Valencia, Spain Restaurants: The Good, Bad, and Ugly

If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful streets of Valencia, Spain, get ready to embark on a culinary journey like no other. In this blog post, I’ve handpicked a list of must-visit restaurants that’ll tantalize your taste buds and satisfy your wanderlust cravings. From traditional paella joints & trendy tapas bars to non-European cuisine, I’ve got you covered. You won’t want to miss these mouthwatering gems!

• Bunoleria Churreria El Contraste
• Aladroc Taverna de Peix
• Las Mas Bonita Ruzafa
• Mare Meua Bar de Tapas
• Hotaru
• Pasta & Magia
• Goya Gallery
• Egeo
• Masusa Paella Bar
• Sueca
• Beirut King
• Chick Shack
• Thai Mongkut 
• El Rall
• El Camerino

Bunoleria Churreria El Contraste

Let’s start with the most famous churros in the neighborhood. This place is known by both locals and visitors. Nestled on a quiet but main traffic spot, this place sells hot off the fryer churros for under a couple Euros. You can then request them with sugar added, and of course a cup of hot melted chocolate to dip in before every bite. A must-stop visit anytime you are in the Russafa neighborhood.

Aladroc Taverna de Peix

This was by far my favorite restaurant in Valencia! So much so I went three to four times during my stay. They serve amazing fresh seafood, with elevated recipes. I typically order mussels whenever I see it on the menu at a restaurant, but I can proudly say this is the best recipe I have ever tasted. Turns out they were prepared Thai style with lemongrass and a touch of cream in the broth. I also enjoyed their fried shrimp dish which was not heavily battered and had a touch of spice and tons of freshly sliced and sauteed garlic. I insist the next time you are in Valencia to try this place!

Las Mas Bonita Ruzafa

This quaint bakery and coffeeshop served all the typical fare and even desserts by the slice. They also sold simple sandwiches that I didn’t try, but admired from neighboring tables. Their coffee collection ranged from the typical to the complex, such as a lavender blend. If you are looking for a quiet afternoon this is the place to go. Seats can fill up quickly, so don’t wait too long.

Mare Meua Bar de Tapas

This was my very first restaurant experience in Valencia. I heard that it is suggested to make a restaurant reservation, but I learned the the hard way. Thinking I was a solo diner, so I would have no problem finding a seat, nope, I had to resort to standing at the counter. And yes, there were seats there, they were just occupied. The way this tapas restaurant works is you go to the counter and point out what you want to eat and they then take it to the kitchen to heat or throw in the fryer. The food was good but the experience was even better. I felt like I was truly in Spain.

Hotaru

I must admit, I went here by mistake at first, but glad I stayed. This fancy sushi house also sells Japanese specialties. And those are the dishes I stuck with eating. Of course, I got the classic mixed tempura dish, but I also ordered a beef dish with ginger and pumpkin puree served with a light soy sauce. It was great restaurant and the drinks were even delish!

Pasta & Magia

I loved this cute little Italian restaurant outside of Russafa Market. I believe it is owned by two friends. I ordered an amazing seafood ravioli in a butter sauce. Let’s just say, it was beyond amazing! Light but also filling at the same time. I even ordered the in-house made focaccia bread with freshly grated parmesan. Of course I ordered a cocktail made from Valencia oranges that was just as good as the food. I promptly went back to my apartment and took a nice, mid-day nap.

Goya Gallery

I had a lot of hope for this 2023 Michelin Restaurant. But I walked away with hit and miss opinion. The croquettes I ordered were not only not good, they were bad. They left a funny taste in your mouth. Next, I tried a pork dish that was flame torched. But the winner of the night was a shrimp dish that was unique and had a old-world Spanish flavor. The Shrimp were so buttery, I would have thought it was lobster. Then there was the sauce that I can’t describe to this day, other than amazing.

Egeo

This was another place that I went repeatedly because it had great Greek food. They were simple flavors, yet still bursting with flavor. I enjoyed the pork skewers and the fries tasted better than any fries I had before and of course better than any fast food fries. The restaurant décor is designed as a cute white cave. You would think you stepped in Greece. Take away options are also available.

Masusa Paella Bar

My research led me to this restaurant because I would be able to get paella for one, which is rare. I knew I had to try the dish invented in Valencia before I left but, but didn’t want to order from a two minimum restaurant. Rice dishes aren’t necessarily my thing, but glad I tried it here. I also tried their garlic shrimp which came out bubbly in garlic oil goodness and their fried fish was accompanied by a red mousse that was slightly sweet. The Valencia cocktail was also superb here.

Sueca

This unassuming Chinese restaurant had a lot of options including authentic dishes. Unlike American Chinese food, their food was not greasy but oh so good. Was able to get four dishes for around $25, a lot cheaper than you would pay in the States. The restaurant was a no frills establishment but was packed with patrons, which is always a good sign. Don’t forget to visit this place when you are in the mood for good and not greasy Chinese food.

Beirut King

This place sells an assortment of Mediterranean dishes, but I stuck with the tasty wrap sandwiches and tabula salad. For simple flavors, these typical Mediterranean dishes were so tasty. I really enjoyed the tabula salad, more than I ever thought I would. Even the home-cut fries were good, but not greasy. The food was so good, I went twice. It didn’t help it was right by my apartment, so it was a easy and delicious take away option.

Honorable Mention: Chick Shack

As the name implies, they sell any dishes related to chicken. Choose from wrap, brioche bun, or waffle bread with either grilled or fried chicken thigh fillets. They offer different variations of sandwiches or customize your own. This place is always busy, and at night it is beyond packed. The restaurant is situation on the corner of a street where they have taken over with patio seating.

Now On To The BAD FOOD…

Valencia is full of great restaurants, but there are some that should be missed. These are them.

Thai Mongkut 

I had so much high hopes for this place since the restaurant décor is nothing short of gorgeous. You will feel like you have been transported to Thailand. Just stunning décor, but the food was far from that. Their pad thai dish was beyond bland and resorted to adding duck sauce to add some flavor. In fact the only thing I enjoyed here was the spring rolls. Advice stopping by for a drink or just to see the décor, but no need at all to eat here.

El Rall

Thought this was going to be a great find. There was so much seating for this restaurant I thought it was a popular choice. This restaurant was located in the historic district of Valencia which is more prone to tourist traps. Although the service was excellent, the food was subpar at best. Fresh ingredients just no flavor. Sadly, the best thing I tasted was was the butter for the bread that was exploding with garlic flavor. Even the sangria was lackluster.

Honorable Mention: El Camerino

This cute little restaurant was located on the same street as my apartment. They served non-traditional tapas such as spinach lasagna and beer soaked sausage. It was decent food, I just wasn’t blown away by the dishes.