Locals reveal: these are the best tapas bars in Valencia

Eating tapas in Valencia isn’t difficult, but where do you find the best ones? Valencians know that better than anyone. While the city fills up with tourists who flock en masse to patatas bravas, locals duck into a little bar somewhere else. Places serving tapas you’d fly back for. Luckily, we have the inside scoop.

What exactly are tapas?

Tapas comes from the Spanish ‘tapear’, which roughly means ‘to cover’. In the past, people placed a piece of bread with meat on top of their glass to keep flies out of the wine. By now, it has evolved into a collective name for small portions of food that you share. From croquettes to olives and anchovies to potatoes in spicy sauce.

Unidad, media or ración

In Valencia, you’ll find tapas in all shapes and sizes: classic, modern, fusion, and in every price range. Just pay attention to the size: ‘unidad’ means per piece, ‘media’ is half a portion and ‘ración’ is a full portion – intended for sharing. Tapas aren’t a main course, but a social affair. So share, taste and enjoy! Add a refreshing glass of Tinto de Verano; you don’t need anything else.

Why tapas in Valencia are different (and better)

In Valencia, everything revolves around simplicity and quality. Fresh ingredients, a good glass of wine and, above all, no unnecessary fuss. The real flavour makers are the products themselves. And here – from seafood to ham and from tomatoes to almonds – they are top-notch. What’s more, the portions are generous and the prices friendly. You taste more, pay less and get to know the real Spain along the way.

5x where you can eat all that delicious food at its best

1. Clóchinas at Casa Montaña & La Pilareta

The clóchina is the Rolls-Royce of mussels. Small, local, intensely flavoured and only available from May through August. At Casa Montaña (Josep Benlliure 69), they serve them pure: cooked in their own juices, with a drop of water and nothing else. At La Pilareta (Moro Zeid 13), they get a kick from a little chilli and sweet paprika. Both places are classics – and rightly so.

2. Pintxos heaven at Sagardi Cocineros Vascos

At this Basque bar on Calle San Vicente Mártir 6, you eat pintxos the way they’re meant to be eaten: on sticks, on bread and at the bar. Just like at Sagardi Amsterdam, but with a little more sunshine here. Pinchar means to pierce, and that’s exactly what you do – pierce, choose, eat. Keep hold of your sticks, because they determine the bill. Simple and brilliant.

3. Argentine temperament at Doña Petrona

In the charming Ruzafa district (exact location: Calle Padre Perera, 5), you’ll find this tapas bar with Argentine flair. Doña Petrona combines Spanish products with Argentine roots. Think olives with chimichurri and empanadas that leave you speechless. Chefs Germán Carrizo and Carito Lourenço know what they’re doing. And you can taste it.

4. Classics with a twist at Tapería HISPANIA

Modern and sleek can be perfectly Spanish too. At Tapería HISPANIA (Av. de les Corts Valencianes 26), they serve both hot and cold tapas, with combinations such as prawn tail with sobrasada and caramelised onion. You can also enjoy an excellent rice or fish meal here. The perfect stopover for anyone who wants to properly taste Valencia.

5. Tapas & flamenco at La Bulería Tablao Flamenco

Yes, it’s touristy. But that doesn’t make it any less good. At La Bulería (Calle Obispo Jaime Pérez 24), you get tapas and top-level flamenco. Expect a complete night out – with clapping hands, stomping feet and tasty tapas. Recommended by locals and approved by us.

Insider tips for the ultimate tapas crawl

• Start early: Spaniards eat late, so before 20:00 you can often still find a table
• Stand at the bar: that’s where it happens; the atmosphere, the food, life
• Don’t be afraid to ask: order something off-menu or let the chef surprise you
• Mix and match: combine classics with a few local surprises

And now: book that flight to Valencia!

Valencia is a gem of a city anyway, but with these tapas addresses, you’re holding gold. Avoid the tourist traps and go where the locals go. For less money, more flavour, and tapas and pintxos you won’t soon forget.

Read more about Spanish gastronomy at visitvalencia.com

Also read:

• Foodie guide: 24 hours of eating in Valencia like a true local
• Here you’ll find the best sandwiches in Amsterdam
• Avoid these 5 mistakes if you want truly delicious meatballs

Header image: @Pablo Casino/Visit Valencia