If there’s one thing to try while in Valencia, it’s the world-famous paella. Being, in fact, the birthplace of paella, you simply cannot leave the city without tasting the somewhat odd combination that makes up the unique paella Valenciana. It would be like leaving Greece without eating a souvlaki, and if you do that, frankly, I don’t trust you.
All jokes aside, paella in its modern form dates back to the mid-19th century. Farmers in Valencia, and specifically near the Albufera lagoon, would combine readily available ingredients like rice, vegetables, and meats like rabbit or duck in a single shallow pan called paella in Spanish, hence the name. The addition of saffron or turmeric is what gives the dish its distinct yellow color, and the use of Bomba rice, a local variety, its unique consistency.
El Cabanyal, east of the city, and Albufera, about 20 km south, are the go-to places for authentic paella, but you can find some great options near the city center as well. We’ve gathered some of the most popular and well-worth-it restaurants where you can try the best paella in Valencia, so that you don’t have an excuse to miss out.
Casa Carmela
Casa Carmela is one of Valencia’s most iconic paella restaurants, located just steps from Malvarrosa Beach. Founded in 1922, it has remained a family-run establishment dedicated to preserving the authentic way of cooking paella over a wood fire. The atmosphere is cozy and traditional, with rustic decor and a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Casa Carmela is particularly known for preparing only a limited number of paellas each day, cooked slowly to perfection, so make sure to make a reservation in advance.
Address: Carrer d’Isabel de Villena, 155, 46011 València, Spain
Racó del Turia
Racó del Turia is a family-owned restaurant that has been serving traditional Valencian cuisine since 1991. The dining space is warm and welcoming, decorated with local ceramics, paintings, and wooden beams that reflect the region’s culture and character. Racó del Turia is especially popular among locals for its homely atmosphere and its dedication to authenticity, making it a reliable spot to enjoy a true Valencian paella made with high-quality ingredients sourced from local farms and markets.
Address: Carrer de Císcar, 10, 46005 València, Spain
Alquería del Pou
Set amid the traditional orchards (huerta) near the City of Arts and Sciences, L’Alquería del Pou offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of the city, ideal for a lunch break between sightseeing. The restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored farmhouse, surrounded by gardens that provide a charming backdrop to your meal. Its kitchen specializes in classic Valencian rice dishes, prepared with fresh produce and ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding farmland.
Address: Entrada Rico, 6, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València, Spain
El Racó de la Paella
El Racó de la Paella is housed in a beautifully preserved Valencian townhouse dating back to 1900, giving it a sense of history along with a tasty meal. The restaurant is known for preparing its paellas over orange-wood fires, which impart a distinctive smoky flavor and help create the prized socarrat, the crispy layer at the bottom of the pan that holds all the flavor. The atmosphere is intimate and welcoming, ideal for both casual lunches and special occasions.
Address: Carrer de Mossén Rausell, 17, 46015 València, Spain
Llar Roman
Llar Roman is a hidden gem among Valencia’s traditional paella restaurants, offering a cozy and authentic experience. Although it’s less widely known than some of the city’s larger establishments, it is beloved by locals for its homestyle cooking and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients and following classic recipes passed down through generations. A visit to Llar Roman feels, for many, like enjoying a home-cooked meal in a traditional Valencian household, making it an ideal spot for those seeking a truly local experience.
Address: Carrera del Riu, 258, Poblados del Sur, 46012 Valencia, Spain
Arrocería Maribel
Located in the picturesque village of El Palmar, the heart and soul of l’Albufera, Arrocería Maribel is a go-to destination for paella lovers. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Albufera lagoon, the restaurant specializes in a wide range of rice dishes, from classic Valencian paella to seafood and seasonal variations. It has earned recognition from the Michelin Guide for its commitment to quality and authenticity.
Address: Carrer de Francisco Monleón, 5, 46012 El Palmar, Valencia, Spain
Arrocería El Rek
Arrocería El Rek is another popular choice in El Palmar to enjoy a hearty dish of warm paella Valenciana. The restaurant is known for its attention to detail, from sourcing fresh local ingredients to carefully timing the cooking process of each paella. Guests can enjoy their meal on spacious terraces overlooking the stunning views of the Albufera lagoon, creating a serene and memorable setting. El Rek is a perfect choice for those who want to pair an authentic Valencian paella with the natural beauty of its birthplace.
Address: Calle Pintor Martí Girbés, 1, 46012 El Palmar, Valencia, Spain
Restaurante Bon Aire
Restaurante Bonaire is a family-run restaurant in El Palmar that has built a reputation for excellence in paella, even winning several prestigious culinary competitions. Their approach blends respect for tradition with subtle modern touches, resulting in rice dishes that are both authentic and refined. The setting is elegant yet relaxed, making it suitable for family meals as well as special occasions.
Address: Calle Caudete, 41, 46012 El Palmar, Valencia, Spain
Tips to help your search for the best paella in Valencia:
- Look for paella Valenciana in the menus for the traditional recipe. The seafood variation is called paella de mariscos.
- Paella is only eaten at lunch, never for dinner, so avoid restaurants advertising paella during dinner time, as they’re probably tourist traps.
- A freshly-made paella should take around 30 minutes to cook. If it is served immediately, it’s not a good sign, as some touristy restaurants use a premade mix that only needs water.
- Traditionally, paella in Valencia is meant to be shared, and it’s served in a large pan, not as individual portions.
Frequently asked questions
What is authentic paella Valencia? 
Although when we talk about paella, we usually think of seafood, the original paella Valenciana is a bit different. The main ingredients are Valencian rice, rabbit, chicken, saffron, and sometimes duck and snails. The ingredients may sound a bit bizzare but it’s definitely worth a try!
What time to eat paella in Valencia?
In Valencia paella is almost exclusively served during lunch, and never at dinner. That’s a good way to spot tourist traps, as if you see a restaurant advertising paella during dinner time, it’s probably not a local favorite.
What city has the best paella?
Although many cities in Spain, like Madrid, Malaga, and Barcelona, have their own versions of Paella, for many, the best paella is in Valencia, Spain. That’s because Valencia is considered the birthplace of the traditional paella, made with chicken, rabbit, and snails instead of seafood, which is usually more common.
What city has the best paella in Spain?
This greatly depends on your personal taste. If you prefer meat, then the traditional paella Valenciana served, obviously, in Valencia, is probably the best. If, on the other hand, you prefer seafood, then you can have tasty paella in most major Spanish cities, like Madrid, Malaga, and Barcelona.
