11 Must-Try Foods in Valencia (And Exactly Where to Eat Them)

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When most people think about food in Valencia, one dish immediately comes to mind: paella. While there’s no denying that the city is the birthplace of Spain’s most famous rice dish, limiting yourself to paella means missing out on one of the country’s most exciting food scenes.

I’ve visited Valencia three times, in 2012, 2022 and 2025, and one thing that keeps drawing me back is the incredible food. Every trip has introduced me to something new, whether that’s tucking into a perfectly cooked rabbit paella, cooling off with a refreshing horchata on a warm afternoon, or discovering traditional dishes like esgarraet that I’d never even heard of before.

From bustling tapas bars tucked away in the Old Town to historic cafés serving recipes that have been perfected over generations, Valencia is a city where every meal feels like part of the experience. Better still, you’ll find plenty of authentic restaurants where locals eat, often at prices that are surprisingly affordable.

In this guide, I’ll share the 11 must-try foods in Valencia, along with the places where I’ve enjoyed them myself. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, these are the dishes that deserve a place on your itinerary.

If you’re looking for more restaurant recommendations, don’t miss my guide to the best restaurants in Valencia, where I share the places I’ve returned to over three visits to the city.

Why Valencia Is One of Spain’s Best Food Cities

Valencia is one of Spain’s most exciting food destinations, thanks to its Mediterranean location, fertile countryside and rich culinary traditions. Sitting on the country’s east coast, the city has access to fresh seafood from the Mediterranean, while the surrounding farmland produces everything from rice and citrus fruits to vegetables that have shaped Valencian cooking for centuries.

Of course, Valencia is best known as the birthplace of paella, but there’s far more to the local cuisine than its world-famous rice dish. Traditional recipes like esgarraet, all i pebre, and fideuà showcase the region’s love of simple, high-quality ingredients, while local favourites such as horchata and Agua de Valencia have become must-try experiences for visitors.

One of my favourite things about eating in Valencia is the variety. On my three visits, I’ve enjoyed everything from authentic paellas and traditional tapas to family-run restaurants serving recipes that have been passed down through generations. Some of my favourite meals have come from smaller local restaurants, many of which are close to some of Valencia’s hidden gems. 

Whether you’re looking for a leisurely lunch, an afternoon drink with a sweet treat, or an evening spent sharing tapas with friends, Valencia offers one of the best food scenes in Spain. The dishes below are the ones I think every visitor should try at least once.

Pro Tip: If you want the most authentic experience, try to eat local specialities where they originated. Valencia is the birthplace of several iconic Spanish dishes, and there’s no better place to try them than here. 

1. Paella Valenciana

No guide to the best things to eat in Valencia would be complete without Paella Valenciana. While you’ll find countless versions of paella across Spain, the traditional recipe was born right here in Valencia and is considered by locals to be the only “true” paella.

Authentic Paella Valenciana is traditionally made with chicken, rabbit, green beans, butter beans, tomato, saffron and rice, all cooked slowly over an open flame. Unlike the seafood versions that are popular in many tourist destinations, this original recipe has a rich, comforting flavour that celebrates simple, high-quality ingredients.

I’ve tried several paellas across my visits to Valencia and they’ve all been excellent, but Masusa Paella Bar stands out as my favourite for a traditional meat paella. The rice was perfectly cooked, the flavours were beautifully balanced, and it was one of those meals that reminded me why Valencia has earned its reputation as one of Spain’s greatest food cities.

One thing worth knowing before you visit is that locals traditionally eat paella at lunchtime, not for dinner. Many restaurants only prepare it during the afternoon, and the best places often require you to book ahead, especially at weekends.

If you’re only going to try one traditional dish in Valencia, make it Paella Valenciana. There’s simply nowhere better in the world to experience the dish that has become a symbol of Spanish cuisine.

2. Seafood Paella

While Paella Valenciana is the traditional recipe, seafood paella has become one of the most popular rice dishes you’ll find along Spain’s Mediterranean coast. Packed with prawns, mussels, squid and other fresh seafood, it’s a fantastic choice if you’re not keen on rabbit or simply love seafood.

Although it’s not considered the original Valencian paella, that doesn’t make it any less delicious. The key to a great seafood paella is perfectly cooked rice that has absorbed all the flavours of the seafood stock, creating a rich, savoury dish that’s both comforting and satisfying.

The best seafood paella I’ve had in Valencia was at Rincon 33. We actually ordered both a traditional Paella Valenciana and a seafood paella, which turned out to be a great decision. It gave us the chance to compare the two side by side, and while the traditional version was excellent, the seafood paella was the standout for me. The seafood was incredibly fresh, the rice had that perfect texture, and it was one of the most memorable meals I’ve had in the city. 

3. Fideuà

If you enjoy paella but fancy trying something a little different, fideuà is a dish you shouldn’t miss. Originating in the nearby coastal town of Gandia, just south of Valencia, fideuà swaps rice for short, thin noodles while keeping many of the same Mediterranean flavours.

It’s typically made with a rich seafood stock and topped with ingredients such as prawns, squid and monkfish. The noodles absorb the stock in much the same way as paella rice, creating a dish that’s packed with flavour. Many restaurants also serve it with allioli, which adds a delicious creamy, garlicky finish.

Although paella is Valencia’s signature dish, fideuà has become a favourite across the region and is a brilliant alternative if you’ve already sampled paella or simply want to try another local speciality. It’s comforting, filling and showcases the region’s love of fresh seafood just as well as its more famous cousin.

If you spot fideuà on the menu during your trip to Valencia, don’t overlook it. It may not be as well known internationally, but it’s one of the region’s most distinctive dishes and well worth ordering.

4. Esgarraet

While I’d heard of esgarraet before my first visit to Valencia, it wasn’t until my return in 2022 that I finally decided to order it. Looking back, I wish I’d tried it sooner because it has since become one of my favourite Valencian dishes.

Made with roasted red peppers, salt cod, garlic and olive oil, esgarraet is a simple salad that perfectly showcases how Valencian cuisine transforms just a handful of ingredients into something incredibly flavourful. The name esgarraet comes from the Valencian word meaning “torn apart”, referring to the way the peppers and cod are shredded by hand before being mixed together.

I first tried it at Tasquita del Mar, and it immediately lived up to the recommendations I’d read beforehand. The sweetness of the roasted peppers balanced the saltiness of the cod beautifully, while the generous drizzle of olive oil tied everything together. Served with fresh bread, it’s the perfect dish to share while you wait for the rest of your meal.

If you’re looking to try something beyond paella, esgarraet is one of the most authentic dishes you’ll find in Valencia. It may not be as well known outside the region, but for me it’s one of the city’s true culinary highlights.

5. Clóchinas

If you’re visiting Valencia between May and August, make sure you look out for clóchinas on restaurant menus. These small mussels are one of the region’s best-loved seasonal delicacies and are considered by many locals to be far superior to the larger mussels you’ll find elsewhere in Spain.

Unlike standard mussels, clóchinas are smaller, sweeter and have a more delicate flavour. They’re traditionally farmed in the waters around the Port of Valencia and are only available for a few months each year, making them a real seasonal treat.

The best way to enjoy clóchinas is simply steamed with ingredients such as lemon, garlic, peppercorns and bay leaves. Their naturally sweet flavour does all the hard work, so they don’t need rich sauces or complicated seasoning.

Because their season is so short, spotting clóchinas on a menu is always a good sign that you’re eating somewhere that celebrates local produce. If you’re lucky enough to visit Valencia during the summer months, I’d highly recommend ordering a portion to share. They’re one of the most authentic tastes of the city and a favourite among locals.

6. All i Pebre

While paella may be Valencia’s most famous dish, all i pebre is one of its oldest and most traditional. Originating in the area around Albufera Natural Park, just south of the city, this hearty stew has been enjoyed by local fishermen for generations.

The dish is traditionally made with eel, simmered in a rich sauce of garlic, paprika, potatoes and olive oil. The name all i pebre comes from the Valencian language and simply means “garlic and pepper”, referring to the two ingredients that give the dish its distinctive flavour.

Although eel might not be everyone’s first choice, it’s well worth trying if you’re keen to experience authentic Valencian cuisine. The fish has a surprisingly delicate flavour, while the rich, garlicky sauce makes the dish both comforting and satisfying.

You’ll often find all i pebre on the menu at restaurants around Albufera, where it’s considered a local speciality. If you’re planning a trip to the lagoon, it’s the perfect place to sample one of Valencia’s most traditional dishes.

7. Horchata

No visit to Valencia is complete without trying horchata, the city’s most famous drink. Unlike the versions you’ll find in Latin America, Valencian horchata is made from tigernuts (chufas) rather than rice, giving it a distinctive sweet, nutty flavour that’s incredibly refreshing, especially on a hot summer’s day.

The drink has been enjoyed in the region for centuries, with the fertile farmland north of Valencia producing some of the world’s finest chufas. Today, horchata remains a proud part of the city’s culinary heritage and is something both locals and visitors enjoy throughout the year.

On my most recent visit, I stopped at Horchatería Santa Catalina, one of Valencia’s most famous places to try horchata. It’s easy to see why it’s so popular. The horchata was wonderfully smooth, perfectly chilled and far more flavourful than any I’d tasted before. Sitting in the heart of the Old Town, it’s the perfect place to take a break after a morning of sightseeing.

Even if you’re unsure whether you’ll like it, I’d encourage you to give horchata a try. It’s one of those authentic Valencian experiences that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else.

8. Fartons

While horchata is the star of the show, it would be a mistake not to pair it with fartons. These light, fluffy pastries were created specifically to be dipped into horchata, making them the perfect accompaniment to Valencia’s most famous drink.

Fartons are long, soft pastries with a light sugar glaze on top. Their shape isn’t just for appearance, it’s designed so they can easily be dipped into a glass of horchata without falling apart. The soft pastry soaks up the drink beautifully, creating a combination that’s become a Valencian tradition.

I enjoyed mine at Horchatería Santa Catalina, where ordering horchata and fartons together felt like the obvious choice. The sweetness of the pastry complemented the refreshing, nutty flavour of the horchata perfectly, and it’s easy to see why locals have enjoyed the pairing for generations.

If you’re trying horchata for the first time, I’d highly recommend ordering a couple of fartons alongside it. Together, they offer one of the most authentic food experiences you can have in Valencia.

9. Agua de Valencia

Despite its name, Agua de Valencia is definitely not water. This iconic Valencian cocktail combines fresh orange juice, cava, vodka and gin to create a fruity, refreshing drink that’s become synonymous with the city.

Created in Valencia in the late 1950s, it’s now one of the city’s signature drinks and something I’d recommend trying at least once during your visit. Although it tastes wonderfully fresh thanks to the orange juice, don’t let that fool you, it packs more of a punch than you might expect.

I tried Agua de Valencia at Café de las Horas, one of the city’s most famous places to enjoy it. My partner and I decided to share a single jug between us, thinking it would be a nice, refreshing afternoon drink. By the time we left, we were both feeling far tipsier than we’d expected, which made finding out way to the airport far more entertaining than planned! It was absolutely delicious, but it’s definitely a drink to treat with a little respect. 

If you’re looking for a drink that’s uniquely Valencian, Agua de Valencia is an easy recommendation. Just don’t underestimate it, especially if you decide to order a whole jug.

10. Crema Valenciana

If you’ve got a sweet tooth, Crema Valenciana is a dessert you won’t want to miss. Often compared to Crema Catalana or the French crème brûlée, this traditional Valencian dessert has its own distinct character and is well worth trying while you’re in the city.

Made with milk, egg yolks, sugar and citrus, Crema Valenciana is delicately flavoured with orange or lemon and often a hint of cinnamon, giving it a wonderfully fresh taste that’s typical of the region. Like its Catalan cousin, it’s usually finished with a layer of caramelised sugar that cracks satisfyingly under your spoon.

While it may not be as famous as paella or horchata, Crema Valenciana is a delicious way to round off a traditional meal. The citrus flavours help it feel lighter than many rich desserts, making it the perfect ending after a leisurely lunch or dinner.

If you spot Crema Valenciana on the dessert menu, I’d definitely recommend giving it a try. It’s another example of how Valencia’s cuisine offers so much more than its most famous dishes.

11. Don’t Miss Valencia’s Tapas Scene

While Valencia is famous for dishes like paella, esgarraet and horchata, don’t make the mistake of overlooking the city’s fantastic tapas bars. Some of my favourite meals in Valencia haven’t centred around one standout dish, but around a table filled with delicious plates to share.

One restaurant I keep recommending is Arandinos in the Old Town. Everything we ordered was exceptional, from the crispy croquetas and smoky Padrón peppers to the incredible pork, which was one of the highlights of the meal. It’s the kind of place where every dish arriving at the table is better than the last.

Another favourite is Tasquita del Mar, where the esgarraet and albóndigas were so good that we made a point of ordering them again when we returned to Valencia a few years later. Those albóndigas are still talked about in my family today, which says everything about how memorable they were.

For a more relaxed and affordable tapas experience, I’d also recommend Escalones de la Lonja and Tasca Hogan La Coveta. Both serve excellent classics like patatas bravas, chorizo and other traditional tapas, making them great choices if you’re looking for a casual meal in the city centre.

Whether you’re stopping for a quick bite or spending the evening sharing plates with friends, Valencia’s tapas culture is every bit as enjoyable as its famous rice dishes.

Final Thoughts on the Best Foods to Eat in Valencia

Valencia has earned its reputation as one of Spain’s greatest foodie destinations, and after three visits, I can honestly say it’s a city that keeps me coming back for more. While Paella Valenciana may be the star attraction, some of my favourite discoveries have been the lesser-known local specialities, from esgarraet and horchata to unforgettable tapas and a jug of Agua de Valencia that was far stronger than expected!

Whether you’re visiting for a weekend city break or a longer holiday, make time to explore beyond the obvious. Wander into traditional tapas bars, try dishes you’ve never heard of, and don’t be afraid to ask for local recommendations. Some of the best meals I’ve had in Valencia have come from doing exactly that.

If you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to check out my guide to the best things to do in Valencia to help you make the most of your visit. Pairing the city’s incredible sights with its outstanding food is the perfect recipe for an unforgettable trip.