Sitting down to eat within the shadow of Valencia’s most iconic religious landmark is an experience that blends history with the city’s vibrant culinary soul. The area surrounding the Cathedral is a maze of narrow, atmospheric streets that hide some of the most authentic dining spots in the old town.
However, finding a truly memorable meal in such a heavily touristic zone can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. You want to avoid the generic traps designed for passersby and find the places where locals still guard the secrets of Valencian gastronomy.
From traditional horchaterías serving sweet treats to rustic taverns dishing out slow-cooked paella, this neighborhood offers a deep dive into Mediterranean flavor. The key is knowing which doors to push open and which menus offer the best value for your money.
We have walked these cobblestone paths and tasted the offerings so you can eat with confidence. Whether you are looking for a quick bite between sightseeing or a long, leisurely lunch with local wine, there is a perfect spot waiting for you.
This guide focuses on quality, authenticity, and proximity to the Valencia Cathedral. We prioritize establishments that maintain high standards of service and food sourcing, ensuring your dining experience enhances your visit to this beautiful city.
Below, you will find a curated selection of the best places to eat, ranging from hidden tapas bars to refined dining rooms. Each option provides a unique window into the culinary identity of Valencia.
REINA BONITA | BEAUTIFUL QUEEN
| Address | Pça. de la Reina, 18, derecha, Ciutat Vella, 46003 Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 635 08 93 04 |
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Had a brilliant evening at Reina Bonita. Great location, amazing food and excellent service throughout.
We pretty much worked our way through all the tapas and everything was delicious! Really good quality, full of flavour and a great way to enjoy an evening in Valencia.
A special mention to Oscar and Cris who looked after us brilliantly. Friendly, attentive and made the whole evening even better.
Would definitely recommend Reina Bonita if you’re looking for great tapas, a lovely atmosphere and genuinely good service. We’ll definitely be back! 👌🇪🇸
Great experience. We originally went to Casa Vani, but it was completely full. One of the staff members was incredibly kind and actually walked us to this restaurant, which belongs to the same owner. It offers the same menu, with the added bonus of paella as well. That gesture alone made a great impression on us and set the tone for a really pleasant experience. Staff at Reina Bonita was relaxed, attentive, and always smiling, which immediately makes you feel at ease.
The tapas were fresh and well cooked, perfect for sharing, and the paella was flavorful and clearly prepared with care, not rushed or overdone. A place I’d happily return to.
This was a lovely place to have dinner! The tapas and paella were piping hot, and really yummy. The staff speaks good English so it’s easy to converse with them, and they were very accommodating to our requests. The menu has a decent number of vegetarian options, and they even made a special vegetarian paella for us. 9/10 would come here again, and definitely recommend sitting outdoors! Oscar was the most helpful, appreciate his kindness despite the busy atmosphere!
We had a lovely experience : ) we ordered octopus, paella, potatas bravas, beer and freshly squeezed orange juice. The food came out quick and was delicious! Nice vegan options as well. The outside seating was great on a perfect-weather night. Our server, Erika, was so attentive and a delight! We would definitely recommend!!
Finally a friendly person helping us - Antonella was great. Smiling and cheerful unlike a lot of other restaurants. The food was wonderful, not long waiting for it. Nice fan (since it's summer and quite hot) was a bonus. Thank you for helping us to consider returning to Spain. We had our doubts.
La Terrazza (Pza La Virgen)
| Address | C/ dels Cavallers, 5, 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 15 49 53 |
Despite of mix reviews online, the experience was absolutely fantastic! Paealla was great. Well carmelised with loads of sea food in (had a seafood on). The starters were also top quality. The setting, outside and in a lovely square with a beautiful little park just in front, was just perfect.
Omg!! The starters portions are huge 😅 amazing however haha we had almost no space for the paella after as a main course 😁 somehow we managed 😅😅🫶🇪🇸
Service was excellent especially Clara during the busy environment she time manage to be so professional and polite. Highly recommended.
Located in the heart of Valencia, La Terrazza clearly offers more of a tourist-oriented experience than a local one — something we were already aware of before going in. Still, since we were in a hurry, we decided to give it a try.
Instead of tapas, we ordered from the main menu and chose the Argentine steak and lamb ribs. While the food was acceptable, it didn’t really stand out in terms of flavor or authenticity.
It’s an okay spot for less experienced tourists looking for a convenient meal, but if you’re searching for genuine local flavors, this is probably not the place.
I do not recommend this restaurant to any tourists.
Our experience was extremely unpleasant, and we felt that we were treated differently because we were foreign visitors.
When we arrived, the staff deliberately refused to seat us on the outdoor patio. After we asked to move outside, a female staff member followed us and demanded that we pay immediately and leave as quickly as possible. I refused because we had not finished our meal.
She then pointed her finger at my face and said, “You are a very rude human being!” When we still didn’t leave, she actually took away our food without our permission, packed it up against our wishes, and then followed us to demand payment.
To make matters even worse, we discovered that they had added a 10% service charge to the bill, despite the humiliating treatment we received.
I have never experienced such disrespectful service. In my opinion, the way we were treated as foreign tourists was completely unacceptable. If you’re looking for a place where you’ll be welcomed and treated with respect, I strongly recommend choosing another restaurant.
I would like to respond to the review left by the Lin family. As you can see in the photo she uploaded herself, the box contains food from another restaurant. I am also a tourist, and I was sitting at the table right next to them when the misunderstanding occurred. NO RESTAURANT ON THE WORLD allows you to bring outside food in. They only ordered drinks and then took out their own food. Naturally, the waitress asked them to leave. The Lin family was extremely rude—especially Mrs. Lin, who started shouting at the servers and filming them.
The place is excellent, the food is exquisite, and the service is top-notch.
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!
Santa Rita
| Address | C/ dels Assaonadors, 10, 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 |
Booked a table on google
Excellent food and location. Setting is very nice. Gives the original Ivy vibes in London.
Looked after by Salvatore and could not fault it
Thanks
(Pork cheeks and lasagne for main )
Starter and dessert also delicious
The food is top notch, but service is on another level. Our first hostess, Damaris, was a sweetheart, and made our engagement dinner feel really special. It was so nice, we decided to come back for some pizza just a few days later, when Salvatore also took very good care of us. Very pet friendly place, as well. Worth a visit -- and definitely get the red berries cheesecake!
Ivan made our entire dining experience exceptional. From the moment we sat down, he was warm, attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about the menu. His recommendation of the beef carpaccio was absolutely incredible—it ended up being one of the best dishes of the night and something we probably wouldn’t have ordered without his suggestion.
He struck the perfect balance of checking in without ever being intrusive, anticipated what we needed before we had to ask, and made us feel truly welcomed. It’s rare to come across service that elevates an already great meal, but Ivan did exactly that. He’s a huge asset to the restaurant, and we’ll absolutely be back because of the experience he provided. Thank you, Ivan, for making our evening so memorable!
We really enjoyed the food here! While the outdoor seating area was on the warmer side, the meal itself was outstanding. The risotto, steak, and braised pork cheeks were all flavorful and cooked to perfection. Our server, Ivan, was also fantastic—very attentive and friendly. Overall, a great spot with excellent service!
Amongst the BEST Italian meals we’ve ever had (including in Italy); it’s become our favorite Italian restaurant in Valencia! We love the beautiful ambiance, attentive service, and exceptional cuisine.
We have been twice in the past week, and we plan to return twice more before we leave because the menu offers a great variety of delicious options, and the service provided by Salvatore was excellent!
Your Nona’s would be VERY proud!
Oh! I must mention the tiramisu… it’s creamy dreamy!
I highly recommend reserving your table ahead because the wait can get quite long during peak hours. Cin cin!
La Terrazza
| Address | Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir, 26, Ciutat Vella, 46002 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 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 |
|---|---|
| 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 🌮💃
Los Gómez, San Vicente
| Address | Carrer de Sant Vicent Màrtir, 3, Ciutat Vella, 46002 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| 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 | 961 62 43 39 |
The tapas we ordered were amazing! The portions were big and very tasty. I honestly recommend grandma’s meatballs and bread with alioli and tomato.
They are quite busy, so be sure to reseve to avoid waiting. The service was fast and our waiter Bryan was polite!
The best steak I’ve ever tasted. The paella was absolutely delicious, and the staff were incredibly friendly, especially Riccardo, who took great care of us throughout our visit. I highly recommend this place without hesitation!
My family and I had an absolutely delightful experience at Los Gómez, San Vicente. The atmosphere was wonderful, and the food was exceptional. I want to give a special thank you to Riccardo, who served us. His service was extremely attentive, friendly, and truly made our visit memorable. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and highly recommend it!
Amazing experience with Los Gómez at San Vincente!
Tried the Cachopo Iberico With Agua de Valencia. It was a perfect meal for one.
I've also heard of recommendation for the Paella Valenciana but couldn't try as the portion fits for 2. Anyway, I'd highly recommend this place. Special thanks to Bryan my server, the kind and smiling guy you'd find around!
THE WORST EXPERIENCE of service EVER.
A woman greeted us with a rude “Hola?” only because we came in behind the reception without “permission”??? (There was no one behind the reception.) It felt like she meant, “I’m actually here, hello.”
The first impression was spoiled at that moment, but the rest of the experience didn’t make it any better.
Then we waited, I suppose, about 10 minutes for a waiter to take our order.
We asked to change our table because we were seated in a very hot spot. The woman at reception said it was hot everywhere (which was not true). Eventually, we changed our table and sat outside.
And then another surprise – we were supposed to take all our stuff (our drinks and glasses) by ourselves and move it to the new table. Thank God the waiter at least moved our plates and forks himself. He brought it like this (see picture), and we had to arrange the cutlery ourselves.
I understand that I may sound very picky, but I’m used to good service.
The food was nice, but it wasn’t worth this experience. When we asked to pack our leftovers to go, the waiter brought us a bag and plastic containers, and again we had to do it by ourselves.
I don’t have much experience with Spanish restaurants, but I hope not all of them are like this.
If you want good service, you’d better not come here.
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.
Restaurante Rincón del Mercado
| Address | Pl. del Mercat, 90, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| 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.
PASQUAL+SHEILA | Plaza de la Reina
| Address | C. del Mar, 2, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 611 05 51 70 |
Pasqual+Sheila is located right in the heart of Plaza de la Reina, making it a great spot to enjoy the city's atmosphere from the outdoor terrace. While it is quite touristy and prices are slightly above average, the central location and the vibe make for a pleasant experience.
The food was good across the board. The burger with roasted potatoes was flavorful, and the octopus served with puree and asparagus was well-prepared and fresh. It is a solid choice for a meal if you want to stay in the middle of the action.
The dessert was the highlight in terms of creativity and presentation. The orange-shaped mousse was beautifully crafted and made for a very memorable end to the meal. It is a very good option if you are looking for a nice terrace in the center with visually impressive dishes.
The food, location and service were perfect! Valeria, our server, was great at giving us recommendations on what to get. We had the Iberican ham carbonara; chicken masala salad with whipped Cesar dressing and fresh paprika croutons; and the ube/blueberry cheesecake. The flavors of each dish were really unique and went well together. And right on the plaza next to the Cathedral, you can’t beat the location.
The food was very good which was a nice surprise in this tourist hot-spot, and I would definitely return in the future.
I was able to sit on the terrace without a reservation, which was great as it was quite busy. I had potatoes with paprika oil, which was a nice starter, cooked and seasoned well, and was quite flavourful.
I then had the Iberian ham carbonara which was nice - the pasta was cooked al-dente, the sauce was cheesy and smooth, and the ham was tasty.
Finally, I had a latte which was good, a sangria which was fine, and was served with complimentary paprika popcorn which tasted nice.
Overall, the experience was great, service was good and tourist-friendly, food arrived quickly and cooked well, and everything looked and tasted nice.
Highly recommended for a safe and solid restaurant option in Valencia city centre.
There are different kinds of restaurants. Some charge you for the location, some for the service, some for the prestige, and some simply for the quality of the food. Then there are those rare places that successfully combine all of these elements into one experience.
Pasqual + Sheila is one of those places.
The setting is simply stunning. Sitting on the terrace, you are treated to one of the most beautiful views in Valencia, overlooking the historic heart of the city and the magnificent Plaza de la Reina.
The service is excellent—fast, attentive, friendly, and genuinely welcoming. The food is outstanding. Not only is it delicious, but it also feels progressive and creative. There is a clear desire to go beyond the ordinary, to showcase culinary knowledge, imagination, and professional passion. The dishes have personality and reflect a chef who enjoys pushing boundaries while maintaining balance and flavor.
The interior is equally impressive, adding another layer to the overall experience.
I won't pretend the bill was small. It wasn't. But what impressed me most was that I never once felt I was overpaying. On the contrary, I left feeling that every euro had been well spent.
I walked away with a wonderful impression and a positive energy that stayed with me for the rest of the day. My sincere thanks to the entire team for creating such a memorable experience.
The cake napoleon is delicious. The coffe is good and the terrace on the little square is nice to sit and they have cooling fans. The burger is also very tasty. The sevice is fast and friendly. You can eat here all day from breakfast till late at night.
Tete Coco | Comida Real
| Address | Pça. de la Reina, 18, Ciutat Vella, 46003 València, Valencia |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Friday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Saturday: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Phone | — |
We choose it because of the reviews and ideed it was really good. It is a small cozy place very well designed, where we felt very confortable and you can observe the movements of the plaza. Has many options of food, well served and delicios. The service was really good, he was very kind and careful and we had a nice conversation, as many times people make the space (give him a raise:) ). Thank you for your hospitality! We totally recommend it.
Great homemade food to take away, with a nice mix of traditional Valencian dishes and international options like pasta and lasagna. They also offer vegetarian choices and an excellent variety of desserts. Very affordable prices, and if you eat there, the views of the cathedral are beautiful. The staff is very kind and helpful, always happy to recommend options!!❤️😋
The homemade food here is delicious and you can tell it’s made with love. I’ve returned a few times even though there’s so many options around. We had the tiramisu, the cheesecake, pollo à la pizzorella and lasagne. Then came back later for Agua de Valencia & Aperol Spritz. All the food and drinks are 10/10. The staff are very friendly and helpful too.
We walked past and had planned to eat elsewhere.
My friend even had a sandwich to eat later, but we couldn't resist stopping when we saw the window display.
In the end, we had four dishes, all of which were excellent and homemade.
Great decor, great service.
Go there with your eyes closed.
We had an amazing food experience at Tete Coco's today. We were served by the sweetest server who was very kind and patient with us because we cannot speak Spanish very well. The food was super delicious, very rich, and filling. I asked for a beer recommendation and I was not disappointed at all. 🤣 I HIGHLY recommend you try this place if you're in the area.
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.
Practical Tips for Dining Near Valencia Cathedral
To make the most of your culinary journey around the historic center, it helps to understand the local dining culture and logistics. The area operates on a distinct rhythm that differs slightly from the rest of Europe, so a little preparation ensures you eat well and avoid common tourist frustrations.
1. Respect the Spanish Meal Times
Valencians eat lunch late, typically between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM, and dinner rarely starts before 8:30 PM. If you arrive at a restaurant at 6:00 PM looking for a full meal, you will likely find the kitchen closed. Use the "off hours" to visit the Cathedral itself or grab a coffee and a pastry, then eat when the locals do for the freshest food and best atmosphere.
2. Look for the "Menú del Día"
For the best value, seek out restaurants offering a "Menú del Día" (Menu of the Day) during lunchtime on weekdays. This fixed-price menu usually includes a starter, a main course, a drink, and dessert or coffee. It is the most economical way to experience high-quality, home-style Valencian cooking without breaking the bank, often costing a fraction of the evening à la carte prices.
3. Book Ahead for Dinner
The narrow streets around the Cathedral are bustling at night, and the best restaurants fill up quickly, especially on weekends. If you have your heart set on a specific spot, call ahead or use an online booking platform to reserve a table. Walking in without a reservation after 9:00 PM often means waiting in a long queue or being turned away entirely.
4. Check if Paella is Pre-Ordered
Authentic, high-quality paella is cooked to order and takes time—usually 30 to 45 minutes. In the most traditional restaurants, you may be required to order paella when you make your reservation. If you plan to eat paella for lunch, ask the staff about the wait time and whether you should specify your order upon arrival to avoid a lengthy delay.
5. Step Away from the Main Square
While the Plaza de la Reina and Plaza de la Virgen offer stunning views, the restaurants directly on these squares often charge a premium for the location. For better quality and lower prices, walk just one or two blocks into the side streets like Calle de Caballeros or Calle del Trench. You will find more authentic, locally loved spots just a stone’s throw from the action.
Exploring the culinary landscape near the Cathedral is an essential part of understanding Valencia itself. The fusion of fresh Mediterranean ingredients, centuries-old recipes, and the warm hospitality of the Valencian people creates a dining experience that goes far beyond simple sustenance.
Whether you choose a historic tavern or a modern bistro, take your time to savor the flavors and the atmosphere. In this part of the city, every meal is an opportunity to connect with the rich tapestry of history that surrounds you.
