Quite naturally my first post for Eat & Drink tackles the best Valencian paella spots, after all, paella does come from here.  

A nice fact for you: Paella (pronounced pah-EH-yah) actually means "frying pan" in Valencian, Valencia's regional language. The dish dates all the way back to the mid-19th century, and comes from the Albufera lagoon area where all the rice fields are situated just outside of the city.

It was tough whittling the list down to a mere 5. I actually ended up starting a huge family debate that turned into a (comical) war on the best paella – what I learnt from this is that paella isn’t just food here, it’s a religion.

Insider’s tip

Service in general is much slower than most cultures are used to, and I do get frustrated at seeing negative reviews about long waits. Please remember that we are in Spain and here lunch, particularly on a weekend, does tend to last for hours. If you do want a quicker service, I recommend getting in earlier before the locals who tend to sit down to eat around 2.30pm (although they may not actually start eating until at least 3 sometimes 4pm!), or order enough starters to keep you entertained until the main dish arrives! 

And so, without further ado, here is Encantada’s top 5 paellas:

1.     Lavoe

In terms of paella restaurants, Lavoe is the #1 in town and also features in the 2020 Michelin Guide. It is on the pricey side but the seafood and rice dishes are just spectacular. The restaurant is also fairly central, hidden away on a narrow street and has a really nice atmosphere. The kitchen is open so you can watch the chefs work which adds to the experience.

Website: https://www.lavoearrozymar.com/

Phone: +34 66 377 64 25

Address: Carrer de la Creu Nova, 4, 46002 València

  

2.     Borja Azcutia

This is definitely the local spot that locals come to for a good paella. Right in the center of town, the décor is sophisticated and quite relaxed. The service is good and the food absolutely delicious, especially the starters and paella.

Website: http://www.restauranteborjaazcutia.com/

Phone: +34 96 316 12 70

Address: Carrer de l'Almirall Cadarso, 16, 46005 València

 

3.     Goya Gallery Restaurant

Recently renovated this central restaurant also arguably does the best paella in town. I would say all the dishes here are fantastic and that you can’t really go wrong. It is also very reasonably priced.

Website: https://goyagalleryrestaurant.com/

Phone: +34 963 04 18 35

Address: Carrer de Borriana, 3, 46005 València

  

4.     Gran Azul 

Another one to feature in the 2020 Michelin Guide. Gran Azul does not only do the most heavenly paella but the meat here is also fantastic. Nice open décor, Carl Hansen chairs, friendly atmosphere, you cannot go wrong here either. The quality and prices are excellent.

Website: https://granazulrestaurante.com/

Phone: +34 96 147 45 23

Address: Av. d'Aragó, 10, 46021 València

 

5.     Arroceria Duna – El Saler

Just a twenty minute drive from Valencia’s centre in El Saler, Restaurante Arroceria Duna is an absolute must. I always have a great time whenever I come here, there’s always such a great atmosphere and I love the sea views. The food is incredible, particularly the seafood dishes and they have a nice selection of Spanish and local wines. There’s even a children’s playground in the sand positioned in front of some of the tables so you can relax and eat while the kids play.

Website: http://www.arroceriaduna.es/

Phone: +34 96 183 04 90

Address: Paseo Pintor Francisco Lozano módulo 3, 46012 Valencia

“Buen provecho!”