Paella in Valencia
Paella has gained global recognition, even earning its own emoji, yet it remains one of the most frequently misinterpreted dishes around the world. Often people think that the more things you put in it, the more "paella" it is. This is far from correct and you will end up with what Valencians call "arroz con cosas" (rice with things). That is because the true Paella Valenciana consists only of rice, green vegetables, rabbit, chicken, or duck, snails (optional), beans, and seasoning. Even the launch of the paella emoji by Apple in 2016 was not without controversy and was updated shortly after its release.
Our favourite paella restaurants close to our cozy apartment in the city center of Valencia:
El Rall
Carrer dels Abaixadors, 2, Ciutat Vella, 46001 València
Right in the city center, it has a decent menu and a wonderful terrace.
El Racó de la Paella
Carrer de Mossèn Rausell, 17, Campanar, 46015 València
Located in the Campanar neighbourhood and only ~20 minutes from the center.
Restaurant Casa El Famós
Cmo de la Iglesia de Vera, 14, Algirós, 46022 Valencia
Just outside the city, in the North East corner, close to the university UPV. Best reachable by car or taxi.
Casa Carmela
Carrer d'Isabel de Villena, 155, Poblats Marítims, 46011 València
At the Malva-Rosa beach. You can watch the paella cook on a wood fire.
Alqueria del Pou
Entrada Rico, 6, Quatre Carreres, 46013 València
Just outside the city, in the South East corner. Best reachable by car or taxi.
Our favourite restaurants close to our beachfront house in El Perellò near the Albufera lake:
Casa Rocher
Carretera, Avinguda Nazaret-Oliva, 18, 46400, Valencia
In the village of Mareny with a nice terrace on one of the Albufera canals.
Nou Racó
Carretera del Palmar, 21, Poblados del Sur, 46012 Valencia
Close to the village of El Palmar and with views to the Albufera lake.
Restaurant El Graner
Carrer de Vicent Baldoví, 14, Pobles del Sud, 46012 El Palmar
The entire village of El Palmar is full of restaurants that serve the local speciality called all i pebre from the Albufera region.
