Valencia, Spain’s third-largest city, is a food lover’s paradise. The city is renowned for its Mediterranean cuisine, with fresh seafood, rich rice dishes, and vibrant fruits and vegetables taking center stage in its culinary offerings. If you're visiting Valencia, there are a few must-try dishes that perfectly capture the essence of the region’s gastronomic culture. Here’s your ultimate guide to eating in Valencia, featuring everything from traditional Valencian paella to delicious pastries.
Paella Valenciana – The Iconic Rice Dish
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, the famous Spanish rice dish that has become synonymous with the country’s cuisine. While there are many variations of paella, Paella Valenciana is the original version and must be at the top of your list when visiting the city. Traditionally, this dish is made with rice, saffron, and a mix of meats like chicken, rabbit, and sometimes duck, along with vegetables and beans. It’s often cooked over an open flame in a large, shallow pan, allowing the rice to absorb all the flavors of the broth.
Why try it: It’s the iconic dish of Valencia and a symbol of the region’s culinary heritage.
Where to eat: For an authentic experience, head to the village of Albufera, just south of the city, where some of the best paellas are prepared in traditional ways.
If you love seafood but are looking for something different from paella, try Fideuà. This dish is similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. Typically, it’s packed with fresh seafood like shrimp, squid, and clams, all simmered in a rich seafood broth. It's a Valencian specialty, and many locals swear by it as their go-to comfort food.
Why try it: A seafood lover’s dream, it’s the perfect alternative to paella for noodle fans.
Where to eat: Check out La Pepica, one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in Valencia, located right by the beach.
No visit to Valencia is complete without trying horchata, a refreshing, non-alcoholic drink made from tigernuts (chufas). The drink is sweet, creamy, and slightly nutty, and it’s often served chilled, making it a perfect refreshment during the hot summer months. Traditionally, it’s paired with fartons, a sweet pastry perfect for dipping.
Why try it: It's a refreshing and unique drink that’s deeply rooted in Valencian culture.
Where to drink it: The best horchata can be found in the traditional Horchaterías, especially Horchatería Santa Catalina, which has been serving the drink since 1836.
For something a bit more adventurous, try All i Pebre, a hearty eel stew that is a favorite in Valencia’s Albufera region. The dish is made with eel, garlic, paprika, and potatoes, and simmered until everything is tender and flavorful. It’s a comforting dish that showcases the region’s love for rich, robust flavors.
Why try it: It’s a regional specialty that you can’t find everywhere, making it a great dish to try for a true taste of local Valencia.
Where to eat it: Many seafood restaurants in the Albufera Natural Park offer this dish, including El Palmar and La Albufera.
If you have a sweet tooth, Tarta de Santiago is a must-try dessert. While originally from Galicia, this almond cake is a popular dessert in Valencia. Made with ground almonds, sugar, and eggs, it has a light, moist texture and is typically topped with powdered sugar and the cross of St. James. It’s often enjoyed with a cup of coffee or a glass of Mistela, a sweet local wine.
Why try it: A light, nutty cake that’s a perfect end to any meal.
Where to eat it: You’ll find this cake in many local bakeries and cafes, including Panadería La Suiza.
Esqueixada is a traditional Valencian salad that is perfect for hot days. It features shredded salted cod, tomatoes, onions, olives, and sometimes peppers, all dressed with olive oil and vinegar. The salty cod contrasts beautifully with the fresh vegetables, making this dish both light and satisfying.
Why try it: It’s a perfect dish to balance out the richness of other Valencian specialties.
Where to eat it: You can find Esqueixada in many local markets and tapas bars across the city, including Mercado Central.
Mussels are a beloved food in Valencia, and Clóchinas are a local variety that’s especially popular during the summer months. These small, flavorful mussels are harvested from the waters off Valencia's coast and served steamed or in a simple broth with garlic, lemon, and parsley.
Why try it: A true taste of the Mediterranean, these mussels are an affordable and delicious treat.
Where to eat it: Head to the Marina Real Juan Carlos I, where many seafood restaurants serve up fresh Clóchinas.
Bunyols are traditional Valencian doughnuts, often served during Las Fallas festival in March, but they can be found year-round at bakeries and street stalls. These fried dough balls are often sprinkled with sugar and sometimes filled with cream or jam. The warm, fluffy texture makes them a favorite for both locals and tourists alike.
Why try it: It’s a tasty, comforting treat that’s perfect for a mid-day snack.
Where to eat it: Look for bunyols at Mercado de Colon or during festivals at street stalls.
Valencia is also known for its Cava, a sparkling wine that is made in the region using the traditional method. Produced mainly in the Utiel-Requena area just outside the city, this wine is a great way to pair with any meal. Whether you prefer a brut or a sweeter variety, Cava is a refreshing drink to complement Valencia’s food scene.
Why try it: It's a local drink that rivals Spain's famous Cava from the Penedés region, offering a more personal, Valencian touch.
Where to drink it: Many local restaurants and wine bars serve Cava, but a visit to Bodegas Vega will give you a deeper understanding of the local wine culture.