Travel

The nicest restaurants in Valencia

Valencia hotspot

Oooh, I really like Valencia so much. As far as I'm concerned, it's the most fun city in Spain. It has everything: beach, bike paths (which I genuinely enjoy), parks, a beautiful old town, and... So many fun hotspots to visit. Terraces, bars, restaurants... Every time I went there, I discovered new places. And in March 2022, I was back: back in Valencia. And we really only ate delicious food, so I thought it was time to update my old list with the latest hotspots. Just copy them, because you'll need these when you're in Valencia town.

Hotspots in Valencia

Jamón Jamón

A must-visit when you're in Valencia, but you really need to make a reservation in advance: otherwise, getting a table is nearly impossible. It's a small restaurant, no terrace, but believe me: you want to go here. The meat here was divine with a capital D, and the wines too. Ideal if you want to have a nice dinner.

La Mas Bonita
You'll probably get this tip from more people because this is really a typical hotspot by the beach. But don't ignore the tip: even though it's a popular place, it's highly recommended. Right on the beach, and you can especially enjoy a great lunch or breakfast there.

Voltereta Bali

You really have to go here, but you also really have to make a reservation in advance because it's always incredibly busy, but understandable: the food here is really delicious, affordable, and the interior is love at first sight. I found the upstairs (Ubud) the nicest, but downstairs (Seminyak) is also very nice. And also visit their other spot in Valencia: Voltereta Manhattan.. Tinto Fino Ultramarino.

During my last visit to Valencia, we visited this restaurant with eight people. Since we can turn into a real chicken coop, especially with some sangria, I always feel sorry for the staff beforehand. That wasn't necessary here: we were served so nicely. Here too, you eat tapas, but just a little different and a bit more upscale.
Colmado LaLola.

Right in the old town, so the atmosphere is definitely good. But Dios mío (I'm already practicing my Spanish), the food here. When everything is back to normal, making a reservation is important because it's a small place. And actually, you want to go with a slightly larger group because believe me: you want to taste everything on the menu.
La Bodeguilla El Gato.

A typical tapas bar where there's no fuss, just good Spanish food. For the truly adventurous eaters, they have a specialty: bull testicles. I didn't dare to try them but can definitely vouch for the other tapas: delicious.

Lambrusqueria.

I've visited Valencia about six times with friends, and literally every time we've eaten at this restaurant. The first times we were 18 or 19, I guess, or in other words, a bit poor students. In terms of price/quality, you're doing great here. Super friendly service, the food is delicious Italian (truffle pasta, carpaccio, that kind of thing), and all dishes are meant to be shared.
Bluebell Coffee Roasters.

Don't be too late: this place usually closes at 3:30 PM. I personally think this is the cutest hotspot to go for breakfast, and then enjoy it extensively. It's really a super cute little place, and the food is top-notch. A perfect start to the day.
La Terrazza VLC Urban Club.

When I'm in another city, I always look for a rooftop bar. I always find it so fun to view the city from a great height, and it always has that luxurious feeling. Well, for that feeling and for the view, you're in the right place here. In terms of food, they serve (very tasty) burgers, so if you're not in the mood for that, go for the cocktails.
Restaurant Copenhagen.

Vegetarians. Here. Want. You. To. Go. And even if you're not a vegetarian, by the way, because you won't miss the meat here for a second. A top recommendation for an extensive dinner with incredibly nice service. I find that in Valencia in general: you are really served very nicely everywhere.
Federal Café.

Here for breakfast or lunch, preferably every day. The menu is wonderfully extensive and really has something for everyone and – not unimportantly – they have really good coffee here.
Terranova.

I really only need to say one thing about this place. Pasta. In. Gigantic. Cheese. That is prepared at your table. That's really one of the most delicious things there is, right? Mi gado, this is so delicious. 
Sagardi.

Nowadays, there is also a location in Amsterdam, but it doesn't compare to the atmosphere of this one in Valencia. A nice spot to go for lunch: they have a huge variety of pinchos, and if you're full, you just pay for the number of sticks you have. Super easy.
Escalons de la Llotja.

I could seriously eat tapas every day and never get tired of it. Especially with those delicious olives, sausages, cheeses... I could eat everything all day long. Just like at this spot in Valencia, where they serve classic tapas. You have to search a bit (it's in a small side street), but you have sun for a long time, and it's just a stone's throw from the Mercat Central.

Vaqueta Castro Mercat.

Nice: both inside and outside, it's very pleasant here. The interior is very trendy, but outside you look out over the Mercat Central, so it's a win-win situation. And that's also true for the food, by the way: not typically Spanish, but just a bit different. I had a hot dog Spanish style (incredibly delicious), but fish lovers will also be very happy here.

Horchatería Daniel.

Authentic Spanish pastries, but also savory things. I also really like the interior, and it feels 'really' Spanish. A coffee with it, and you have an ideal coffee break.
Marina Beach Club.

A vacation is not really complete for me without a day of lounging on the beach at a ridiculously luxurious beach club. And in Valencia, this is it. Now, that 'ridiculously luxurious' is not too bad: Valencia is not a very expensive city anyway, and this beach club is still quite affordable. It's really lovely to spend a day here in the sun and hang out by the pool.
Hotspots around Valencia.

The last few times I flew to Valencia, I spent five days in the city and five days in the nearby villages. I also picked up a few tips there, and of course, I don't want to keep those from you.
Nou Racó.

Albufera Speaking of dinner with a view... The city seems very far away here. Really a beautifully stunning view over lakes and meadows, and the food is also of high quality. Extensive lunch here? Yes, please.
El Rebost.

Sueca Again a bit of fine dining, again Valencian, but again a recommendation. In a very small village, with a beautiful modern interior and so affordable. €22.90 for a menu. Per person. As I always say: you're robbing your own wallet if you don't go.
Wederom een beetje fine dining, wederom Valenciaans, maar wederom een aanrader. In een heel klein dorpje, met een mooi modern interieur en zó betaalbaar. €22,90 voor een menu. Per persoon. Zoals ik altijd zeg: je bent een dief van je eigen portemonnee als je het niet doet.

Las Bairetas Chiva
If you go a bit further inland, you'll find this restaurant. Here you will mainly find dishes from the Mediterranean cuisine (not just Valencian this time), but they also simply have sushi rolls. Normally, I am always a bit wary of these kinds of fusion restaurants, but believe me: everything here is top-notch.