In this blog, we have gathered and organised our coworkers’ top recommendations. It wasn’t an easy task, as the possibilities in this area are endless: from traditional restaurants to creative and innovative ones; elegant and sophisticated venues to casual and informal spots; lifelong local cuisine or flavours from every corner of the world. Here is our Top 10—all within a 10-minute walk of our Vortex Centro coworking space:
1. Voltereta Bali and Voltereta Manhattan
The ‘place to be’ in Valencia: in just three years, the Voltereta brand can boast three of the most successful venues in the city. Their secret? They don’t just offer a restaurant, but an entire experience. Each of their establishments is inspired by a journey; the two most popular, ‘Bienvenido a Bali’ (Gran Vía del Marqués del Túria, 59) and ‘Bienvenido a Manhattan’ (Calle de Isabel la Católica, 11), are just steps away from our Vortex Centro coworking space.
Their menu offers a fusion of dishes from across the globe. Some of the house favourites include: the truffled potato and onion Spanish omelette; the Iberico pork ‘secreto’ bao bun with Hoisin mayonnaise and Japanese spring onion; Japanese vegetable tempura; the Voltereta salad with mango, Valencian tomato, and avocado; or the pork gyozas with teriyaki sauce. And, of course, there are vegetarian and vegan options too: cauliflower wings with BBQ and ranch sauce; the Berlin burger served on homemade focaccia with a vegetable patty, mustard, caramelised onion, and guacamole; or hummus with molasses, accompanied by sweet potato chips and pita bread.
A ‘Must’ in Valencia. Well, two ‘Musts’:
Bienvenido a Bali – Gran Vía del Marqués del Túria, 59
Bienvenido a Manhattan – Calle de Isabel la Católica, 11
2. Mercado Colón
The ultimate meeting point in Valencia and our favourite spot for Friday after-work drinks. And it’s just around the corner from our city centre coworking space 🙂
Once a traditional market, today it houses flower stalls, cafés, and top-tier restaurants. It has always been considered one of Valencia’s most beautiful buildings—so much so that it has been declared a National Monument.
Designed by the architect Francisco Mora Berenguer at the beginning of the 20th century, the Mercado de Colón is one of the most iconic works of Valencian Modernism. In many of its details, it is reminiscent of Gaudí’s architectural masterpieces in Barcelona.
Today, the Mercado de Colón houses Habitual by Ricard Camarena, a restaurant from the renowned Valencian chef and two-Michelin-starred reference. But there is much more to discover in the Market:
- restaurants: Ma Khin Café, Momiji or Manglano
- cafés, horchaterías, and craft beer bars: Bocados Café, La Mie Dorée, Las Cervezas del Mercado, Mi Cub, Pantalán 5, Suc de Lluna y Vino and Flores, Casa de l’Orxata y Horchatería Daniel.
- gourmet delicatessens: Carnes Varea & Varea Burger, Charcuterías Manglano, Frutas & Verduras Fina, Martin & Mary Pescadería
3. Cervecería Aquarium
This beer and cocktail bar is practically an institution in Valencia. With nearly sixty years of history and situated on one of the city’s busiest avenues—Gran Via del Marqués del Túria, 57—it is a landmark for the Valencian elite, as well as the ultimate birthplace of the ‘tapas’ culture.
At Aquarium, it feels as though time has stood still; the craft, service, and attention to detail remain unchanged. The interior transports guests to a bygone era, featuring classic furnishings and staff uniformed in true Monte Carlo style—complete with white blazers, black ties, and crisp white shirts. Busy at all hours, with a multi-generational clientele in perfect harmony.
Opened in 1957, it has remained intact, preserving the same aesthetic since the Great Flood of Valencia (La Riuà). But a little-known fact is that this bar has actually been open since the late 1930s; it originally served as the bar for the Cine Gran Vía 55, and once connected to the famous cinema through a hidden passage behind one of its walls.
Top-quality produce and cocktails crafted exactly as they should be—no frills or garnishes, strictly by the book. Their tomato empanadillas, salt cod, extensive sandwich selection, and vast array of drinks are some of the keys to the success of this traditional and endearing spot. It is, without a doubt, the place to savour timeless classics (Dry Martini, Gin Fizz, Jaramillo, Negroni) alongside more modern mixed drinks. One of Aquarium’s best-kept secrets is the ‘Aurora Boreal’, a cocktail made with whisky, vanilla ice cream (the traditional mantecado), and iced coffee.
Gran Via del Marqués del Túria, 57
4. La Raspa / Taberna Gastrotienda – Trovador – El Timbre Bar and Parrilla
Here are our top picks for a traditional mid-morning almuerzo, a set lunch menu, or a more casual after-work drink and tapas.
La Raspa is a cosy tavern with a lovely little terrace, a brilliant wine selection, and a menu of local tapas and sharing platters. It’s the perfect spot for a few bites and a glass of fine wine after finishing work.
They opened in the neighbourhood just after the first lockdown and have already expanded their space. Because when something is this good… we always want more.
Calle Cirilo Amorós 82, alongside Fraula and Valear.
Trovador is a proper, traditional bar offering breakfast, almuerzo, sandwiches, and both full and half set lunch menus. It’s small, lacks a terrace, and is always packed. Their secret? Excellent, family-style service. If you visit once and return three months later… they’ll very likely remember your name and exactly what you ordered last time.
Carrer del Comte de Salvatierra, 34.
El Timbre Bar y Parrilla, in Plaza Cánovas, with a sunny little terrace, incredible almuerzo sandwiches (the bread is top-tier), a dish of the day, and always a great atmosphere.
Plaza Cánovas del Castillo, 12
5. Ostras Pedrín and Ostras Bar
A lover of oysters, sea urchins, and other fresh seafood?
Craving a seafood treat, or perhaps a chic moment with oysters and cava?
In Valencia, there are two benchmark spots for the finest oysters: Ostras Pedrín at Calle Bonaire 23, and Ostras Bar at Calle Serrano Morales 3 in Plaza Cánovas. Both are just a 5-minute walk from Vortex Centro (in opposite directions).
Ostras Bar are oyster producers and fishing industry professionals; they have first-hand knowledge of the fresh produce they serve. Looking for something special and a bit different? Try their Oyster Cocktail and Bloody Mary 😉
Ostras Pedrín was conceived from the outset as a classic, traditional bar. They offer a diverse selection of oysters, salt-cured fish (salazones), gourmet preserves, and salads, all of which can be paired with a carefully curated list of wines and cavas.
Ostras Pedrín – Calle Bonaire, 23
Ostras Bar – Calle Serrano Morales, 3
6. La Fondue
Renowned as the best fondue in Valencia, this restaurant is our favourite French corner in the neighbourhood. Cosy and elegant, it’s the perfect spot for a pleasant dinner with a partner, friends, or colleagues.
Specialising in Fondue Bourguignonne and Savoyarde for over 30 years, their kitchen focuses on pâtés, cheeses, smoked delicacies, and premium meats. The highlights are undoubtedly their meat fondues (Bourguignonne) and cheese fondues (Savoyarde).
Calle Serrano Morales, 9
7. La Firma
An elegant restaurant serving traditional Valencian, Leonese, and Asturian cuisine. La Firma features three distinct areas: an Andalusian-style interior courtyard for a pleasant evening, a formal dining room, and finally the ‘Bar’—the most ‘rebellious’ spot for enjoying wine or beer alongside a selection of tapas. It also boasts an excellent wine list to suit all tastes.
Valencian cuisine: Paellas and rice specialities. Leonese gastronomy, from Northwest Spain, featuring the region’s finest meats, such as ribeye (entrecot) and dry-aged mature beef, alongside traditional roasts like suckling pig, milk-fed lamb, and the hearty Cocido Leonés. Asturian cooking, from the North, where you can savour a classic Fabada Asturiana or butter beans with clams (fabes con almejas). All paired with a wine cellar to suit every palate.
C/ Gravador Esteve, 38
8. MercatBar
MercatBar is Quique Dacosta’s first restaurant in Valencia; a GastroBar offering bar seating, tables, or terrace dining. Top-tier cuisine at affordable prices with a laid-back feel. Dishes and tapas from around the world, interpreted with great respect and local ingredients—such as the pork cheek kebab with kimchi mayonnaise, Peking-style pig’s trotters, or the yellowtail ceviche.
Quique Dacosta, alongside Ricard Camarena, is one of the most successful Valencian chefs today and a true ambassador for Valencian and Spanish gastronomy abroad. His restaurant in Dénia boasts 3 Michelin stars and is consistently ranked as one of the best in Europe. Other venues of his located near our coworking space include Vuelve Carolina and La Llisa Negra.
Calle Joaquín Costa, 27
9. Pelayo GastroTrinquet and Vaqueta GastroMercat
Both part of the Gastro Trinquet Group, El Pelayo is an unexpected find: right in the heart of València, on Calle Pelayo where the city’s Chinatown begins, you’ll discover this designer restaurant offering traditional cuisine with creative, signature touches.
The Pelayo Trinquet is also known as ‘The Cathedral’. It is one of the most renowned Valencian trinquets, where the finals of major competitions are held for one of the most traditional and authentic Mediterranean sports played live: pilota valenciana.
Just as the emblem of the Pelayo Trinquet is that massive pilotari hand, the most iconic element of Vaqueta is the KOI—a grand, sculptural lamp shaped like a sea creature. At Vaqueta, local garden produce coexists with sushi, the traditional shop (botiga) alternates with a cocktail bar, and local ingredients serve as the foundation for experimenting with global trends.
La pilota, that singular and soulful sport that unites the Valencian people, remains a core element in this second project from the Gastrotrinquet Group. The name ‘Vaqueta’ refers to one of the traditional balls used in the game, hand-stitched from cowhide, as well as to a prized local snail variety.
Pelayo – Calle de Pelayo, 6
Vaqueta – Calle Sant Ferran, 22
10. Lambrusquería
Craving Italian? We present the most authentic Italian spot in Valencia—not just for the food, but for the atmosphere too. La Lambrusquería is inspired by old Italian trattorias: dim lighting, candles, an intimate vibe, and traditional recipes that transport you to Italy’s most beautiful corners. They also offer a daily lunch menu (menú del día).
La Lambrusquería has several locations, but our favourite is at Calle Conde Altea 31, which offers an excellent pasta menu. Their location on Calle Císcar, however, specialises in pizzas.
Calle Conde Altea, 31
Before we finish, we’re adding some other Far East ‘MUSTS’ to the list—most of which are located just a stone’s throw from Vortex Coworking Centro:
- Japanese restaurants of all styles and settings across the city, all featured in this blog.
- Valencia’s Chinatown: the go-to spot for authentic Chinese food, Hot Pot, and Ramen.
We know there are a thousand more places out there. We’ve surely missed some fantastic alternatives we haven’t discovered yet. So, if you feel something is missing or you’ve found a hidden gem, don’t hesitate to leave a comment and let us know!
If you enjoyed our culinary tips, you might also be interested in:
- Top 5 Eggs Benedict in Valencia—and they’re all near Vortex Coworking Centro
Que aproveche 😉