Having lived in Valencia for several years and tried numerous restaurants, I’d like to share some places I frequently visit. These aren’t Michelin-starred establishments, just regular spots where locals eat, but the food is genuinely good and reasonably priced.
Traditional Paella Restaurant in the Old Town
Let me start with La Pepica, located near Malvarrosa beach, which has been operating for over a century. Their paella is truly authentic, with perfectly crispy socarrat rice that’s not too hard, and very fresh seafood. It’s best to book ahead on weekends, as both locals and tourists love this place. Average cost is around 25-30 euros per person, and one paella is enough for two people. The address is Paseo Neptuno 6, near Las Arenas metro station.
Tapas Bar Recommendations
In the Ruzafa district, there’s a small place called La Pilareta that specializes in fried seafood tapas. This tiny spot only has a few tables, but the food is really delicious. Their fried calamari rings and fried small fish are perfectly crispy, especially appetizing with a squeeze of lemon. Prices are affordable too, with tapas costing just 3-5 euros each. However, this place only accepts cash, so remember to bring enough money. Their hours are also quite specific: 1pm to 4pm and 8pm to 11pm.
Another place is Bodega Casa Montaña, located in the maritime district. This restaurant’s ham and cheese platters are excellent, and they have a great wine selection. The atmosphere is quite traditional, with wine bottles hanging all over the walls, giving it that old Valencia feel. Perfect for after-work drinks and small bites. Average cost is around 15-20 euros per person.
Restaurant Comparison
Below is a summary of basic information for these restaurants for your reference:
| Restaurant Name | Specialty Dishes | Average Cost | Location |
|---|
| La Pepica | Paella | 25-30 euros | Malvarrosa Beach |
| La Pilareta | Fried Seafood Tapas | 10-15 euros | Ruzafa District |
| Casa Montaña | Ham and Cheese | 15-20 euros | Maritime District |
Dining Tips
Valencia restaurants typically serve lunch from 2pm to 4pm, and dinner from 9pm onwards. If you go to Valencia restaurants at noon or 7pm, many Valencia restaurant seating might still be closed. Also, locals typically eat paella for lunch, rarely ordering it for dinner.
You must book ahead for popular restaurants on weekends, especially those by the beach. On weekdays, except for particularly busy places, you can usually walk right in. Tipping isn’t mandatory, but if the service is good, leaving 5-10% is common practice.
Finally, a reminder: never randomly pick restaurants in tourist areas, as those places are usually overpriced and disappointing. Ask locals for recommendations, or observe which Valencia restaurant wall places have more local customers—following them is always a safe bet. Hope these recommendations are helpful, feel free to leave comments if you have any questions.
