserves special recognition. Attentive, welcoming, and genuinely kind making us feel valued from the moment we arrived.
The food was outstanding, but the pear pasta was the true highlight. Beautifully balanced, with delicate sweetness complemented by rich, savory flavors, it was both comforting and sophisticated. Every dish was prepared with care and attention to detail.
A wonderful dining experience from beginning to end. Excellent food, outstanding service, and an atmosphere that makes you want to return. Highly recommended.
A must visit if you are in the area. Better if you make a booking.
We were 5 people visiting from the UK, for a small bday celebration.
This place is 5/5 across food, service and ambience. Every dish was top quality, we had a few pizzas and the veggie and bolognese lasagna, as well as the board with cheese and meat. Which are great starters, along with the olives they bring to the table. My personal favourite of the dishes was the lasagna, coupled with a glass of primitivo wine from their glass option. The rose bottle we had was also excellent, specially for a sunny day.
We wrapped it up with the chocolate cake, which was OMG.
Anyway, really a place to enjoy from beginning to end. Cannot recommend more if you are into Italian food.
Elegant place but still friendly vibe and responsive service.
All around a great experience and at a reasonable prices. I think for smaller groups they do walk ins, but when we left there was a queue of a few meters so if you can book it, that would be better.
My favorite restaurant in Valencia ever!!
Every time I fly to Valencia, I go there for dinner. When I used to live there, I would literally go every month!!
The food tastes amazing. I’ve tried different pizzas, pastas, and the spinach risotto, and they were all absolutely delicious. I’ve only tried the vegetarian options, but my friends really enjoyed the meat dishes too! The drinks are delicious as well.
The restaurant is really cozy and welcoming. It’s also pretty cool to see that some famous personalities have dined there.
The staff are so friendly, attentive, and professional. They really make the whole experience even better 🙂
(you should definitely book before arriving)
Definitely a must-try if you’re in Valencia!
We didn’t have to wait for a spot for two peiple. Despites the crowds, the staff was very quick and friendly. Our waiter Davide was really nice. The pasta with truffle and mushroom sause was delicious. With the pasta carbonara, the pasta was still a bit hard, but the taste was very good. Thanks for the free olives, bread and limoncello.
Don’t bother. Seems to be a bit of an instagram venue.
Service was so so bad. Worst I have had in Valencia. Food was good but not worth the endurance of such bad service.
So many things went wrong.
From the start we had to wait on the street with many others for somebody to greet us. When i went inside I was told to wait outside in a very abrupt manner.
Then we go to our table which was upstairs close to kitchen and toilets. That was not too much if a problem until they broke about 20 plates which smashed down close to our table and no apology.
Simple request from one of my party for ice with their drink - we asked four times and it eventually came about 20 minutes later.
No ice bucket with our Rosé wine - again had to ask.
Starters came very quickly.
Main course was good.
But what annoyed me most was it was a birthday celebration and I asked for them to add some candles to the desert - they assured me they would - but to no surprise it never happened.
Two toilets for the restaurant - there was generally a queue, given we were seated beside them.
Had tiramisu for desert - 80% was cream. For get it. I hope many people read this review and opt not to go there. Read my other reviews for the quality restaurants in Valencia. This place was a joke. l and expensive at that.
Tips for Dining Near the Central Market
Navigating the restaurant scene in the heart of a historic tourist district requires a bit of local know-how. The Spanish dining schedule and the specific customs of Valencia can catch first-time visitors off guard, potentially leading to missed meals or awkward waits. To ensure you eat like a local and get the most out of your culinary experience, keep the following practical advice in mind.
Time Your Meals Like a Valencian
The Spanish eating schedule is famously late. Lunch (la comida) typically runs from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM, while dinner (la cena) rarely starts before 8:30 PM. If you arrive at a restaurant at 6:00 PM expecting dinner, you will likely find the kitchen closed. Plan your day around this rhythm, or opt for a café or bar that serves continuous tapas if you need an early bite.
Embrace the "Menú del Día"
For the best value in the city, look for restaurants offering a "Menú del Día" (Menu of the Day) during weekday lunchtimes. For a fixed price, usually between €12 and €20, you can enjoy a starter, a main course, a dessert, and a drink. This is how locals eat well without breaking the bank, and it often features the freshest market produce of the day.
Check for "Cocina Continua"
Many traditional restaurants close their kitchens between the lunch and dinner services (roughly 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM). However, a growing number of modern taverns and tapas bars advertise "cocina continua" (continuous kitchen), meaning they serve food all day. If you are on a different schedule or have just finished a long tour of the market, seek these places out.
Look Beyond Paella
While Valencia is the undisputed home of paella, the local cuisine is incredibly diverse. Be sure to try other regional rice dishes like arroz a banda, arroz negro (black rice with squid ink), or fideuà (a noodle-based paella). Also, look for tapas staples like clóchinas (small local mussels), tortilla de patatas, and buñuelos de bacalao (cod fritters).
Reserve for Weekend Lunches
The area around the Central Market is not just popular with tourists; it is a favorite gathering spot for local families on weekends. If you have your heart set on a specific restaurant for a Saturday or Sunday lunch, it is highly recommended to call ahead or book a table online. Walk-ins can often face waits of 30 minutes or more at the most popular spots.
Skip the Paella Photos
A good rule of thumb for spotting a tourist trap is the presence of large, backlit photo menus featuring pictures of paella and pitchers of sangria. Authentic, high-quality Valencian restaurants usually rely on chalkboards, handwritten menus, or QR codes. If the food is advertised with glossy photos aimed at the sidewalk, the kitchen is likely more focused on turnover than quality.
The beauty of dining near the Central Market is that the neighborhood rewards the curious. Every narrow alley holds the promise of a new favorite dish or a conversation with a proud owner who wants to explain the origin of their olive oil. The connection between the market stalls and the restaurant tables is visceral here, creating a farm-to-fork experience that is rarely found in larger, more sprawling cities.
As you finish your meal and step back out onto the cobblestones, you will likely find yourself already planning your next visit. Whether you are craving the crunch of a perfectly fried croqueta or the slow-cooked depth of a traditional Valencian stew, the streets surrounding the market offer an endless culinary journey. Take your time, follow your nose, and let the flavors of this historic district tell their story.
