Exploring Valencia's Vibrant Food Scene
- Amy
- Jan 10
- 6 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
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Valencia has a crazy food scene! From the world-famous paella to delicious tapas, fresh seafood, and unique local dishes like fideuà (a noodle version of paella), there's no shortage of amazing flavors to try. Hands down the best place to try out any of these dishes is the Mercado Central (Central Market) in the city center of Valencia. Sure there are several traditional restaurants and local cafes where you can also savour some great Spanish food. Below are my recommendations for some delicious foods that I tried in Valencia.
Exploring Valencia's Vibrant Food Scene
Finding a great place to eat in Valencia is a piece of cake – you’re never far from something delicious, especially in the city center! What makes Valencia’s food scene stand out? Well, it's the birthplace of paella, for starters. Plus, the locals have a serious love affair with food, constantly eating and eating. And don't get me started on the sweets. They’re everywhere, so get ready for a sweet tooth's dream come true!
Turron Ice cream at Llinares
Turrón ice cream, a specialty in Valencia, is a must-try when you’re in the city. Turrón is a traditional Spanish nougat made from almonds, sugar, honey, and egg whites, and it has a strong association with the Christmas season. LLinares in Valencia has been around for more than 130 years, since it first opened in 1880! It's a super popular bakery and ice cream parlor known for its traditional Valencian treats and ice creams. It is located in the city center of Valencia, at Carrer de Roteros, 1, right near Plaza de la Reina and it is the best plce to savour an ice cream.
Churros and Hot Chocolate at Chocolatería Valor
Chocolatería Valor is a well-known chain in Spain, famous for its churros and thick hot chocolate. The combination is a classic Spanish treat, especially popular during the colder months or as a late-night snack.
The churros at Valor are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and are often served with a cup of rich, thick hot chocolate for dipping. Valor also offers a variety of chocolates, both for eating and drinking, making it a must-visit spot for chocolate lovers. There are several Valor locations in Spain, with one of the most popular in Valencia, often buzzing with both locals and tourists looking to indulge in this sweet tradition.
Taste Horchata and Fartons at Horchatería Santa Catalina or at Orxateria Daniel
The oldest horchata shop in Valencia is Horchatería Santa Catalina, near the Miguelete Tower (El Micalet), which is part of Valencia Cathedral. This iconic horchatería has been serving traditional horchata de chufa (a refreshing drink made from tiger nuts) since the 19th century. Horchatería Santa Catalina is famous for its beautiful tiled interior, preserving the charm of old Valencia. It is very popular for its traditional Horchata with Farton but its churros with hot chocolate is also to die for!
Orxateria Daniel has been serving delicious horchata and fartons since 1959, making it a beloved spot for over 60 years! The place offers seating, so you can relax and enjoy your treat in a cozy, traditional yet upscale setting. Its most famous for its horchata and fartons. Pro Tip: Try ordering the half-frozen horchata with horchata milk. It’s a great way to enjoy the drink with a bit less sweetness. Or, if you're feeling adventurous like me, go for the unsweetened horchata! Either way, make sure to pair it with a farton, a traditional Valencian sweet pastry that’s soft, fluffy, and made for dipping into the horchata for the perfect combo of flavors! Be sure to also try the Coca de llanda, a light and fluffy Valencian sponge cake perfect with coffee or horchata, and the Almendra tortada, a delicious almond cake that pairs beautifully with the nutty flavor of horchata.
Agua de Valencia
While you’re in Valencia, don’t miss out on trying Agua de Valencia, the city's signature drink. It’s a refreshing mix of fresh orange juice (from Valencia’s famous oranges), cava, vodka, and gin. It’s usually served in large glasses or pitchers, making it a fun drink to share with friends. The citrusy flavor combined with the bubbly cava is the perfect way to cool off on a warm day, definitely a drink worth trying!
Tapas
There are many restaurants that cook up a great menu of tapas including ham croquettes, patatas bravas, padron peppers (pimientos), jamon Ibérico (Iberian pork secret), Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician-style octopus), tortilla española, croquetas, grilled fish, sautéed mushrooms, Gambas Roja (red prawns) and many more. For traditional tapas in Valencia, try La Albufera near the park, Café de las Horas by Turia Gardens, La Pepica at the beach, and Bar Los Cazadores in the city center. All serve delicious, authentic Spanish tapas!
Paella
Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and it’s the perfect place to try this iconic dish! Here, you can taste paella Valenciana, along with other delicious versions like seafood, lobster, or vegetarian paella.
If you're on the hunt for the best paella spots in the city, here are three recommendations:
La Pepica – This legendary spot right on Playa Malvarrosa has been serving up amazing paella since 1898. Known for its seafood paella and classic Valencian paella (made with saffron, rice, chicken, rabbit, and sometimes snails), it’s the perfect place to enjoy a hearty, traditional meal with views of the Mediterranean.
In the Old Town, both Tasca Hogan "La Coveta" and Albufera are great choices. We dined at Tasca Hogan "La Coveta" where I tried my first paella in Valencia and it was delightful!
Albufera, near the Albufera Natural Park, is where paella was born. It’s a bit more rural and picturesque. It offers a peaceful atmosphere to enjoy some of the best rice dishes in the region.
Just a heads up, paella in Valencia is usually made for at least two people, and some of the more traditional spots have a €40 per person charge for it. Paella is traditionally eaten on Sundays or Thursdays (and definitely not for dinner!), and it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to prepare, so make sure to plan ahead. Also, since these places are super popular, it’s always a good idea to book a reservation beforehand!
Fideua
Although most people coming to Spain know about paella, you’ve probably never heard of paella’s “cousin”, fideua. It started as a traditional fisherman’s dish, made with short and thin pasta noodles instead of rice, along with seafood such as shrimp, squid, and monkfish. For affordable and tasty eats in Valencia, head to Bocadillos Bocaditos at Carrer de la Reina, 1, near Mercado Central, where you can enjoy Fideua and delicious bocadillos (sandwiches) in the city center. Another great spot is La Pappardella, located at Carrer del Mar, 26, near Plaza del Ayuntamiento, offering budget-friendly Italian dishes.
Closing Thoughts
In conclusion, Valencia is a food lover's paradise. Every meal here is a celebration of tradition, flavor, and creativity. So, come hungry, explore the vibrant markets and restaurants, and dive into a true taste of Spain—you won't be disappointed!
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