The Best Places To Eat In Valencia

Mercado Central

Started in the early 1800s as an open-air street market, the Mercat Central is one of the largest markets in Europe to offer fresh produce and local food. Housing about 1200 stalls, it’s a landmark representing both Valencian gastronomy and architecture. Many different types of food are sold here, such as charcuterie, raw meat, and fresh produce. You’ll also find other things, such as Valencian ceramicware.

Below are a few places not to miss while you’re here.

Las Cervezas de Mercado

As the only place in Mercado Central that specializes in beer, Las Cervezas del Mercado is definitely a spot to check out. The local craft beer industry has been booming recently and you can now try around 70 different brands from the city alone.

Fernando, who runs the shop, shares that while the wide variety is good for increasing interest in beer and the science behind it, it’s also harder for smaller businesses to thrive due to the tough competition. Out of all the 470 beers available in the market, Zeta is considered one of the best. Tourists pass by to try the Valencian beer, and locals love to experiment with the many other national beers, including brands from Barcelona.

If you want your hands on some local beer, consider buying them from Mercado Central rather than the supermarkets, as it’s usually more beneficial for the people that make them.

Boutique del Queso

Charcuterie is a big part of local Spanish cuisine with cured meats and jamon lining many stalls. Cheese often goes along with it and both are usually sold side by side. Boutique del Queso takes pride in being the only shop inside the market that solely sells cheese. The passion of the team of 4 is to bridge the gap between cheese consumers and producers of artisan cheese. You’ll be spoiled with a wide variety, ranging from French to Italian, cow’s milk to goat cheese, and exciting fusions. As obvious cheese lovers, the team are happy to answer any question and will guide you as you taste their cheese that leaves you wanting more.

Super Gourmet

Born out of a love for gastronomy, Supergourmet is a collection of stalls scattered throughout the market with a restaurant nearby. We were shown around each of them by the man who runs them – Diego. One of the stalls, La Cava de Supergourmet, offers wine. Bruto is our favorite – not too sweet, but still full of flavor!

Supergourmet Charcuterie serves ham and other cured meats and cheeses. Diego says the best way to tell if the ham is good or not is by the oily texture from the fat. A great example is the bellotas Iberica, a must-try. Ask them to make you a sandwich, and if you’re really hungry, why not the longest you’ve ever seen? The specialty of the house is about a meter long, without exaggeration!

Supergourmet Turroneria, as the name suggests, serves truffles and Turrones, a type of nougat. They have a lot of flavors including horchata and chocolate with nuts. The last stall, Supergourmet Multiproducto, sells all the other artisanal stuff like chocolate and oil from olives from trees with roots dating back more than a millennium.

Diego also took us to his bar and restaurant just a short walk from the market. We try the Paella and a glass of Sangria, as he tells us more about his love for food. It’s all about the details and experimenting until you find the right balance. It took him months to get the flavor of his Agua Valenciana just right, a champagne-based orange cocktail. Clearly, it paid off. It’s refreshing, not too strong, and based on high-quality liquor. You won’t get a hangover the next day, he assures.

The restaurant is full of locals, tourists, and even staff of the stalls. They blend in well with the patrons as they seem more like family and friends than coworkers. With great food and an amazing atmosphere, this is a spot you have to check out!

Mercado Russafa

A more recent addition to Valencia’s food scene built in the 60s, Mercado Russafa (also spelled Ruzafa) differentiates itself from Mercato Centrale by focusing on high-quality ingredients rather than served food. Come here to buy delicious Jamon Iberico, various seafood, different cheeses, fresh fruits and vegetables. Gea Munoz is one of the most renowned places worth your time, it has been running for several decades!

Casa Adrian 1944

Casa Adrian has a warm atmosphere and a somewhat modern vibe. Many families drop by for breakfast, though they also offer truffle cheese, cured ham, wine, and other local products. When we went it was packed with locals, who told us it’s of the places they always return to.

El Perderniz

Originally meant to be a small taverna, this more than 20-year-old cozy spot makes you feel at home. So much that most of the restaurant’s regulars never have seen the menu and usually just ask for the best of the day. The owner, Fouad, tells us about how his love for gastronomy inspired a warm sense of community in his 75-seat passion project.

Whether you come here alone or with a group, it’s easy to find yourself having a glass of wine with another table. During lunch, most of the guests are locals, while tourists often pass by for dinner. Fouad walks around mingling, treating everyone like friends.

He emphasizes the importance of quality and freshness regardless of the price. Fouad usually picks out quality local ingredients from Russafa. Other times, he has them delivered from local farms. While the team loves to innovate, they also stick to tradition, especially since many patrons come to eat the same favorite dishes. While this restaurant isn’t for everyone, it’s the preferred choice for clients looking for quality with an amazing local atmosphere.

We picked out several items from the menu, starting with the Gazpacho Casera, which blends garlic and tomato just perfectly together. Next was the croquetas, so creamy with just the right crisp. Followed by the octopus with a perfect texture. The Melosa de Costilla, tender meat and well-cooked rice, and the Revueltos de setas were also delicious! Last was their version of lubias pintas, prepared similar to the Brazilian Feijoada and full of flavor, and the Tarta de trufas, which had an intense chocolate flavor. Served with a chupito of sweet wine (Moscatel with orange). Yes, we will be back next time in Valencia.

Casa Salvador

We end up at Restaurante Casa Salvador, a short drive outside of town, thanks to a local friend known for his great taste in restaurants. When he says something is good, it is. Casa Salvador has been around for more than 70 years and is famous for its rice dishes, especially its Paella. What makes coming here extra special is the terrace overlooking the river with an idyllic view. While some restaurants have a warm, busy vibe, this one is full of tranquility.

We try the Arroz with Camarones. Perfect flavor, great texture, and a lovely presentation. No words are enough to describe how good it is! We also go for the small mussels as well as some bread with tomato and aioli. We pair it all with a white wine that isn’t too sweet. After your meal, take a short walk to Playa de L’Estany to relax and watch local fishermen do their thing. You’ll find little to no tourists here – the perfect place to digest that Paella.

Goya

Goya has a very special history. Fernando started it together with his best friend – a former roommate from back in the days when they were studying gastronomy. After working for different restaurants, they found a traditional restaurant selling Paella among other things up for sale. In 2014, they bought it, renovated it, and built on their ideas. Now, it’s a 120-seat space frequently visited by all kinds of clients on the weekdays and a family favorite on the weekends. The duo has received many awards, most recently their first Michelin star and a top 3 finish in the Concurso Internacional de Fideua de Gandia y Gastronomia – a big deal in Valencia!

Every single item on the menu is carefully selected. They work with local partners and put emphasis on organic ingredients. Fernando shows us the kitchen and introduces us to his team of 20, each person dedicated to a specific craft. The team is international with talents from Uruguay to Valencia. The ambiance is great, it’s clear that everyone is passionate and takes pride in what they do.

Tony, in charge of appetizers and desserts, prepares an entrada with seafood and mushrooms. So creamy! We pair it with a glass of Mala Vida wine from the local wine zone Requena.

Fernando tells us that people usually come here for the rice. Senyoret with shrimps is a favorite and apparently, “the secret is in the caldo”. For dessert, we have a cheesecake served with artisanal ice cream and a berry sauce. Followed by some desserts typical for Easter and served with cinnamon and ice cream. The texture is so unique, making us want more. And if you’re lucky to get a table at La Goya, Fernando and his team will leave you wanting more, too.

Maluquer Quattro

The owner of our Airbnb, a local foodie, recommends Maluquer Quattro. It’s a charming little family-run resturant mostly visited by Spanish people. The service is excellent – friendly and personal. The menu is seasonal and all about traditional dishes. The Paella is the star and the favorite among the locals. Obviously we had to try it, and it was even better than they said.

Non-Spanish Restaurants Worth Your Time

Blanco y Rojo

Blanco y Rojo is a little bar with a decent mix of locals and tourists located in the heart of Valencia. Known for its high-quality cocktails, the founder has launched an initiative around the Art of Bartending (think a show while preparing your drink). Be sure to try their famous gin and tonic as well as the long island ice tea.

Blanq Carmen Hotel

Located on the edge of the old town by the old city walls, Blanq Carmen Hotel features a rooftop terrace with a stunning view of Valencia. Start your evening with some appetizers, dinner, and delicious wine before you head out. We tried the Aubergine as well as the ravioli. Both were amazing and even better with the wine pairing the team suggested. If you don’t feel like leaving, you can spend the night and have breakfast here after.

Other Restaurants Recommended by Locals

The following are a few restaurants locals recommended that we didn’t have time to try but will make sure to check out next time.

Restaurant Duna Port

Located along the marina, Restaurante Duna Puerto is a sophisticated space famous for its creative presentations and stunning sea view.

Alquería del Pou

Loved by locals and tourists alike for its typical Valencian food. According to rumors, the food is delicious and the price-quality great. The location is quite characteristic as it is in the city but in the middle of the Valencian orchard. Very well located next to the City of Arts and Sciences. If the weather is good, they have two nice terraces to spice up your experience.

Palmera

is also a municipality in Valencia known for food which locals kept on recommending, so we’ll definitely spend some time restaurant-hopping there next time.

Ready To Eat Your Way Around Valencia?

Valencia is a beautiful city with a vibrant culture where food is a big deal. Freshness, quality, and tradition are heavily emphasized – and a glass of delicious wine is never far away. Whatever your taste, be it Paella or the catch of the day, this city will have something for you. If you’re here during late August, don’t miss La Tomatina festival – an unforgettable bucket-list event that takes place just a 20-minute drive outside of the city.

If you come to Spain to eat, Bilbao and San Sebastián are other destinations worth your time.