The tastiest food in Valencia: 10 must-eats

While paella takes center stage in Valencia, the city’s culinary treats go far beyond this iconic dish. Thanks to its location on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, Valencia’s cuisine is a tasty mix of fresh seafood, farm-to-table produce from its lush huertas (farmlands), and robust flavors that sing with Valencian culture and history.

From hearty baked rice dishes like arroz al horno to Mediterranean mussels and comforting stews, the food in Valencia will keep your taste buds dancing until siesta time. This guide showcases 10 must-eat local dishes and the best places to savor them like a true Valencian. Vamos!

1. Paella Valenciana

No dish defines food in Valencia more than paella. Born in the rice fields of Albufera, this popular food was originally a farmer’s meal made with rabbit, chicken, green beans, and saffron. Cooked in a wide, shallow pan over an open flame, the crispy rice at the bottom, called socarrat, is the hallmark of a great paella.

How to eat the best paella Valenciana in Valencia?

Pair it with a glass of light Valencian Verdil white wine and enjoy it at lunchtime — never dinner. For a deeper appreciation, join a paella cooking class in Valencia to master the art yourself. Or, savor it at La Pepica, a beachside favorite.

2. Fideuà

Invented by Valencian fishermen, fideuà is the noodle-based cousin of paella. Legend has it that it was created by accident when a chef ran out of rice and used short, thick noodles instead, creating a dish that’s now a coastal classic. Typically cooked with seafood including shrimp, squid, and fish stock, fideuà is rich and savory, and one of the top foods to try in between Valencia sightseeing.

How to eat the best fideuà in Valencia?

Head to Casa Carmela on Malvarrosa Beach, where fideuà is wood-fired to perfection. Add a squeeze of lemon and pair it with a glass of Albariño white wine to complement the seafood flavors.

3. All i pebre

A cornerstone of Valencia's culinary scene, all i pebre is a bold garlic and paprika stew featuring one of the city’s most unusual ingredients: eel. Originating in the fishing villages of Albufera, where eels thrived, its name means “garlic and pepper,” the two key ingredients that create its flavor.

How to eat the best all i pebre in Valencia?

Traditionally enjoyed as a shared dish, crusty bread is torn apart to soak up every bit of the garlicky broth. Enjoy it at family-run restaurants like Bon Aire in El Palmar, where the dish was born.

4. Arroz al horno

Translating to “baked rice,” arroz al horno is a beloved Valencian comfort food with roots in frugality. Made from leftovers, it combines pork ribs, chickpeas, tomatoes, and saffron-infused rice in a cassola (clay pot). Topped with garlic and blood sausage, it’s a Sunday staple that brings families together.

How to eat the best arroz al horno in Valencia?

Pair it with a local red Bobal wine. It’s perfect for cooler months or something to try on a rainy-day in Valencia. Try it at the upscale Restaurante Raco de L’Arnau, where traditional cassolas add unmatched depth of flavor.

5. Esgarraet

A simple yet beloved tapa, esgarraet combines smoky roasted red peppers, salted cod, and olive oil. Its name, derived from the Valencian word esgarrar (to tear), reflects the preparation method of shredding the cod by hand. This must-eat dish embodies Valencia’s tradition of combining fresh local ingredients with centuries-old techniques.

How to eat the best esgarraet in Valencia?

Spoon it onto crusty bread and wash it down with a glass of Verdil or Muscatel wine at a family-run tapas bar in the heart of Valencia’s old town.

6. Buñuelos de calabaza

These crispy pumpkin fritters are a sweet treat tied to Valencian tradition, especially during Las Fallas Festival in March. Fried and dusted with sugar, their light, airy texture makes them a beloved street food staple in Valencia, sold fresh during the festivities.

How to eat the best buñuelos de calabaza in Valencia?

Typically enjoyed warm and dipped in hot chocolate, buñuelos are fun to enjoy after dark when the festival lights glow. Find them at street stalls during Las Fallas or visit Horchatería Santa Catalina, one of Valencia’s oldest cafes, to enjoy this treat year-round.

7. Turrón

Turrón is a nougat-like sweet made with almonds, honey, and egg whites, rooted in Arab cooking traditions. Valencia produces two famous types: crunchy turrón de Alicante and soft turrón de Jijona. Originally served during Christmas in Valencia, it’s now enjoyed year-round as a celebration of the region’s almond-rich farmlands.

How to eat the best turrón in Valencia?

Pick up a box from Turrones Ramos or at a local Valencia market as a souvenir. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of Spanish coffee or Mistela dessert wine.

8. Clóchinas

These small, seasonal mussels are harvested from May to August and are prized for their sweet, delicate flavor. Unlike regular mussels, clóchinas are smaller and exclusive to Valencia, making them a unique, must-eat local specialty. They’re steamed with lemon, garlic, and herbs for a simple yet tasty dish.

How to eat the best clóchinas in Valencia?

Savor them fresh at Casa Montaña, a historic tavern in the El Cabanyal district, perfect for experiencing Valencia at night. Pair with a glass of Verdil to enhance their briny sweetness.

9. Agua de Valencia

Created at Valencia’s Café Madrid in the 1950s, Agua de Valencia was a playful alternative to sangria and quickly became a symbol of the city’s nightlife. It blends cava, fresh orange juice, vodka, and gin in a vibrant citrus cocktail.

How to drink the best Agua de Valencia in Valencia?

Sip it on a Valencia bar tour, or share a pitcher with friends at Café de las Horas, a favorite local spot in Valencia’s old town, and pair with light tapas like olives or patatas bravas.

10. Jamón serrano

While jamón serrano is loved across Spain, Valencia offers a unique take on this cured ham. Crafted from white pigs and dry-cured for months, its rich, nutty flavor shines with regional accompaniments like tomate rallado (grated tomato) on crusty bread. It is a must-eat for first-timers in Valencia, showcasing the region’s culinary heritage.

How to eat the best jamón serrano in Valencia?

Visit the Valencia Central Market before 2:00 PM to avoid missing out. Head to one of the stalls specializing in premium jamón, and pair your serving with a glass of Valencian cava or Verdil white wine.

FAQs

Is Valencia a foodie destination?

Valencia’s rich history and coastal location make it a foodie paradise. As the birthplace of paella, the city celebrates Spain’s love for communal dining and bold flavors. With fertile huertas and fresh Mediterranean seafood, it’s a hub for top-quality ingredients. Centuries of trade and Moorish influence have shaped a cuisine that blends tradition and innovation. For a deeper appreciation of the region, pair its iconic dishes with local wines or enjoy a Valencia wine tasting to explore its vibrant viticulture.

What do Valencians eat for breakfast?

Valencians typically start their day with something light and sweet. A common breakfast includes coca de llanda (a fluffy sponge cake) or ensaimada (a spiral-shaped pastry), often paired with coffee or horchata, a refreshing tiger nut drink. In local cafes, you’ll also find pan con tomate — crusty bread rubbed with fresh tomato, olive oil, and sometimes a slice of jamón serrano.

What time do people eat dinner in Valencia?

Dinner in Valencia typically starts late by international standards, usually between 9:00 PM and 11:00 PM. This reflects Spain’s broader dining culture, where the largest meal is lunch, and evenings are more about lighter meals and socializing. After a day exploring the city, do as the locals do at night by unwinding with some Valencian tapas or smaller dishes such as esgarraet or clóchinas.

When is the best time to visit Valencia for foodies?

The best time to visit Valencia for food lovers is during the vibrant Las Fallas Festival in March, where you can enjoy famous foods like buñuelos de calabaza from street stalls. Summer offers fresh seafood, with clóchinas at their peak. But fall in Valencia is particularly special, bringing turrón and other sweet treats as the city prepares for the festive season.

What’s a top vegetarian food to eat in Valencia?

Valencia offers plenty of vegetarian dishes, like espencat, a roasted vegetable medley, or arroz con verduras, a flavorful vegetable rice. Explore the fresh produce at Mercado Central for even more plant-based options that showcase the rich and diverse food in Valencia.