Plump for Paella.

With Valencia being "the home of the Paella", no visit to the city would be complete without a taster of this mighty dish.

Paella, for the uninitiated, is a saffron-flavored dish made with varying combinations of rice, vegetables, meat, chicken, and seafood. The word itself originates from Catalan, meaning frying pan.

Vegetarians needn't miss out as the traditional Paella Valenciana is in fact meat-free, but full of delicious ingredients including peppers, green beans and the juicy, white kidney-shaped beans which are give the dish its great consistency.

This issue offers details on three of our favourite places to sample Paella and mediterranean food in and around Valencia, plus information about other recommended restaurants.
Choose a category below:

Mediterranean | International | Vegetarian

MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE:

1. La Pepica (Paseo Neptuno, 2. Poblats Maritims. Tel: 96 371 03 66)
Located at the port end of the Malvarossa beach. A vast venue serving many types of rice and Paellas. It goes as no surprise that Hemingway ate here, and it's a good "all-rounder" that'll have you paying from around 20€ per head for a fine fill.

2. L´Andana (Plaza Sequiota, 7. El Palmar. Tel 96 162 0019)
Situated on the picturesque island of El Palmar in the nature reserve, Parque Natural de La Albufera, this typical restaurant has been open since 1880. Recommended for its superb Valencian cuisine and its speciality, arroz meloso con Bogavante. Menus start at 27€ per person. See the website (Spanish) for full details and a good location map.

See this site for an overview of the wonderful Parque de Albufera in English.

3. Ca'Sento (Méndez Núñez, 17. Tel. 96 330 17 75)
A good choice of restaurant for fine, fresh seafood in the establishment described as "gastronomical treasure trove". Impecable service and wondeful desserts, too. There are only nine tables, so be sure to book in advance. Expect to pay over 40€ per person.

4. Albacar (Sorni, 35. Tel. 96 395 10 05)
Albacar has been described by many as Valencia's best restaurant. With specialities such as roast lamb with honey, rosemary, migas and Foie Gras, the Albacar brothers consistently provide great culinary results in an elegant atmosphere.

5. Bermell (Santo Tomás, 18. Tel. 96 391 02 88)
This restaurant located in the central area of El Carmen comes recommended for their delicious tapas offerings whilst you sip a chilled caña (small beer). If in the mood for a more substantial feeding, try the local meat and fish specials and their mushroom salad with truffles. Often frequented by characters from cultural, business or political backgrounds. Average price from 35€-50€.

6. El Rall (Tunidores, 2 Tel. 96 392 20 90)
Another popular centrally located restaurant, El Rall is well-known for a great variety of Valencian paellas cooked to order and served by experienced staff. Also benefits from a good outdoor terrace for atmospheric and comfortable lunches or dinners. Pay upwards of 25€ per person.



INTERNATIONAL CUISINE:

1. Youkali (Plaza Vicente Iborra, 4 Tel. 96 391 37 21)
A mixture of Oriental and Mediterranean food with a menu full of flavours and variety.

2. La Llantia Dorada (Calle Hierba, 4 Tel. 96 391 27 16)
A set menu of exotic international cuisine. A new concept of fusion with an intimate ambience and Med-Asian decoration.

3. Seu Xerea (Calle Conde de Almodóvar, 4 Tel. 96 392 40 00)
Modern and cosmopolitan mix of food. Interesting and up to date wine menu. Attentive and unrushed service.

4. Pana's (Calle Bordadores, 10 Tel. 96 392 21 10)
Mexican, Asian and Lebanese style food and filled fresh pasta.

5. Mattilda (Calle Roteros, 21 Tel. 96 392 31 68)
Modern ambience, creative cuisine and the best meats from Argentina in the Carmen, right by the Torres de Serrano.

6. Sushi Cru (Calle Pintor Zariñena, 3 Tel. 96 392 54 92)
Everything about sushi and sashami, soups and salads with typical drinks.

VEGETARIAN:

1. Las Tastaolletes (Calle Salvador Giner, 6. Tel 96 392 18 62)
Excellent vegetarian dishes full of colour & flavour. Vegan options with the lunchtime menu.

2. Les Maduixes (Calle Daoiz y Velarde, 4. Tel. 96 369 45 96)
Fine vegetarian cuisine at this relaxing venue, located off Avenida Blasco Ibáñez, on the way to the beach. Daily menus available.

3. Ana Eva (Calle Turia, 49. Tel. 96 391 53 69)
Centrally-lcated vegetarian restaurante with a nice interior patio.

4. La Lluna (Calle San Ramón, 23. Tel. 96 392 21 46)
Restaurante vegetariano. Lugar con estilo, espacio reducido.

5. L'Ecoespai ( Calle del Cura Femenía, 2. Tel. 96 333 30 67)
An interesting spot offering much more than just good quality vegetarian fare. The centre offers a café, restaurante, bookshop and shop with a great variety of organic goods.

6. La Cassola (Calle del Reverendo José Mart, 22. Tel. 96 389 03 34)
With a wonderful layout and cased in wood and stone, this place feels more like a typical rustic country house than a restaurant. On offer is a well-priced lunch menu providing a highly nutritional balance of ingredients. Delicious tempters include lasaña verde, soya musaka and basmati rice with wild mushrooms. Don't forget to try one of the imaginative vegetarian desserts.

7. The Nature (Plaza de Vannes, 7. Tel. 96 394 01 41)
A good choice for a vegetarian eat-all-you-want "buffet" for less than 15€ per head.

8. Zhuwang (Avda Pio XII, 1 Tel. 963 40 41 02)
Also offering a "buffet" menu at under 15€ per person, Zhuwang provides a large variety of tasty oriental and european vegetarian dishes.