Best Tapas In Valencia

Written by Joeri Van Overloop

When it comes to indulging in the vibrant culinary scene of Valencia, tapas bars are an absolute must-visit. As a self-proclaimed food enthusiast and a lover of all things Spanish, I have had the pleasure of tasting the best tapas in Valencia. From quaint family-run establishments to trendy modern venues, Valencia offers a diverse array of tapas bars that cater to every palate.

After countless delectable experiences, I am thrilled to share with you my personal selection of the best tapas bars in Valencia – where gastronomy meets culture and tradition intertwines with innovation. So grab your appetite and let's embark on a tantalizing journey through the flavorsome streets of Valencia.

1. Casa Montaña

I recently visited Casa Montaña, a small tapas bar in the center of Valencia, Spain, and I must say that it was a delightful experience. Located in the El Cabanyal-El Canyamelar neighborhood near the beach, this restaurant has been serving tapas since 1836, and it has become a must-visit spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy local tapas.

The menu at Casa Montaña is extensive, offering a wide variety of Spanish and Mediterranean dishes. The quality of the ingredients is outstanding, and the flavors are simply amazing. I tried several dishes, including the seafood paella, the squid sandwich, and the anchovies with sobrasada, and I was blown away by the freshness and the taste of the food.

One of the highlights of Casa Montaña is their wine selection. They have an impressive collection of wines from all over Spain, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful in choosing the perfect wine to pair with your meal. They also offer a great selection of ciders and beers.

Contact:

Address: C/ de Josep Benlliure, 69, 46011 València, Valencia, Spain

Phone: +34 963 67 23 14

2. El Pederniz

When it comes to the best Valencian tapas, El Pederniz is the best place to go to get tapas. Located in the Arrancapins neighborhood, this tapas restaurant offers a cozy atmosphere and a wide variety of unique tapas.

One of the highlights of El Pederniz is their menu, which features traditional Spanish dishes with a modern twist. From classic patatas bravas to innovative creations like their signature "Pederniz" dish, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

In addition to their impressive menu, El Pederniz also offers a great selection of wines and cocktails to complement your meal. Whether you're in the mood for a refreshing gin and tonic or a full-bodied red wine, their knowledgeable staff can help you find the perfect pairing.

Another reason to visit El Pederniz is their commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. They work closely with nearby farmers and suppliers to ensure that their dishes are not only delicious but also sustainable and environmentally friendly.

Contact:

Address: Ptge. de Ventura Feliu, 20, 46007 València, Valencia, Spain

Phone: +34 963 32 41 06

3. Bar Boatella

Last year I had the pleasure of visiting Bar Boatella in Valencia's old town, and it's safe to say that it's one of the best tapas bars in Valencia city. Situated in the bustling Plaça del Mercat, Bar Boatella is a popular Valencian tapas spot for locals and tourists.

The atmosphere at the Boatella tapas bar is cozy and welcoming, with a rustic decor that gives this place in Valencia a traditional Spanish feel. The bar is always buzzing with activity, and the staff are friendly and attentive. Whether you're looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Bar Boatella is the perfect place to relax and enjoy some delicious Boatella tapas.

The menu at the Boatella bar is extensive, with a wide variety of great tapas to choose from. The dishes are all made with fresh and high quality ingredients, and the flavors are bold and authentic. Some of my personal favorites include the patatas bravas, the fried calamari, and the chorizo al vino.

One thing that sets Boatella apart from other classic tapas bars in Valencia is their selection of craft beers and wines. They have an impressive list of local and international beers, as well as a great selection of Spanish wines. The staff are knowledgeable about the different options and are happy to make recommendations based on your preferences.

Contact:

Address: Pl. del Mercat, 34, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain

Phone: +34 963 15 40 71

4. Taberna La Sénia

If you're looking for a place to enjoy some of the best tapas in the city of Valencia, Taberna La Sénia is definitely worth a visit. This restaurant in Valencia has been serving up authentic tapas and wines since 2008 and has gained a reputation as one of the best places to eat in the city.

What makes Taverna La Sénia stand out from other iconic tapas bars in the heart of Valencia is their commitment to using fresh and seasonal produce, bought daily from the Central Market of Valencia. This means that the menu is constantly changing, depending on what's available, but you can always expect high-quality dishes with a focus on local ingredients.

One of the standout dishes at La Sénia is the croquetas, which are made with a variety of fillings, including ham, chicken, and mushrooms. They're crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them the perfect bite-sized snack to enjoy with a glass of wine.

Another must-try dish is the patatas bravas, which are crispy potatoes served with a spicy tomato sauce. This classic tapa is done to perfection at the La Sénia tapas bar, with just the right amount of heat and crunch.

In addition to the small plates of food, the atmosphere at La Senia is warm and welcoming, with a rustic decor and an informal vibe. Whether you're stopping by for a quick snack or settling in for a full meal, you're sure to feel right at home.

Contact:

Address: C/ de la Sénia, 2, 46001 València, Valencia, Spain

Phone: +34 611 49 76 77

5. Bar Ricardo

When it comes to Valencia tapas, Bar Ricardo is one of the best places to enjoy tapas. Located on C/ del Doctor Zamenhof, this cozy bar in the heart of the old town is famous for its Spanish cuisine and quality tapas. The bar has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a great spot for a relaxed evening with friends or family.

One of the highlights of the Ricardo bar is its variety of cold tapas. From fish tapas to octopus, the bar offers a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds. The seared cuttlefish, known as Sepia a la plancha, is one of the most popular tapas at Bar Ricardo. It is grilled to perfection and seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.

Another popular tapa at the Ricardo is the Patatas Bravas. These crispy potatoes are served with a garlicky Spanish alioli, which adds a flavorful twist to the dish. The olivier salad, which is made with potatoes, carrots, peas, and mayonnaise, is another popular option for those who want a lighter tapa.

Apart from tapas, Bar Ricardo also offers a selection of desserts. The fruitcake and tarta de Santiago are some of the most popular desserts on the menu. They are the perfect end to a delicious meal at the Ricardo.

Contact:

Address: C/ del Doctor Zamenhof, 16, 46008 València, Valencia, Spain

Phone: +34 963 82 37 89

6. Aladroc Taverna

As I was exploring Valencia's tapas scene, I stumbled upon Aladroc Taverna, a small but cozy seafood restaurant located in the Ruzafa neighborhood. The restaurant's name, which means "rock of the sea," is fitting as the menu is focused on seafood tapas.

The restaurant's interior is simple yet charming, with a few wooden tables and chairs, a bar, and a chalkboard menu. The staff is friendly and helpful, and they speak English fluently.

The menu at the Aladroc fish bar in Valencia features a variety of small tapas and main dishes, all made with fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Some of the standout dishes include the mussels, grilled octopus, fried octopus, sardine pasta, and tuna. The restaurant also offers a selection of rice dishes, including the popular paella.

In addition to the food, the Aladroc has an excellent selection of wines and craft beers to complement your meal. The prices are reasonable, and the portions are generous, making it an excellent value for money.

Contact:

Address: Carrer del Literat Azorín, 26, 46006 València, Valencia, Spain

Phone: +34 722 71 37 18

7. Bar Alhambra

I ones bumped into the Alhambra bar during my trip to Valencia, and it was definitely a highlight of my culinary experience. The cozy atmosphere and friendly staff made for a comfortable dining experience.

The menu at the Alhambra features a variety of traditional tapas dishes, as well as some unique twists on classic recipes such as the Spanish omelette. One standout dish for me was the croquetas, which were crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, just as they should be. The patatas bravas were also a hit, with a perfectly spicy sauce that complemented the crispy potatoes. And if you want to try the best tortilla in Valencia, order the tortilla de patata, it's the best I ever had.

In addition to the delicious food, Bar Alhambra also has a great selection of drinks, including a variety of local wines and beers. The prices were fair, and the portions were more than generous.

Contact:

Address: C/ dels Carters, 86, 46017 València, Valencia, Spain

Phone: +34 960 22 87 77

8. Central Bar

A few months ago I got invited to dine at the Central Bar, a tapas bar located inside the Mercado Central near the Valencia Cathedral. The bar is owned by Ricard Camarena, a Michelin-starred chef who is known for his innovative cuisine.

The atmosphere at Bar Central is lively and bustling, with a mix of locals and tourists enjoying the delicious food and drinks on offer. The bar has indoor seating and a terrace, and the décor is modern and stylish.

The menu at the Central Bar is focused on traditional Spanish tapas, but with a modern twist. The dishes are made with the highest quality ingredients, and the flavors are bold and vibrant. Some of the standout dishes that I tried include:

• Croquetas de jamón: Creamy and flavorful ham croquettes that were perfectly crispy on the outside.
• Sepia a la plancha: Grilled cuttlefish that was tender and juicy, with a slightly charred exterior.
• Huevos rotos con jamón: Fried eggs with crispy potatoes and ham, a classic Spanish dish that was executed perfectly.

The drinks menu at the Central Bar is also impressive, with a wide selection of wines, beers, and cocktails. The bar staff is very friendly, and they are happy to make recommendations based on your preferences.

Contact:

Address: Mercado Central de Valencia, Pl. de la Ciutat de Bruges, s/n, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain

Phone: +34 963 82 92 23

9. Secreter Sala de Estar

In my opinion, the Secreter Sala De Estar in Valencia is definitely one of the best Valencia tapas bars in the city. The restaurant is located in the La Xerea neighborhood and offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere that is perfect for a night out with friends or a romantic dinner with your significant other.

The menu at Secreter Sala De Estar is quite extensive, with a variety of tasty tapas dishes that are sure to please any palate. Some of my personal favorites include the patatas bravas, which are crispy and perfectly seasoned, and the croquetas de jamón, which are creamy and packed with flavor. The restaurant also offers a great selection of wines, which pair perfectly with the tapas dishes.

One thing that really stood out to me about Secreter Sala De Estar was the quality of the ingredients used in the dishes. Everything tasted incredibly fresh and was prepared with care and attention to detail. The service was also excellent, with a friendly and attentive staff who were happy to make recommendations and answer any questions we had.

Contact:

Address: C/ dels Mestres, 5, 46003 València, Valencia, Spain

Phone: +34 963 92 20 26

10. Portelito

As a frequent visitor of Valencia, I have visited many tapas bars in the city, but Portelito is one of my favorites. Located in the trendy neighborhood of Ruzafa, this cosy and welcoming tapas bar offers a unique and delicious selection of tapas.

One of the standout dishes at Portelito is their "huevos rotos con jamón," which consists of crispy fried potatoes, topped with a fried egg and slices of cured ham. It's a perfect combination of textures and flavors, and it's a must-try dish for any tapas lover.

Another must-try dish at Portelito is their "pulpo a la gallega," which is octopus cooked in olive oil, paprika, and salt. The octopus is tender and flavorful, and it's a great option for seafood lovers.

Portelito also offers a variety of vegetarian options, including their "croquetas de espinacas y queso de cabra," which are spinach and goat cheese croquettes. They are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, and they are a delicious vegetarian option.

Contact:

Address: C/ de les Barques, 13, 46002 València, Valencia, Spain

Phone: +34 962 06 78 52