If paella is to Spain as pizza is to Italy, then Valencian paella is the equivalent of Neapolitan pizza! In fact, this dish is a true national institution and can be eaten all over Spain, but woe betide the Valencians because for them, the real paella is only Valencian paella.
The original recipe does not include seafood as an ingredient: the ‘real’ paella is a rice dish with vegetables and meat. Fish-only versions of the original paella are tolerated by purists, but not the mixed meat and fish versions that tourists like so much.
A paella dinner or better still a paella lunch (purists would never eat paella for dinner!) is one of the most rewarding experiences of a holiday in Valencia. Eating paella where it originated is not only a gourmet’s dream, but also a way to get closer to the culture and traditions of one of Spain’s most beautiful regions.
The best place to eat a good paella in Valencia is… outside Valencia! During your holiday take a half day (or more!) to get out of the city and visit one of the most famous attractions around Valencia, the Albufera Park. This natural oasis with an impressive landscape of dunes is considered the place where paella was invented.
The origins of the dish are now shrouded in legend, but the most likely hypothesis is that it originated here, a wetland where rice has always been grown. It was not the creativity of a starred chef that invented it, but the need of farmers to have a dish they could cook with easy-to-find ingredients.
If you want to eat the original paella, the recommended restaurant is Arrocería Duna, an elegant place inside the Albufera park at Saler beach. A wonderful view of the beach and dunes and the best paella of your life await you.
Although it is the city of paella, it is not obvious to eat good paella in Valencia. This is because many restaurants, in order to attract tourists, focus on price, to the detriment of quality, and offer dishes with a very disappointing taste.
As a general rule, it is best to avoid restaurants with very cheap tourist menus (around EUR 10.00 for a full meal), although of course there are exceptions. Another rule is not to ask a Valencian for advice because none of them would recommend a restaurant to you: they would tell you that the best paella is homemade.
Here are what we think are the three best paella restaurants in the centre of Valencia:
Located on the seafront, La Pepica is one of the most historic and renowned restaurants in Valencia, also frequented by celebrities over the years and stars such as Ava Gardner and Orson Welles. Famous for its Valencian paella, it is an ideal place to enjoy the dish in a traditional setting.
Known for its loyalty to the original recipe of Valencian paella, Casa Roberto is an institution in Valencia. The restaurant offers an authentic experience with high-quality local ingredients and a long culinary tradition.
Navarro is a family-run restaurant located in the heart of the city and is famous for its Valencian paella and fish dishes. Highly appreciated by tourists and locals alike for the quality of its dishes and its welcoming service.
Specialising in different paella variants, from classic Valencian to fish and seafood, El Racó de la Paella is a must for lovers of the dish, thanks to its attention to detail and traditional preparation.
A family-run restaurant in the heart of Valencia with an intimate and warm atmosphere serving traditionally prepared paella. Be prepared to wait longer than usual because the dishes at La Riuà are freshly prepared – you won’t regret it.
Flor de València is a modern and elegant restaurant with a relaxed atmosphere just a stone’s throw from the City of Arts and Sciences that aims to offer service and cuisine of the highest standard. For this reason, reservations are required and to be sure of eating paella you must request it by 11:00 am, otherwise paella availability is not guaranteed. It is a slightly more expensive restaurant than average, but well worth the money spent.
In the following map you can see the location of the main places of interest mentioned in this article.
Have you fallen in love with paella and want to enjoy this exquisite dish even when you return home? Or do you want to eat it while waiting for your holiday, to make you want to leave even more? Here is the recipe for preparing paella at home!
Preparing a good paella is not difficult, but it does require time and patience. There are many versions, including vegetarian options. Our recipe is the Valencian version, with meat and vegetables but no fish.
The first step in the paella recipe is to prepare the ingredients:
Heat the oil in a frying pan and put the chicken and rabbit in, adding salt and pepper to taste. Brown the meat over medium-high heat for about 15 minutes, then move the pieces of meat to the sides of the pan to make room for green beans, tomatoes and tomatoes. Cook the vegetables for 10 minutes.
Add the rice in a cross shape and let it toast for one minute, then add the stock and the liquid with saffron. Lower the heat and cook over a medium-low flame for 30 minutes without stirring.
When cooked, turn off the heat and cover the pan with aluminium foil. Leave to stand for 10 minutes, then remove the foil and stir to mix the ingredients together. The paella is ready!
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