Valencia Spain Travel Guide
Valencian cuisine roots in the Mediterranean tradition, shaped by fertile plains and a coastal location. Ancient Moorish irrigation systems provided abundant fresh produce and citrus. Its coastal location provides fresh seafood.
Rice is the defining influence; Valencia is the origin of paella. Roman, Moorish, and Christian influences shaped a diverse gastronomic legacy.
Spanish meal times are later. Breakfast (7-10 AM) is light. Lunch (2-4 PM) is the main meal. Dinner (9-11 PM or later) is lighter.
Tapas are tiny plates for sharing, common before luncheon or dinner. Meals are social events and unhurried.
Bread is usually a usually served, sometimes with a small charge. Tipping is not mandatory but welcome for outstanding service.
The original paella with bomba rice, chicken, rabbit, garrofó, green beans, saffron, and rosemary.
Find it: Old-style restaurants city-wide, Casa Carmela (Malvarrosa Beach).
A noodle-based dish similar to paella, typically with seafood and often served with alioli.
Find it: Seafood restaurants, maritime quarter (El Cabanyal), beaches.
"Rice on the side," prepared in a rich fish broth, often served in two parts: fish/seafood then rice.
Find it: Seafood restaurants specializing in rice dishes.
Refreshing, milky, non-alcoholic drink from tiger nuts. You'll discover it at Horchatería Santa Catalina or Horchatería Daniel in Alboraya.
Popular local cocktail with Cava, fresh orange juice, gin, and vodka.
Valencia boasts Michelin-starred dining establishments with innovative approaches to local ingredients.
Numerous options offering quality food at accessible prices, including traditional Valencian dishes.
Affordable options from vendor booths to small plate bars.
Growing availability, especially in Ruzafa and the urban area center. Many traditional dishes are naturally vegetarian. HappyCow app is a helpful tool.
Always ask to verify the contents, especially for paellas.
People are becoming more aware. Communicate specific allergies clearly to staff. Use a Translation app or a pre-written card in Spanish. Many paellas are naturally gluten-free.
Supermarkets carry allergen-free products for self-catering.
Limited dedicated restaurants. Research in advance or seek suitable ingredient choices.
Wide array of options: Asian, Italian, Mexican, West Asian, especially in Ruzafa and city center.
Check menus on websites or apps like TheFork for suitable options.
Supermarkets like Mercadona and Carrefour have certain allergen-free sections.
In The Palmar (Albufera), dine in traditional thatched-roof houses for an authentic paella setting.
Offers views of rice paddies.
Modern establishments blending traditional tapas with innovative cuisine, common in Ruzafa and the city center.
A modern culinary experience.
Experience the practice of fresh horchata de chufa with fartons in a historic horchatería.
Take a paella cooking class to learn the secrets of this iconic dish.
This multi-course lunch offers fantastic value and an authentic taste of local Valencian cooking.
This refreshing cocktail, made with local oranges and Cava, provides a delectable taste of the city's nightlife.
A unique Valencian specialty. Enjoy this refreshing tiger nut drink with accompanying long, glazed pastries.
Participate in a hands-on class to learn the secrets of authentic paella. Many classes include a visit to the Central Market.
A highly recommended cultural experience.
Walking tours focusing on tapas, market exploration, or specific culinary neighborhoods (Ruzafa, El Cabanyal).
These provide insights into local gastronomy and history.
Visit rice fields and learn about rice cultivation, essential for paella production. Tours often combine a boat ride and paella lunch.
During harvest season (winter/spring), some farms offer tours to learn about Valencian oranges and sample fresh produce.
A high-good food hall that usually has gastronomic events, tastings, and workshops. Enjoy a refined dining experience.
Tipping is customary for good service, though not expected as in some other countries. A few euros or a small percentage is common.
