Valencia's Best Paella Spots — Our Top 5 Picks

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

Here's 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, originating from the Albufera lagoon area — where all the rice fields are situated just outside 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 Before You Go

Service in general is much slower than most cultures are used to, and I do get frustrated seeing negative reviews about long waits. Please remember — we are in Spain! Lunch, particularly on a weekend, tends to last for hours here. If you want 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 3 or even 4pm!). Alternatively, order plenty of starters to keep you entertained while you wait!

And one more thing — a word of warning for the uninitiated: in Valencia, it is sacrilege to eat paella at night. Only touristy spots will serve it for dinner, so if you see paella on an evening menu, walk away and thank us later. 😄

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

1. Lavoe ⭐ Michelin Guide 2020

In terms of paella restaurants, Lavoe is the number one in town — and it's also featured in the 2020 Michelin Guide. It is on the pricier side, but the seafood and rice dishes are just spectacular and absolutely worth it. The restaurant is central, hidden away on a narrow street with a modern design and elevated atmosphere. The kitchen is open so you can watch the chefs at work, which adds a wonderful extra dimension to the experience.

📍 Carrer de la Creu Nova, 4, 46002 València
📞 +34 66 377 64 25
🌐 lavoearrozymar.com

2. Borja Azcutia

This is the local spot that locals come to for a good paella — and that says everything. Right in the centre of town, the décor is sophisticated and relaxed, the service is good, and the food is absolutely delicious — especially the starters and, of course, the paella. A firm Encantada favourite.

📍 Carrer de l'Almirall Cadarso, 16, 46005 València
📞 +34 96 316 12 70
🌐 restauranteborjaazcutia.com

3. Goya Gallery Restaurant

Recently renovated, this central restaurant also arguably does the best paella in town — yes, the competition is fierce! All the dishes here are fantastic and you genuinely can't go wrong with anything on the menu. It's also very reasonably priced, which makes it an easy recommendation for anyone.

📍 Carrer de Borriana, 3, 46005 València
📞 +34 963 04 18 35
🌐 goyagalleryrestaurant.com

4. Gran Azul ⭐ Michelin Guide 2020

Another Michelin Guide 2020 feature, and rightly so. Gran Azul doesn't only do the most heavenly paella — the meat here is also fantastic. The décor is open and airy, the atmosphere is friendly, and the quality-to-price ratio is excellent. The kind of place you come back to again and again.

📍 Av. d'Aragó, 10, 46021 València
📞 +34 96 147 45 23
🌐 granazulrestaurante.com

5. Arroceria Duna — El Saler

Just a twenty-minute drive from Valencia's centre in El Saler, Arroceria Duna is an absolute must. I always have a wonderful time whenever I come here — there's such a great atmosphere and the sea views are just gorgeous. The food is incredible, particularly the seafood dishes, and there's a lovely selection of Spanish and local wines. There's even a children's playground in the sand right in front of some of the tables, so you can relax over a long lunch while the kids play. Bliss.

📍 Paseo Pintor Francisco Lozano módulo 3, 46012 Valencia
📞 +34 96 183 04 90
🌐 arroceriaduna.es

There you have it — Encantada's definitive guide to the best paella in Valencia. Now go book that table, order those starters, and settle in for a long and delicious afternoon. You're in Valencia — enjoy every single minute of it! 🥘