What Food To Try in Valencia and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Valencia for 2024.
National currency: Euro, symbol — € (international currency code EUR).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Valencia cafes and restaurants
$13.1
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $8.73
$49.1
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $36.03
$8.7
Combo Meal
Starting from $8.19
What to Try in Valencia
Must-try Dishes
Horchata - Chufa milk (sweet beverage) - A creamy, sweet drink made from ground tiger nuts, water, and sugar, often served chilled. Locals enjoy it for breakfast, usually paired with a traditional pastry called fartón.Escrep - Tortilla sandwich (savory street food) - A chickpea flour flatbread filled with seasonal vegetables and spices, grilled until crispy. You’ll find it at food stalls throughout the city during lunch; it's perfect for eating on the go.
Paella Valenciana - Valenciana rice dish (traditional main course) - A saffron-infused rice dish cooked with rabbit, chicken, and green beans, reaching a delicious crispy bottom. Locals dig into it on weekends, often sharing family-style on a large pan.
All i Pebre - Eel stew (local specialty) - Tender eel simmered with potatoes, garlic, and paprika, showcasing the region’s unique flavors. This dish is a favorite for dinner, especially among those who appreciate its cultural traditions.
Fideuà - Noodle paella (surprising combination) - Similar to paella but made with short vermicelli noodles and seafood, bringing a new twist to the classic dish. It’s a common choice for a Sunday family meal, often served with a side of garlic mayonnaise.
Buñuelos de Calabaza - Pumpkin fritters (seasonal variation) - Light and fluffy pumpkin doughnuts, usually enjoyed during the fall festival of Las Fallas. They make a great breakfast or snack, with locals taking their time to savor them freshly made.
All i Oli - Garlic sauce (local condiment) - A thick, garlicky emulsion used to accompany various dishes, enhancing flavors with its strong punch. Orders commonly go wrong; many don't know it’s an acquired taste, with locals slathering it generously on anything grilled.
Desserts & Drinks
Horchata - Horchata de Chufas (sweet tiger nut drink) - A refreshing drink made primarily from ground tiger nuts blended with water, sometimes flavored with cinnamon and sugar. It's a local favorite enjoyed especially in the summer after a long day, sipped alongside lunch or as a cool afternoon treat.Café Bombón - Café Bombón (sweet coffee drink) - This is a beautiful layering of espresso and sweetened condensed milk. Typically enjoyed mid-morning in cozy cafes, it’s perfect for those who prefer their coffee with a hint of sweetness, and be careful not to mix it before taking your first sip — the contrast is delightful!
Agua de Valencia - Agua de Valencia (citrusy cocktail) - A zesty mix of fresh orange juice, cava, vodka, and gin, this drink encapsulates the spirit of Valencia. Often served in pitchers during festive gatherings, it's popular on warm evenings, making it a favorite among locals celebrating during the Fallas festival.
Fartons - Fartons (sweet pastry) - Soft, elongated pastries that are perfect for dipping in horchata, these fluffy treats are lightly sweetened and dusted with powdered sugar. You’ll find them at breakfast time or as a mid-afternoon snack, making for a delightful pairing (just avoid calling them "farting" pastries in conversation — it can lead to giggles).
Helado de Turrón - Turrón Ice Cream (almond nougat ice cream) - Creamy ice cream made from Spain’s famous turrón, made with a blend of almonds and honey, absolutely delicious in the heat of summer. It’s typically enjoyed after meals or as a special treat, especially during holidays, but you might find locals indulging any day; it’s that good!
Food and Groceries in Valencia
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.05 |
| Bananas | $1.69 |
| Oranges | $1.79 |
| Potatoes | $1.68 |
| Apples | $2.07 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.62 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $0.97 |
| Imported Beer | $1.53 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $5.46 |
| Milk 1L | $1.06 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $13.91 |
| Chicken | $7.57 |
| Cigarettes | $5.79 |
| Rice | $1.33 |
| Local Cheese | $11.91 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Valencia's dining culture revolves around a daily rhythm that often catches visitors off guard. Many tourists mistakenly assume that lunch is simply a quick affair, but in reality, locals sit down for their midday meal between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM. It’s common to see families and friends gathering around tables, extending their conversations long after dessert has been served. This leisurely approach to lunch often turns it into a social event rather than just a meal, and a typical main dish can run between €10 and €20 in a more casual setting, like a popular spot in Ruzafa.
In contrast, dinner starts late in Valencia, typically around 9 PM or even later, which can be surprising for those accustomed to an earlier dining schedule. Visitors often arrive to restaurants expecting them to be bustling at 7 PM, only to find a quiet atmosphere with staff preparing for the evening rush. For an authentic local experience, dining around 9:30 PM will ensure a lively atmosphere and offer a taste of how Valencians appreciate their evenings.
As for neighborhoods, Ruzafa and El Carmen are vibrant dining districts, each offering a differing character. Ruzafa features trendy eateries and modern tapas bars, perfect for a youthful vibe. El Carmen, on the other hand, retains a historical charm, with traditional tavernas that serve hearty local dishes. Prices here can vary significantly; a three-course meal in Ruzafa might set you back around €25, while in El Carmen, a similar meal could be closer to €15, especially in its less touristy spots.
Payment customs reflect the laid-back lifestyle of the city. Cash is still widely accepted, but credit cards dominate the transaction scene in restaurants. Just a heads-up: some places might add a small service charge to the bill, usually around 10%, so don’t feel obliged to tip unless the service truly deserves it. Generally, rounding up the bill suffices for most local diners.
Now, when dining in Valencia, be prepared for a post-meal ritual that includes a traditional café con leche. After finishing dinner, it’s customary to order one and enjoy it while discussing the evening’s events. Interestingly, many tourists miss this unique aspect and leave right after their main meal!
Final note: if you're planning to dine during peak hours, make a reservation. This is particularly crucial for restaurants in popular areas, where walk-ins can lead to long waits or the dreaded “fully booked” sign.
Interestingly, I’ve observed that as younger generations come into their own, they're adopting different eating patterns. There’s an increasing trend towards vegan and vegetarian options, not just in the trendy cafés but even within traditional Spanish cuisine. This evolution might redefine what it means to eat in Valencia as time goes on.
In contrast, dinner starts late in Valencia, typically around 9 PM or even later, which can be surprising for those accustomed to an earlier dining schedule. Visitors often arrive to restaurants expecting them to be bustling at 7 PM, only to find a quiet atmosphere with staff preparing for the evening rush. For an authentic local experience, dining around 9:30 PM will ensure a lively atmosphere and offer a taste of how Valencians appreciate their evenings.
As for neighborhoods, Ruzafa and El Carmen are vibrant dining districts, each offering a differing character. Ruzafa features trendy eateries and modern tapas bars, perfect for a youthful vibe. El Carmen, on the other hand, retains a historical charm, with traditional tavernas that serve hearty local dishes. Prices here can vary significantly; a three-course meal in Ruzafa might set you back around €25, while in El Carmen, a similar meal could be closer to €15, especially in its less touristy spots.
Payment customs reflect the laid-back lifestyle of the city. Cash is still widely accepted, but credit cards dominate the transaction scene in restaurants. Just a heads-up: some places might add a small service charge to the bill, usually around 10%, so don’t feel obliged to tip unless the service truly deserves it. Generally, rounding up the bill suffices for most local diners.
Now, when dining in Valencia, be prepared for a post-meal ritual that includes a traditional café con leche. After finishing dinner, it’s customary to order one and enjoy it while discussing the evening’s events. Interestingly, many tourists miss this unique aspect and leave right after their main meal!
Final note: if you're planning to dine during peak hours, make a reservation. This is particularly crucial for restaurants in popular areas, where walk-ins can lead to long waits or the dreaded “fully booked” sign.
Interestingly, I’ve observed that as younger generations come into their own, they're adopting different eating patterns. There’s an increasing trend towards vegan and vegetarian options, not just in the trendy cafés but even within traditional Spanish cuisine. This evolution might redefine what it means to eat in Valencia as time goes on.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
Color: Garnet with coral highlights.
Aroma: Forest berries.
Taste: Light, non-tart, reminiscent of berry juice. It's like a year-round alternative to Beaujolais.
Price: $4 - $8. »