Eating & drinking

Valencia has a large number of restaurants. There are a lot of cuisines on offer, but the Spanish cuisine remains the best. Paella originates in Valencia and is served nearly everywhere in town.

La Pepica

Paella restaurant on the Promenade that is over 100 years old. Address: 6 Paseo Neptuno.

Palace Fesol

With a modest start as a poor persons’ restaurant, specialising in fesoles (lima beans), today the Palace Fesol is almost a luxury restaurant. The best item on the menu is carpaccio of shrimp with raspberry vinaigrette. Address: 7 Calle Hernán Cortés

Seu-Xerea

Run by English top chef Stephen Anderson and without a doubt the most ambitious restaurant in Valencia. Dark red walls, a contemporary interior, white tablecloths and large wine glasses. The menu features a number of surprising dishes, such as oriental fish cakes with tzatziki, strawberry gazpacho, artichoke stuffed with goose liver and the lamb dish of paletilla de cordero con tabouleh y jugo de romero. Address: 4 Calle Conde de Almodóvar

Ca´n Bermell

A cosy restaurant serving real Valencian food. Address: 18 Calle Santo Tomás.

Tascas (Tapas bars)

The best tapas street is found in the fishing district of El Cabanyal. Here you will find, among others, the Bodega Montaña with its legendary anchovy dishes. Other tapas bars are: Ocho y Medio (Plaza Lope de Vega) and Bar El Pilar (Calle Moro Zeit).

Bars

Café Sant Jaume

One of the biggest bars in town, patronised by bohemians, the gay population, artists and students, with the occasional Valencia CF football star thrown in. Remember to take a look at the ceiling: the wooden beams are decorated with beautiful wood carvings. Address: 51 Calle Caballeros.

Café Valiente

After visiting the Gothic cathedral this is the place to relax with a cup of coffee or a caña, a small glass of beer. Also excellent for a late breakfast or brunch. Address: Plaza de la Virgen, Ecke Calle Navellós.

Horchateria de Santa Catalina

Horchata is a Valencian speciality, made of tiger nuts (chufas). It tastes a little like almonds. Address: 6 Plaza Santa Catalina.