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Valencia has an awful lot of hotspots, from local tapas cafes and paella restaurants to upscale hotspots with exceptional culinary experiences. But where exactly in Valencia should you be to enjoy good food and drink? In this article, we tip off our favorite bars, cafes and restaurants and hope you enjoy eating out there as much as we do!
Vaqueta Gastro Mercat
One of the best hotspots in Valencia is Vaqueta Gastro Mercat. We spotted this restaurant by chance when we were surprised with a heavy rain in Valencia and quickly went in here for shelter. As it turned out, Vaqueta Gastro Mercat is not only a very charming and inviting restaurant to look at, it also has all kinds of culinary delights on the menu. We ordered paella, sushi and a jug of Tinto de Verano, among other things, and it all tasted SO incredibly good. The staff is also extremely friendly. You will find this hotspot in the historic center of the city.
Tip: ask for a seat at the sushi bar. Here you can watch the sushi and other small dishes being prepared fresh in front of you!
Address Vaqueta Gastro Mercat: Carrer de Sant Ferran, 22, 46001 València (near the Mercado Central).
Gran Mercat
Looking for a cozy terrace in Valencia where you can eat tapas? Then consider Gran Mercat. This Mediterranean tapas bar, like Vaqueta Gastro Mercat, is located near the Mercado Central. You'll eat the most delicious tapas here, ranging from the classic patatas bravas and Spanish croquettes to squid. They also have all kinds of delicious Spanish drinks, such as sangria, Tinto de Verano and the typically Valencian Agua de Valencia!
Address Gran Mercat: Av. de María Cristina, 12, 46001 València
Horchateria de Santa Catalina
Horchata, also called tiger nut milk, is one of the specialties of the Valencia region. The texture of the sweet drink is somewhat milky due to the mix of nuts, water and sugar. Wondering what it tastes like? Then you should visit Horchateria de Santa Catalina are.
With a history going back over 100 years, this is one of the oldest places to drink Horchata. Besides the famous drink, you can drink coffee with fartons or churros (with chocolate!) and order different ice creams here. You'll find this spot in Valencia's old town, near the cathedral and Plaza Redonda.
Address Horchateria de Santa Catalina: Plaça de Santa Caterina, 6, 46001 València
Voltereta, Bienvenido a Bali
The more than 300,000 followers on Instagram already reveal that Voltereta is a popular spot in Valencia. After our visit, we understand why! Voltereta is the place to be for those looking for a unique restaurant in terms of decor. There are four different restaurants: Kioto, Manhattan, Bali and Casa. All with a unique, contemporary concept.
We chose the restaurant Bali. At the entrance to this restaurant, you immediately imagine yourself in some kind of jungle vibes. You enter an oasis of greenery, with waterfalls, some kind of market and peaceful bird sounds in the background. Inside the restaurant is just as beautiful. And the food? That's also very good! The restaurant is - as the name suggests - partly inspired by Asian cuisines. The menu features everything from bao buns to sushi and pasta. Nice touch: you might think this restaurant is quite pricey, but it's not too bad.
Address Voltereta, Bienvenido a Bali: Gran Via del Marqués del Túria, 59, 46005 València
La Diva
If you are looking for a hot spot with a unique culinary experience in Valencia, there is one restaurant we can recommend without a doubt: La Diva. This popular restaurant gives dishes from authentic Spanish cuisine a modern twist. All dishes on the menu are seasonal and prepared with fresh and local produce from the region. Your taste buds are guaranteed to be surprised by the explosion of flavors. Moreover, the dishes at La Diva go well with wines, so it is great that there is an extensive wine list. La Diva is definitely a culinary night out for locals and tourists alike. Not to mention the stylish decor of the restaurant.
Address La Diva: C/ de Sorní, 42, L'Eixample, 46004 València
Beginning Restaurante
Another restaurant that is hugely trendy in Valencia is Beginning Restauarante. Scattered throughout the city you will find several locations of this hotspot and each location has its own character. We went to 'Profundidades Marinas', where everything has to do with underwater life. So the dishes are also somewhat based on this. The decor is incredibly beautiful and stylish. The menu is full of tasty snacks that you can share (shared dining), but if you are not a fan of this, there are also plenty of dishes to satisfy as main courses. Just remember that you can't order soft drinks and cocktails here, so in terms of drinks it's water, wine or beer. Apart from that, this is a fantastic place for a fun night out eating in Valencia!
Apotheke
Have you ever heard of a speakeasy bar? These "hidden" bars refer to the American Prohibition in the 1920s. During this period, bars were hidden behind mysterious doors because drinking alcohol was mostly prohibited. Today's speakeasies may not be as mysterious as they once were, but the concept still exists.
Similarly Apotheke in Valencia such a bar! Apotheke is the first speakeasy bar in Valencia. You can only enter this bar by reservation and at the door you have to share a password. Not only the entrance is special, but at least as special are the cocktails. Both in taste, and in appearance! You'll discover it by making a reservation online.
Tip: It can be very hot inside at this cocktail bar, so we definitely recommend putting on something airy.
Address Apotheke: Carrer de Ciscar, 18, 46005 València
Casel-la Restaurante
Tasty tapas without too much fuss, then you should be at Restaurante Casel-la be. This restaurant is a mix of different international cuisines. The owner of Casel-la is Italian-Uruguayan and worked in the international hotel business for more than 20 years. In his restaurant Casel-la, he combines the best of Spanish, Italian and French cuisine with South American meats.
We only ate several tapas, but next time we will definitely come back for a nice piece of tender steak!
Address Casel-la Restaurante: Carrer del Comte d'Altea, 17, 46005 València
Mali Gastrobar - Serranos
The gastrobar Mali sits near the Torres de Serrano. The Torres de Serrano is one of Valencia's two remaining city gates and you can climb it today. The climb up rewards you with stunning views of the city. But especially in the summer months, we can imagine you could use a refreshing drink afterwards. Then head to Mali Gastrobar (Serranos location). There are all kinds of delicious smoothies on the menu, but you can also have a good lunch here.
Address Mali Gastrobar: Carrer dels Serrans, 30, 46003 València
Panorama
One of the great advantages of Valencia is that you have both city and beach. You start your day in the center of the old city exploring the highlights and end your day at one of the fun hotspots by the beach. Our absolute favorite by the port of Valencia is restaurant Panorama. Here you will enjoy delicious culinary delights while enjoying a magnificent view of the beautifully lit boulevard and the sea. Ask for a spot along the glass walls, that way you will enjoy the restaurant's fantastic location the most.
Address: Marina Real Juan Carlos, 46011, València
Tallat Coffee Roasters
If you go to the beach in Valencia then without a doubt you go to the El Cabanyal neighborhood. As far as we are concerned, this neighborhood is not only a wonderful place to stay, but also a top place to look for local hotspots. For example, we walked out the door of our apartment in the morning in search of coffee. And good coffee, you can get it at Tallat Coffee Roasters. It's a relatively small establishment with a few spots inside and outside on the terrace. Our favorite? That was the flat white with oat milk. But you can also definitely opt for the cortado (aka "Tallat" in Valencian) here.
Address Tallat Coffee Roasters: C/ de la Barraca, 25, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València
Doux-Amer
Another favorite spot of ours in the El Cabanyal neighborhood is Doux-Amer. A hot spot in Valencia where you can enjoy delicious homemade breakfasts among the locals. From the famous acaibowl to richly filled sandwiches and omelets. Speaking a word of Spanish won't hurt here, as not many tourists come here. Oh, and the sweets like the carrot cake here are finger-licking good!
Address Doux-Amer: C/ de Just Vilar, 29, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València
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