Valencia’s relationship with rice is not a passing trend; it is a centuries-old agricultural and cultural legacy. The Albufera lagoon, just south of the city, provides the short-grain varieties that absorb the region’s saffron, paprika, and stock like nowhere else on earth. To eat paella in its birthplace is to taste a dish that is fiercely protected by tradition and local pride.
However, the city’s restaurant scene can be a minefield for visitors. Tourist traps often serve pre-frozen, yellow-tinted rice that bears little resemblance to the authentic, wood-fired original. Knowing where locals go—and why—is the difference between a generic meal and a gastronomic memory.
The benchmark for quality usually involves three elements: a live wood fire, a thin layer of caramelized rice known as socarrat, and a slow, unhurried cooking process. Authentic Valencian paella is not a dinner dish; it is traditionally eaten at midday, when the light is bright and the appetite is sharp.
In the capital of the Valencian Community, the debate over the "best" paella is a matter of neighborhood loyalty and family history. Some swear by beachfront chiringuitos where the sea breeze mingles with orange wood smoke. Others insist the only true version is found in the rustic farmhouses of the surrounding huerta.
This guide focuses on establishments that consistently deliver excellence, whether they are century-old institutions or modern kitchens refining the classics. We have prioritized places that use locally sourced ingredients, maintain respect for the Denomination of Origin, and offer a genuine sense of place.
Below, you will find a curated selection of the 12 best paella restaurants in Valencia. Each entry has been chosen for its commitment to authenticity, flavor, and the unique atmosphere that defines Levante dining.
Los Gómez, Correos
| Address | C/ de Correus, 10, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 962 93 24 97 |
Absolutely delicious food! We sat outside instead of indoors but inside looked really nice if you prefer to be inside. Croquettes were perfectly crisp and tasty. Torrezno de Soria was so good I would come back just to order that. Very nice and helpful service from Stella and the rest of the team! Thank you for a great meal
Quite good food. Waited 25mins for our seafood paella (the waitress said 30-45mins, which put off other adjoining diners. The paella was first class. We also had the deep fried pork belly which was super crunchy (skin) and moist inside. Not for diners who have problems with cholesterol!! But maybe just one or two or……..pieces. The fried anchovies were also food but could be a bit more crunchy. Foreigners on the second floor, locals on the first floor!! Overall a good dinner.
The seafood paella was excellent! The atmosphere and location are both wonderful.
I was especially impressed by Augustina’s service. she was incredibly friendly and helpful, and she showed so much patience with my Spanish. Highly recommended!
Loved the Valencian Paella. Came specially by the recommendation and it was worth it, they customised for the Paella solo pollo ( Paella only with Chicken). Haidi took our order and confirmed the customisation. She was proactive and provided a great service. Highly recommended.
We had an absolutely wonderful experience at LOSGÓMEZ! Everything was exceptional — the food was delicious, beautifully presented, and full of flavor, while the service was truly outstanding.
A special thank you to Alejandro, who made our visit unforgettable. He was incredibly kind, attentive, professional, and genuinely made us feel special throughout the entire evening. His warmth and care added so much to the experience.
From the food to the atmosphere and the impeccable service, everything was perfect. We highly recommend LOSGÓMEZ and will definitely return!
Puerta del Mar
| Address | Carrer dels Transits, 4, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 961 36 89 28 |
Puerta del Mar has been a fixture in Valencia’s dining scene since 2009, sitting close to the City Hall square and built around a philosophy of sourcing the best Mediterranean ingredients directly from local fish markets and farms. The reputation is there and the room reflects it. The atmosphere is beautiful, warm, and upscale without feeling stiff. Front of house was welcoming from the moment we walked in.
The food was actually quite good. The artichoke was the standout, cooked well and full of flavor. The black seafood pasta was solid too. Not the best I’ve had, but prepared with care and presented nicely. For an upscale Mediterranean room in the heart of Valencia, the quality was there.
Where it slipped was service. I asked for tap water a few times and it took close to 20 minutes to arrive. That kind of gap is hard to ignore in a restaurant operating at this level. Other visitors have noted similar inconsistencies in service pacing, which suggests it’s not an isolated thing. The food coming out of the kitchen is clearly the priority, and the floor team doesn’t always match that standard.
Worth going if you’re already in the neighborhood and want a nice meal in a beautiful room. Not worth going out of your way for until the service catches up to everything else they have going on.
I came here at the recommendation of my hotel on my first night in Valencia. The food was extremely fresh and delicious. The Torrija was an experience of its own…you MUST try it!
Luis was my server and he was very friendly, kind, and had great recommendations. He was patient and helped me speak some Spanish which I really appreciated. As a solo female traveler I felt very welcome, comfortable, and thoroughly enjoyed my meal!
The rest of the staff was very kind, professional, and attentive as well.
I do wish some of the dishes wouldn’t have a 2 person minimum so solo travelers wouldn’t be as limited, but I understand this is pretty common! Thank you for a wonderful meal and a warm welcome to Valencia!
Daniel was amazing! Very personable, and made sure all our needs were met! What a gem
of a restaurant….our favourite meal in Spain so far! We had the burrata salad, the octopus and the grilled squid with artichokes. All were super flavourful! We are so happy with our experience!
My girlfriend and I had the most fantastic time at Puerta Del Mar! The food was incredible and our waiter Luis took the best care of us. He was considerate, kind, funny, and put up with my weird portuguese-spanish hybrid language. The atmosphere of this restaurant was absolutely amazing, but absolutely book a table before you come visit! Food was divine! Highly recommend the êntrecote, which was divine. Overall a 10/10 experience, Luís was an absolute gem of a human being, and if we come back to Valencia we will 100% come back here, if only just to banter away and chat with him again! 🙂
AVOID! I have no idea how this place has a 4.5 rating.
Starters
- the bluefin tuna was not fresh at all and it looks greyish dark, like it was dead 4 times. they used excessive sauces to cover up the fact that it’s not fresh
- scallops were not fresh either, used excessive soy sauce to cover this mess again
Mains
- duck and foie gras cannenoli - there’s no taste of foie gras at all and the duck is overcooked, this is worse than something you can get at a 2.8 rating place
- pork - this was as if someone put it on the grill with 0 seasoning then realised they needed something so they added something in the end, i’ve never tasted something so bland yet too much soy sauce/onion glazed sauce in one go
i’m happy to pay €200 or even more if all these dishes were high quality but when the bill came to €111.60, i felt like i could’ve made the same dishes blind folded for €20.
please avoid this place at all cost, there are so many wonderful restaurants that are worth 4.5 rating.
Casa Carmela
| Address | C/ d'Isabel de Villena, 155, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 963 71 00 73 |
GREAT PAELLA! Good service . Clean spot. Very extensive wine list. Make sure to make a reservation well in advanced. Call ahead of time to reserve the paella. There’s a 50€ minimum spend per person . They offer à la carte as well as pre fixe dining options. The bread was phenomenal. The wine was very good! We did try some authentic Valencian cod salad with cure tuna and boiled eggs with roasted peppers , it was interesting, but I probably wouldn’t get it again. The boiled prawns (baby shrimps) were not good in my personal opinion. It was recommended by the waiter, wish I wouldn’t have ordered it AA we left half the plate untouched . Even through they were SÚPER FRESH , slightly sweet, very small, but was too much shell and not the star dish here. 100% GET THE AUTHENTIC VALENCIAN PAELLA woth chicken , rabbit and snail cooked over open fire . The paella was PERFECT.
Super paella. Super food all round. I knock it back on service only due to the fact that they only have QR code menus and nothing feels worse than browsing your phone through a 90 page wine list. Restaurants of this calibre should leave covid legacy behind and revert to more traditional means. Restaurants in Valencia overall seem to have this QR code fascination.
We booked A few weeks in advance for a 3:30 sitting. Paella booked in advance too. We had group of 9 and went for four portions of fish paella and four of valencian meet paella, which was more than enough.
I highly recommend but it is on the pricey side by Spanish standards. With out wine it was about 50 per head.
A little out of old town Valencia, this restaurant is worth the trek there. Lucky enough to snag a Saturday 3.45 pm lunch reservation (officially closes at 4 pm), we rocked up at 3 pm & were immediately shown to a table whilst several in front of us had to wait at the bar for a table. We were seated in the covered courtyard area instead of the restaurant proper but it was nice & bright plus a very lively atmosphere as it was obvious many patrons were local long time customers. Service is prompt & drink orders taken & you’re given a QR code to scan the menu. We opted for the Euro58 set lunch - & requested that the main course of seafood paella be switched for a seafood fideau. The manager agreed easily & the meal was just sensational! Several appetizers of the sweetest freshest seafood - the taste was perfectly balanced & beautifully presented. However the standout was the fideau - short thin noodles cooked with seafood in a paella pan. The noodles absorbed the juices so well & were very tasty. Dessert was a normal affair & to be honest, we were so full by the end, we could have done without it! The wine list was extensive but we opted for thirst quenching local draft beers instead. It was an overall sensational meal & reservations highly recommended (we noticed the people ahead of us who were told to wait at the bar, only got their table an hour later!). When in Valencia - make an effort to visit this place. You won’t regret it.
Spectacular paella. Wood fired. Delivered on authentic pan.
Huge wine list with hard to find gems as well as ultra premium offerings. Great gin cocktail.
Very mediocre service. They rushed us to presumably get us out of there asap. Very annoying check in as well. We had reservations and there was a long line out the door. Wasn't clear if the line was for people for reservations. Answer: It was, but they should definitely clarify that with a sign and/or some communication.
Ambiance depends on where you get seated. We were in a very bland area in the back. But there are better spots closer to the entrance.
Minimum €50 Euro per person. Expensive, but worth it given the incredible food.
Best Paella I’ve had so far! A bit pricey but worth it. We had reservations made the day before and came in at 1530, service was very friendly, a bit slow at the end. But everything tasted great, especially the local Valencia clams, which were tasty and sweet, the Paella was cooked perfectly, very flavorful and most importantly the texture of the rice was just right. Definitely come here and then go to the beach afterwards.
El Paeller Valencià
| Address | C/ dels Cavallers, 5, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 963 15 49 53 |
Great location in relatively busy area. Didn't need to wait to much for a table. Paella was fine, one was little bit burned and second one was in good shape. Sangria cold and refreshing. Service was good and always at disposal. Prices are reasonable.
Restaurant near the cathedral with absolutely delicious food and something you rarely find nowadays, genuinely friendly and welcoming service. The paella was excellent, full of flavor and perfectly prepared. The pizza dough was perfect, just like in Italy, and the cheese was clearly top quality.
A special mention to the waitress, who was incredibly kind and very helpful when choosing the dishes. This level of service is something truly rare in Spain these days and should be a model for other restaurants. Highly recommended!
Authentic and Delicious!
The Valencia Paella at El Paeller was yummy — rich, flavorful, and perfectly cooked. Our waiter, Valentina, was incredibly kind and attentive, adding to the great experience. Prices are fair, and the quality is excellent. Highly recommend for anyone visiting Valencia!
We went for lunch for two days out of three that we were in Valencia. Excellent location & atmosphere; had Paella on both the days. I would have given a higher rating but for the glass of juice in the pic. Was served in a dirty glass & the grumpy server brough the same juice back in a different glass! She said the glass was dirty from outside only. We didnt consume it, yet we paid for it. No apologies, no regrets by the staff; infact was charged extra for ice as well. Disappointed.
When in Valencia, paella is a must! We tried to find a vegan one and, luckily for us, we found this restaurant. The vegetable paella was delicious—the rice was perfectly cooked. The tomato soup was very fresh, and you shouldn’t miss their sangria. The staff were friendly and helpful, and they even offered us a shot after the bill!
Arrosseria Flor de València
| Address | Avinguda del Cardenal Benlloch, 22, Camins al Grau, 46021 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 1:00 – 5:30 PM, 8:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 5:30 PM, 8:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 5:30 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 961 13 22 91 |
The food was some of the best we have had in Spain so far. Great quality ingredients, beautiful wines and attentive service. Marc was super friendly and we are excited to bring more people here to try paella one day.
I visited recently with a friend, and it was a good experience. The service was fast and efficient and the food was good. The salad with goats cheese, raspberries, and nuts was delicious.
I highly recommend making a reservation, as it gets really busy there.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After trying five different restaurants, I can confidently say that the best paella we had was here! 🥘
The paella was absolutely delicious, full of flavor and perfectly prepared. The rest of the food was excellent as well.
What made the experience even better was the service: very welcoming, friendly and professional, with staff who were always smiling, kind and attentive.
If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a really great paella, I definitely recommend this restaurant.
Great food, great atmosphere and wonderful staff. We’ll definitely be back!
I dined here by myself for dinner. It was wonderful. I feel like the price was very fair. The ensalada Valenciana was beautiful and simple but very flavorful. The braised veal cheek with potato parmemtier and Parmesan cheese was rich and flavorful. Finally, the orange sponge cake with chocolate custard and ice cream was a tasty but not too heavy end to the meal. Total bill was €43….reasonable for 3 courses. Highly recommend for a tasty dinner in a relaxed atmosphere.
Been there in February 2026, for lunch, with my family. Lovely place, an hidden gem not far from the downtown, yet away from the crowded city centre. We had the best paella of our holiday: well prepared and with high quality ingredients, as well as generous portions. Prices are ok, compared with the quality. Friendly staff. Definitely recommend.
Restaurant Secret
| Address | C/ de Sant Martí, 11, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 6:00 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 6:00 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 6:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 6:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 6:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 6:00 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 960 44 17 42 |
We enjoyed our dinner at Restaurant Secret. Firstly, it is located on a side street away from the hustle of the busy old city. We sat indoor rather than their high outdoor tables and enjoyed a lovely seafood paella. The flavours were great and the fish was excellent. We also enjoyed a cafe gourmand to finish and the portions of the desserts were good. Highly recommend a visit!
Absolutely delicious food! We ordered the octopus legs and the sea bass rice, and both were incredibly yummy. The octopus, in particular, was cooked to perfection—not chewy at all, just super tender. The broccoli salad was refreshing. The service was wonderful, and the desserts were the perfect finish to the meal. I would happily come back again. Highly recommended!
Wow!!!
This restaurant is amazing!
When you come here, you will understand why it is called "Secret Restaurant." It is nestled in a quiet alley where you least expect to find such an amazing culinary experience. The staff are delightful. The chef is a genius. The bartender makes amazing Agua de Valencia and sangria.
We enjoyed the burrata salad, beef bourgagnon, and traditional Valencia Paella with chicken and rabbit.
This restaurant is a must for any foodie visiting Valencia. I'm sure evey local already knows about it.
Reservations are recommended, even for a Sunday evening. If you can't get one, the wait will be worth it.
If you are looking for an extraordinary dining experience, this restaurant is an absolute must-visit. True to its name, the location is incredibly discreet, offering an intimate and welcoming atmosphere that sets the stage for a phenomenal meal.
The food is simply impeccable, and the presentation is equally flawless. I ordered the octopus, and it was undoubtedly the best I have ever eaten in my life. It is honestly baffling to me why this establishment does not yet have a Michelin star, as the quality and execution of the dishes easily meet that standard.
In addition to the outstanding food, the service is great—attentive without being intrusive. Overall, this was the best food I have had during my time in Europe. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who appreciates truly exceptional cuisine. A flawless experience from start to finish.
A fantastic dining experience from start to finish. Secret impressed us with its creative Mediterranean cuisine, outstanding flavors, and high-quality ingredients. The croquettes, grilled octopus, Secret-style mussels, and beef tenderloin toast with foie were absolutely delicious, and the desserts were the perfect ending to the meal. What truly makes this place special is the service: Magda, Nico, and Morena make you feel at home with their kindness, attention to detail, and professionalism. They are a huge part of what makes the experience so memorable. Definitely a place you'll want to come back to. Highly recommended!
Racó del Túria
| Address | Carrer de Ciscar, 10, L'Eixample, 46005 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:30 – 5:30 PM, 8:30 PM – 12:00 AM Tuesday: 1:30 – 5:30 PM, 8:30 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 1:30 – 5:30 PM, 8:30 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 1:30 – 5:30 PM, 8:30 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 1:30 – 5:30 PM, 8:30 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 1:30 – 5:30 PM Sunday: Closed |
| Phone | 963 95 15 25 |
eh. we preordered paella valenciana 3 days in advance (because the menu said it had to be preordered), which was a quest in itself, since the form on the website didn't work and I can't call a spanish number as a tourist, so we communicated via email, which was slow and inconvenient. the point is, we still waited for 40 minutes. what is the point of preordering then? the paella was ok, i wouldn't call it mindblowing. the meats (rabbit and chicken) were quite dry and tasteless and the rice was very salty. the restaurant itself has a nice ambiance, but it was totally empty at 2PM, which felt odd
Authentic local cuisine in Valencia. Be sure to review the menu prior to arriving as many items need to be pre-ordered. We ordered paella Valenciana for 2 and had enough for lunch the next day. Enjoyed a nice bottle of local white wine to accompany. Good value, generous portions.
Yesterday I made a reservation over the phone for lunch, but when we arrived it took quite some time before we were seated even though there were many empty tables. The waitress checked our reservation in their systems and then began attending to other tasks, leaving us waiting at the entrance for a while before finally showing us to our table.
Once we entered the restaurant, we politely asked if it was possible to sit at a specific table, but her response came across as somewhat dismissive, saying that the table was reserved for a “regular guest” and wasn’t available to us. It left us feeling as though we weren’t valued customers.
Once seated, the food took a long time to arrive, and the delay continued with the coffee and the bill.
That said, the food was good, and the manager/owner was friendly, welcoming, and smiling throughout, which we really appreciated.
Overall, the experience had some highs and lows, and we hope the service can improve, as the restaurant has great potential.
Firstly the restaurant was basically empty. We waited around 15min to get a table when there was hardly anyone here. Then we ask to take our order and the woman keeps saying it’s her partner that has to take it but they take 20 minutes to come. Then the food isn’t even that nice, the lamb chops were very plain. Then we ask for the bill and the woman keeps saying says again it’s her partner that has to do it but they take 20 minutes for that as-well. Service is really bad at this place. Do not recommend. It is also way overpriced, there are much nicer places with better food for a better price.
It took a bit longer before we were seated, but the paella was really good.
Rincón 33
| Address | C/ de la Corretgeria, 33, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:30 – 3:00 PM, 8:30 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 1:30 – 3:00 PM, 8:30 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:30 – 3:00 PM, 8:30 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:30 – 3:00 PM, 8:30 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 1:30 – 3:00 PM, 8:30 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 667 71 78 39 |
We had a table outside, team does their best to make them copy, also as it is a corner set up noise level and people tráfico is not too much so it was very pleasant
The lady owner Italian does clearly love her job and makes tje experience amazing. The other lady waiter we had was quite knowledgeable on the wine, Wine menú is small but has good variety and some gems. Went for a lovely White wine, Ladrón de lunas. Very usual and a great choice
Contradicting the local costumes had Rice at night (paella de Marisco) and it was excellent I have to admit (restaurant ranas top10 on paella for Valencia). The cheese salad was a great fresh starter, very nice
Overall a great experience
tasty paella ( we had the seafood one ) ; a little salty for our taste, but it’s just our opinion 🙂
the price is 23.5 euro / person
the ceaser salad was not to die for , but still a good option
PS prepare yourself for a pretty long waiting time as they make their paella on the spot
I can’t say enough wonderful things about this restaurant. Immediately upon entering you feel as if you’re in your aunt’s house coming to eat Sunday lunch or dinner. The staff is friendly, warm, and welcoming. They all have smiles on their faces and it shows they all love to work together and truly enjoy what they’re doing. Now the food was top notch. We had a paella and it was absolutely delicious. We learned that you don’t fill up on appetizers so you can have the whole paella, so that’s what we did. Make sure to make reservations because by the time we left, this place was absolutely packed full of people. So good. It was nice to have an opportunity to dine here. I can’t say enough wonderful things about this place. From the adorable table settings to the wonderful food. I highly recommend and would definitely return to this establishment upon my next visit to Valencia.
We had an amazing afternoon here! The paella was so delicious and the restaurant is in a beautiful lane. We enjoyed a bottle of wine with our paella which was also delicious.
The staff were so friendly and it was overall our favourite restaurant in Valencia!
We were happy we had a reservation as it was very busy when we arrived!
excellent food. very pleasant host. paella very good. probably the best octopus. and the tuna is phenomenal. with three bottles of cava, the cost is around €50 per person.
La Taberna Casera. Arrocería y Freiduría.
| Address | C. d'Antoni Joan, 10, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Wednesday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 623 23 23 24 |
I had such a great time here! From the moment we walked in, the staff were super friendly and made us feel really welcome. The food tasted really fresh and was honestly so good.
The whole place has a really warm, family-style vibe, which I loved. I genuinely have nothing bad to say. Would definitely recommend!
We received a lovely welcome at La Taberna Casera and were shown to our table in a very friendly manner. The staff were genuinely warm and attentive throughout our visit, which definitely deserves to be mentioned.
Almost immediately, a loaf of bread was placed on the table for us to share, without us ordering it. The bread was actually very tasty, although we were a little surprised to see it added to the bill afterwards.
We started with several tapas, which were simple but tasty and, most importantly, very generous in portion size. If you come here for tapas, you definitely won’t leave hungry!
Unfortunately, my main course was less impressive. I chose the lamb, which was described on the menu as being cooked long, until very tender. I expected the meat to be soft and almost falling apart, but unfortunately it was rather dry and slightly tough. The sauce also wasn’t very well reduced or bound.
The dish looked beautiful in the photograph on the menu, but what arrived on my plate was quite different from what I had expected based on the picture. The main course itself was also quite simple.
The fish dishes ordered by the rest of our group looked much more appealing and seemed to be nicely presented.
Another point to keep in mind is the price. Compared with some of the other restaurants we visited, we found La Taberna Casera to be on the expensive side. The generous portions of tapas do help to make up for this somewhat.
We did appreciate the little complimentary touch at the end: we were given a small mini sorbet from the house, which was a lovely way to finish the meal.
Overall, the friendly staff and generous, tasty tapas were the highlights for us. The experience was pleasant, but based on my main course and the overall pricing, I expected a little more.
First time trying the authentic Paella, as known as Paella Valenciana, and it was totally worth it, awesome! I also tried their famous Sangria de Cava (+ little taste of Aqua de Valencia on the house) and that was also very good! Great service and nice athmosphere, so highly recommended! 6/5
We had a delicious meal at La Taberna Casera. The food was fresh and full of flavor, the atmosphere was warm and authentic, and the staff made us feel very welcome. Everything was also very clean and well organized. Great location and excellent value for money, we would happily come back again! 😋😋
Great restaurant, seafood is amazing, great time with family and friends. Patatas bravas and Octopus leg were amazing. Highly recommend!
Restaurante Arrocería A Fuego Lento
| Address | C. d' Antonio Ponz, 56, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 10:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 10:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 10:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
Food was amazinggg. We loved every bit of it. All staff were so friendly and gave great recommendation. Highly recommend and if I ever go back to Valencia, will definitely go back
The best paella we’ve ever had!!! It feels like a true family business where recipes are passed down through generations. The staff is incredibly welcoming. We couldn’t be happier with the experience.
‘Spectacular’ doesn’t do it justice. My friends and I went there to celebrate one of their pachelor party, and with Dario and Lucia looking after us, we really felt right at home: we had paella, mussels, prawns, squid stuffed in their own ink and red prawns on the grill; everything expertly cooked by Arbey and Juan Carlos. Everything was great – not perfect, but that’s how it has to be to feel authentic. We rounded off the dinner with a lovely bottle of Spirit.
We took a note of this place: we’ll definitely be back to enjoy that lovely experience again.
EDIT: Regarding the reply of the owner, we did attempt to tell the waiter that there was sand in the clams, however every time that he asked "Is everyhting good?" I would say "Yes, but-" and before I could finish he would say "Great!" and walk away. We tried 3 times to say this before understanding they were only asking to be able to say that they asked, not that they actually wanted to hear feedback.
We came 4 people for lunch. We had the tellinas (a type of clams) for entree and then a prebooked Paella Valenciana and then soupy black rice (arroz meloso negro). The tellinas had a good lemon broth taste, but there was a lot of sand in many of them.
The paella was very underwhelming. The rice was a bit overcooked, could have had more bite to it, it was served without lemon (which for me is a must) and because of that the dish was too salty because there was no flavor balance. Too much saffron so it overpowered all other spices, overall very disappointing because there are many good paella restaurants in this area. The vegetables were quite flavorless but the meat was okay. The meloso negro saved the lunch for me, it was flavourful and had good squid. Overall, the price was too high for what they offered, but the service was nice and the atmosphere is pretty.
TLDR: would not recommend this place as there are much better in the area for better prices as well, but it is not a bad place.
The food was amazing. The service was good. Desserts were good too. I like their open kitchen ! Our guys from Airbnb highly recommended this restaurant but it did not open from Mon to Thur night time so we came on sat. It was good! Price was reasonable . Bread was good. Ham was good. The paella were so good too. Recommend to try to one with soup ( creamy) one. We had the black one. It was impressive.
El Trompo Restaurante - Paella House -
| Address | Paseo Maritimo de la Malvarrosa, modulo 10, 46011, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM Friday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 12:30 – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 695 90 53 16 |
A perfect place to enjoy delicious food while watching the sea by the beach.
We ordered sole and hake, and both were incredibly tasty and very filling. We also had a tomato, basil, and mozzarella salad on the side. Everything was excellent. We absolutely loved both the place and the food. Highly recommended! Especially the sole!!
One of the best food places in Valencia!❤️
I ate here two times in 6 days, the paella and the other food is amazing, tasty.
The staff is really friendly, amazing beach view, best place for watching the sunset.
I would always come back here!
We are here for 6 days, arrived from Luxembourg for school holidays. And this is the third day we come to El Trompo for paella Valenciana. It is cooked fantastically good !!!👍 The first day we came here was Sunday and a lot of people was there, we had to wait 1 hour for a free table, but in the meantime in neighbour restaurants there were free tables, but I decided to wait for a free table and it was right decision. I can say that we tasted paella in different places in the city, and this one is the best. Of course from Monday till Wednesday not so crowded, but on weekend you need to plan your visit, but on my opinion it is ok to wait in order to eat good paella. Service is also good, friendly and fast even in rush hours.
What could possibly be better than a long, unhurried stroll along the seafront promenade on a sunny spring day — when the warmth is still gentle, the breeze carries the scent of the sea, and the world feels, just for a moment, like it's exactly as it should be?
I'll tell you what's better: ending that walk at exactly the right restaurant.
After working up a proper appetite by the water, we settled into this lovely beachside spot — stylish without trying too hard, with views of the sea that did most of the heavy lifting in terms of atmosphere. And then the food arrived. Fresh. Well-prepared. Exactly what you want after an hour of salty air and sunshine.
The service matched the setting — warm, charismatic, and genuinely pleasant. Not the kind of place where the staff makes you feel like an inconvenience. Quite the opposite.
Interior, food, service — everything was on point. Cozy, flavorful, and atmospheric in all the right ways.
I left completely satisfied, which, frankly, is all you can ever really ask for. If you find yourself walking along the beach and wondering where to eat — wonder no more. Take a seat here, order something, and let the day do the rest.Highly recommended!!!
We had the authentic seafood paella, and it was incredibly tasty! The flavor was beautifully balanced and mild—not overly salty or overpowering like at some other places. Great service, and you can’t beat the location right by the beach. Highly recommend!
Masusa paella bar
| Address | Carrer del Literat Azorín, 17, L'Eixample, 46006 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:30 – 3:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:15 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 1:30 – 3:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:15 PM Friday: 1:30 – 3:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:15 PM Saturday: 1:30 – 3:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:15 PM Sunday: 1:30 – 3:15 PM, 6:30 – 10:15 PM |
| Phone | 611 67 68 26 |
Amazingly good! Lots of options besides paella, although their paella is fantastic. This is an excellent spot to go to with a small group so that you can order several things on the menu to share. We had the spinach salad, fried aubergine with honey, octopus, grilled swordfish, and the fried cod which was a special of the day. It was impossible to pick a favorite as everything was top quality, beautifully plated, and delicious. The service was fast and friendly, but not rushed and the location in the heart of Ruzafa is great for people watching and enjoying a leisurely meal on the terrace. It's best to make a reservation as this restaurant stays in high demand.
Absolutely amazing! We had the Patatas bravas and pedrons along with the fried anchovies for starters. The starters were super tasteful and very appetizing. The speciality paella with super juicy red duck, boletus mushrooms and foie liver on top was insanely rich, full and so overwhelming with taste. Absolutely charming place and great and welcoming service. We had a super nice local white wine and ended with the Aguia de Valencia orange juice drink with cava, gin and vodka. Perfect to end off the super savory and very fulfilling meal.
We had a fab meal here, unfortunately I wasn’t able to get an individual paella the evening we visited but what I did have was excellent nonetheless. The seafood paella the rest of my party ordered was fantastic, very tasty and authentic. The white wine sangria here was also excellent, one of the best I’ve had. The service was fantastic, everyone was very friendly and the price was great for the quality and quantity of food. Would recommend for a fabulous meal in Valencia
Everything was delicious! Best paella I’ve ever had (and I’ve had loads), the kids loved their paella too (and they’re very picky eaters)! The staff was incredibly attentive and accommodating, and the atmosphere was very bubbly. It was busy though, so reserve in advance to make sure you have a table.
If I could give more stars I would, best food we've had in Valencia and best food I've had all year, and I love going to restaurant! The place is run by two sisters, one front of house, the other one is the chef, you can blindly trust them with your life. We had anchovies which were lightly salted and perfectly fried, paella with duck and foie gras which was exceptional, and a lovely crème de Catalan for dessert, all served by the sweetest singing waitress. Wish we discovered this sooner because I'd have eaten here every day.
Tips for Ordering Paella Like a Local
Understanding the etiquette and timing of Valencian paella will drastically improve your experience. A great dish can be ruined by a misunderstanding of how it is meant to be eaten, so keep the following advice in mind before you make your reservation.
Go for lunch, not dinner. True Valencians almost exclusively eat paella in the afternoon, usually between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Many of the best traditional restaurants will not even serve paella in the evening, as they believe it is too heavy for late digestion. Plan your day around a long, leisurely lunch.
Order the "Valenciana" at least once. While seafood paella is famous internationally, the original recipe contains chicken, rabbit, green beans, and garrofó (a local white bean). Even if you prefer seafood, trying the original version at least once gives you a baseline for understanding the dish’s true flavor profile.
Respect the socarrat. The caramelized crust at the bottom of the pan is the most prized part of the meal for locals. Do not scrape it away aggressively as if the pan is dirty; instead, use a spoon to gently lift the toasted rice. A good restaurant will proudly serve you a pan with a perfect, golden-brown bottom layer.
Do not mix paella with starters. Unlike a multi-course tasting menu, paella is meant to be the star of the table. Ordering heavy appetizers before a large pan of rice will leave you too full to enjoy the main event. At most, share a light salad or some local olives before the rice arrives.
Calculate your portion size. Paella is ordered by the person, and the minimum is usually two. A standard portion is quite generous because the pan must be wide and shallow to cook correctly. If you are a light eater, it is perfectly acceptable to order a smaller number of portions than the number of people at the table—just inform the waiter.
Use the wooden spoon, not the fork. The traditional utensil for eating paella is a wooden or metal spoon, not a fork. This allows you to scoop up the rice, beans, and broth without breaking the grains. Eating directly from the pan is common in rural settings, but most city restaurants will provide plates.
Valencia is a city that runs on the rhythm of the kitchen, and its culinary identity is inseparable from the landscape that surrounds it. By choosing a restaurant from this list and following the local customs, you are not simply eating a meal; you are participating in a ritual that has defined this Mediterranean coastline for generations. Take your time, enjoy the conversation between courses, and let the rice tell you the story of the Albufera.
