Looking for authentic places to eat in Valencia while learning Spanish in Valencia without falling into tourist traps?

Here’s a carefully curated list of local restaurants, tapas bars, vegetarian spots, and cafés—recommended by someone who actually lives here.

Whether you’re here for a few days, week or staying long-term for a total Spanish immersion, this local food guide to Valencia will help you eat well and experience the real flavors of the city.

Let’s start with the best recommended restaurants that offer great food and are definitely not tourist traps:
 

Pizza Recommendations

If you’re on the lookout for good pizza, here are some top spots:

• Masa Madre: A small, authentic pizzeria centrally located near Plaza de Tossal. If you like sweet and salty combinations, ask for the Audace.
   
• la ‘Nduja: A super cozy and sweet little place close to the famous Mestalla football stadium. A go-to vegetarian option here is the Elvis pizza. The pizzeria is run by two super friendly Italians—and the best part? They serve popcorn while you wait!
   
• Gino Banana, La Finestra, Trellat Benimaclet, and Festinar are all known for their mini surprise pizzas. They never disappoint and also offer plenty of vegetarian options.

 

Tapas Lovers, This Is for You

   
Looking for some typical tapas restaurants? Here are some great options:

• Clann Bar Tapas
• Escalones de la Lonja (a bit pricey due to its location, but still worth a visit)
• Arandinos Tapas Valencia
• Las Cuevas
• Café Infanta (don’t miss the burrata salad and their amazing empanadas)

 

🥘 Paella—A Must in Valencia

Did you know Valencia is the birthplace of paella? Here’s where to eat the best paella like a local:

The best paella restaurants are a bit outside the center, in El Saler or El Palmar—two authentic towns full of local restaurants. You can try almost any of them and likely won’t be disappointed, but make sure to reserve in advance and let them know what kind of rice you want, as paella is always prepared fresh for the day.
   
Top picks:

• El Restaurant La Casota
• Arrosseria El Rek

About the rice: the typical varieties used are Bomba or Calasparra rice. If you’re more into pasta, try Fideuà, which is made with vermicelli noodles.

For seafood lovers who don’t like peeling shrimp, go for Arroz de banda or Arroz del senyoret. And don’t miss Arròs negre— which is famous for its black rice colored with squid ink.

The villages are easily accessible by bus (more on that in the transportation guide).

If you don’t want to leave the city, no worries! There are plenty of good paella spots in town as well. Here are our recommendations:

• Restaurante Yuso
• Restaurant Ferro

Just make sure you reserve a table.

Fun fact: Paella is typically eaten at lunch. This is to ensure the ingredients are fresh. So don’t be that tourist eating it for dinner.

A Break from Spanish Food?

If you’re in Valencia for a longer stay, as a tourist or Spanish student, you might want a break from Spanish cuisine. Here’s a selection of excellent international restaurants:

• Lambrusquería Caballeros (Italian)
• Margarita (Mexican)
• Saigon Delice Restaurant (Vietnamese)
• Restaurante japonés UNSUSHI (Japanese)
• Yummy Lanzhou Ramen (Chinese)
• Restaurante Salsavana (Cuban)
• Casa Rustica Cocina Ecuatoriana (Ecuadorian)
• Hummus Falafel Restaurante Árabe Ruzafa (Lebanese)
• Kathmandu Cánovas Indian Nepali Cuisine (Indian)
• Fass Bakery (German bakery – great for good bread)

 

For the Vegetarians (and Vegans) Among Us

Here are some vegetarian- and vegan-friendly gems in Valencia you should try:

• La Casa Viva Ruzafa
• Ubik Cafè Cafeteria Llibreria cafebreria
• Honest Greens
• La Tastaolletes
• Almalibre Açaí House Valencia
• Khambú Quart
• Asociación Cultural Gastronómica Vegana La Mandrágora – This one’s truly special: seating is limited, and you simply pay what you feel like. You should definitely give it a try!

 

Quick Bites on the Go

Sometimes time is tight especially if you have Spanish lessons all day, then and you simply just need something quick—here are great grab-and-go options:

• Pan de queso
• Gaia – Focaccias y Empanadas
• Empanadas Malvón
• Rey Taco

 

☕ Cafés to have Breakfast, Study, Chill, or Enjoy a Pastry

Looking for cafés to get some work done, study Spanish or just enjoy good coffee and a pastry? Try these:

• Federal Valencia
• El Coffi del Carmen (note: laptop-free zone)
• Mestizo
• Elixir Café de Especialidad Arrancapins
• DDL Boutique
• Brunch Corner – La Virgen
• Raices
• Fav Coffee
• Gardenia Coffee & Brunch

Do you want to become a Spanish pro in ordering food and feel confident when getting your tostada de tomate or paella con marisco?

Then sign up for Spanish class today.

And if you are still not sure on how to spend your time in Valencia, do not miss our articles on the best sights, hidden gems or what else to explore in the area.

• weekend trips in Valencia
• Valencia’s hidden gems

 

Read more & Register for a Spanish course in Valencia