I just came back from a city trip to Valencia, a vibrant city on the east coast of Spain and the 3rd biggest city of the country, with many unique foodie hotspots, restaurants and Instagram-mable sites, that truly surprised me, about which you can read more in this City Guide!
This Spanish city has a unique culinary offering, renowned for its flavorful cuisine, that combines Mediterranean influences with local traditions.
Spain’s most iconic dish, paella, was born in Valencia and is enjoyed around the world. This unique dish, consisting of rice, beans, seafood and meats, represents the region’s agricultural and marine resources so well. And never have I tasted such a good one as during my Valencia visit.
Local ingredients & sustainable restaurants
Valencia’s cuisine also stands out for its use of fresh ingredients from the region. 10 km from Valencia you will find the beautiful Albufera wetlands, where high-quality rice is produced. The famed horchata de chufa, a refreshing drink made from tiger nuts, and fideuà, a noodle-based seafood dish, also represent the region’s culinary diversity.
Moreover, the fact that 17 restaurants in Valencia are included in the We're Smart Green Guide, an important international guide for sustainable gastronomy, highlights the culinary excellence of Valencian restaurants.
It also shows the city's respect for local produce, especially since Valencia has been named European Green Capital for 2024, which underlines its commitment to the environment, sustainability and the promotion of responsible eating habits.
In Valencia you’ll find a wide mix of restaurants, ranging from high-end modern venues to local eateries with tapas and other authentic flavors. And with a growing number of Michelin-starred restaurants, Valencia is a true must-visit for gastronomy lovers.
Top 11 restaurants Valencia & foodie hotspots
My list of must-try restaurants in Valencia will ensure that you don’t miss out on the best dining experiences. While also finding the most laid-back local eateries and highly Instagram-mable hotspots to complete your gastronomic adventure.
Let’s dive into 11 of the nicest restaurants for your own Valencia trip, also indicated on my custom-Google map here below:
1. Felix Chaques
We started our culinary journey at this sustainable Chef’s Table concept, where we were served 7 unique dishes by the owner himself. This small restaurant, with only 6 tables and 2 seatings a day, has a modern décor with a sophisticated ambiance and a very personal approach. A true hidden gem in the El Carmen area!
This restaurant just opened in 2023 and was already added to the Green Guide the next year! Felix Chaques offers an exceptional dining experience, while using sustainable local products, with each dish based on a seasonal ingredient, mostly plant-based and seafood.
Their tasting menus are a great way to sample multiple dishes, each prepared right in front of you in the open kitchen, all beautifully presented and explained to you by the chefs.
Get an impression through this gallery:
The set menu is available for lunch and dinner for a very reasonable price of €69 for 7 courses, including delicious homemade breads. If you're looking for a Michelin-worthy meal that showcases Valencia’s culinary talent, Felix Chaques should not be missed.
2. Lienzo Restaurant
The next day we were treated to another haute cuisine meal for lunch at a true Michelin-star restaurant. Lienzo was awarded their 1st Michelin star in 2021 and still holds it til today.
Accompanied by a recognition of the Sustainable Guide as 1 of the best sustainable restaurants in the community of Valencia and also included in the Green Guide.
Located in the heart of Valencia in a former art gallery, Lienzo highlights the best of the region’s produce. Chef Maria José Martinez brings a modern take on traditional Mediterranean cuisine, by using local ingredients and creating unique flavor combinations, all done in an artistic and contemporary setting.
At Lienzo Restaurant you can choose from a 10- or 14-course Chef’s Menu for both lunch and dinner, which is nothing less than culinary art!
This restaurant is truly top-notch, and our culinary experience here was very memorable and photogenic, as you can see in below gallery:
3. La Salita
Another Michelin-starred gem in Valencia, offering a modern approach to Mediterranean cuisine, set in a historic courtyard garden in the trendy Russafa neighborhood. This year will be their 20th anniversary already, making 2025 extra special for them.
Chef Begoña Rodrigo is self-taught and renowned for her creative combinations and innovative techniques.
Unfortunately, I did not get to eat here myself this time, but it was highly recommended to me by several gastronomy lovers.
La Salita is known for its innovative use of organic local ingredients and has a prominent spot in the Green Guide as well.
Sampling one of their 10- or 12-course set tasting menus will ensure a memorable high-quality culinary adventure.
4. Mamma Pazzo
This creative and trendy Italian restaurant is also located in the same neighborhood. Mamma Pazzo serves traditional Italian dishes with a twist in a photogenic setting.
I can highly recommend the burrata and pistachio ravioli, which were both delicious here.
But the pizzas are supposed to be very good too and photogenic, as they are served on the Tower of Pisa!
Want to have dinner in a botanic garden, or prefer a vintage club-style setting?
From the Instagram-mable cocktails, to the modern take on Italian dishes and eye-catching décor with 3 different themes, everything at Mamma Pazzo is made for sharing on social media, as you can see in this gallery:
5. Restaurante Noble
Almost next door you will find this elevated dining venue, offering a unique mix of gourmet Mediterranean and international food.
Known for its sophisticated décor and excellent menu, Noble takes traditional dishes and adds contemporary twists, served in a stylish setting.
My friend Lieke had dinner here and was very impressed by the high-quality dishes, unique wine list and cocktails, that were exceptional!
6. San Tommaso
An absolute must-visit for Italian food lovers, right in the center of Valencia. This cozy eatery serves classic Italian dishes with a focus on fresh ingredients and homemade pasta.
San Tommaso is stylish, quaint and has some of the best pizzas I tasted in a long time! I actually ordered a focaccia, which was almost as big as a pizza, making it quite affordable and filling.
An excellent restaurant with atmospheric in- and outdoor seating, with hospitable service.
A true hidden gem in Valencia, as you can see in this gallery:
7. Central Bar & Boatella Tapas
But, while I love experiencing high-end gastronomy, I also really enjoy authentic local food, which Valencia has plenty of.
Central Bar is located inside the Central Market and Boatella Tapas just outside, across from the market hall with the same concept. Both tapas bars are a must-visit if you want to enjoy authentic food among locals.
From jamón ibérico to pinxtos, the best tapas can be sampled here for a true taste of Valencia.
8. Voltereta
If you’re looking for a trendy restaurant with creative fusion cuisine and photogenic settings, Voltereta is the place to visit.
This unique concept has several restaurants in Spain and in Valencia there are no less than 4 locations to choose from: Voltereta Casa, Bali, Manhattan and Tokio.
Each different, ranging from a Balinese tropical setting, to a Manhattan 1920’s jazz club-style, to a Mediterranean and both a traditional and futuristic Japanese setting, making them unique and highly Instagram-mable.
While all are photogenic, the food is also supposed to be very good and in theme of the restaurant name, combined with Spanish dishes, for a reasonable price.
Unfortunately, I did not have time to visit, as I was only in Valencia for 3 days, but am surely coming back to experience these restaurants next time!
9. Atenea Sky - rooftop bar & restaurant
If you prefer your meal or cocktail with a spectacular view, Atenea Sky provides the perfect setting with panoramic 360 views of the city. Located on the 8th floor of the historic Ateneo building, this rooftop bar has a great cocktail list, and serves Mediterranean- and Asian-inspired dishes.
The Pergola has an in- and outdoor area, facing Plaza del Ajuntamiento, serving lunch and dinner. And the Terrace has a 400 m2 outdoor space with a big bar and 24-hour kitchen with a view.
Very Instagram-mable and the perfect place to capture views of Valencia’s skyline and sunsets as a backdrop to your meal or cocktail.
10. Restaurante Leo - El Saler
Located just outside the city, near Albufera National Park, this is the place to go to for fresh seafood with authentic Valencian hospitality.
Our guide had a traditional ‘Almuerzo’ with us here, the Valencian tradition of having a second breakfast around 11 or 12, consisting of local specialties and usually a small (alcoholic) drink😊
This typical Spanish restaurant provided the perfect setting for it with its relaxed atmosphere, delicious tapas and the friendly service that Valencia is known for.
Worth a detour to El Saler and perfect to combine with a boat tour over Albufera lake to explore even more of the Nature Reserve, about which you can read more in my previous Valencia blog.
11. La Ferrera - Playa de Pinedo
For a traditional Valencian paella, this is the best spot to visit with great views. This stylish seaside restaurant offers a relaxed, yet upscale lunch or dining experience with its extensive menu of local specialties and Mediterranean seafood.
Especially on Sunday this restaurant is buzzing and packed with locals, when Valencian families traditionally come together to enjoy a paella or 2.
I had the best paella of my life here, prepared the right way with local rice and organic ingredients from the region!
The laid-back atmosphere and big windows with direct sea views make it ideal to unwind after a day at the beach, while enjoying those local specialties.
From fine dining to casual tapas and international fusion dishes, Valencia is the place to be, with a very diverse culinary scene.
From innovative restaurants like Felix Chaques and Lienzo to casual, vibrant eateries like San Tommaso and Central Bar.
All atmospheric and of high-quality, most also very photogenic, while using the best local ingredients in their dishes, something Valencian cuisine is renowned for.
I hope you can experience it yourself soon and that I was able to inspire your next city trip through this blog with my top 11 restaurants and foodie hotspots in Valencia, to complete your own visit!
Comments