We are often asked about the tastiest restaurants, tapas bars and other dining options in Valencia. Luckily, in the years we have lived and worked here, we have discovered some real gems throughout the city. In particular, many restaurants in Ruzafa are renowned among Valencia’s food enthusiasts.
Valencia is a wonderful place to visit from a culinary perspective, as there is so much choice spanning all different types of cuisines and price points. We never cease to be amazed when we settle down somewhere for a “menu del dia” for around just 10 euros and end up enjoying a truly delicious meal!
Our favourite restaurants in Ruzafa
In the city of Valencia, there are over 3,500 restaurants, so it’s no mean feat to choose our favourites. So, we have limited ourselves to our favourite restaurants in Ruzafa, one of the trendiest districts in Valencia.
The list is in no particular order, with many other contenders coming up close. In fact, we could have easily made a top 25 list (maybe next time!). As such, it’s worth remembering that we had to leave out many fantastic restaurants and dining experiences, so don’t be afraid to broaden your own list!
Top 10 restaurants in Ruzafa:
1. Canalla Bistro
This Michelin Guide restaurant is one of star chef Ricard Camarena’s bistros. We have been thoroughly impressed by the delicious cuisine and fantastic ambience each time we have visited. We always choose the “Menú Degustación”, a taster menu with many dishes to share for less than 30 euros.
A truly excellent restaurant in Ruzafa!
Address: Calle Maestro Jose Serrano, 5
www.canallabistro.com
2. Dando Leña
You may be inclined to walk past here, thanks to the modest façade, but you’ll almost certainly be impressed when you step inside! As well as plenty of greenery and atmosphere, they prepare and serve the most delicious and affordable dishes with super friendly service.
Address: Calle de Sueca 46
www.restaurantedandolena.com
3. Dulce de Leche Boutique
This excellent breakfast-brunch-lunch location is very popular among residents and tourists alike – so much so that we doubted whether it was worth another mention! But yes, it remains a firm favourite thanks to the delicious cakes, pastries, savoury sandwiches and healthy smoothies. Due to its success, numerous new locations have opened throughout Valencia city. Still, one of our favourite locations is undoubtedly Ruzafa – a wonderful place to relax inside and outside on the terrace. Other similar cafés in the area include Cafecito, Blue Bell Café and La Mas Bonita.
Address: Carrer del Pintor Gisbert, 2
www.facebook.com/DulceDeLecheRuzafa
4. El Rodamón de Russafa
The great thing about eating in Valencia is that almost all restaurants in Ruzafa (and throughout the country) have plenty of sharing options, allowing you to taste many different dishes. So, if you’re struggling to choose between all the delicious options on the El Rodamón menu, be sure to try the dishes that appeal to you the most by sharing a few plates! They offer a world map of delicious fusion tapas, such as curry langoustines, curry calamari and Thai mussels. Mmmm!
Address: Calle de Sueca 47
www.elrodamon.com
5. Bouet Restaurante
You will find this stylish fusion restaurant on the other side of the Gran Via (not in the direct loop of most tourists). What an atmosphere, what excellent service and what fantastic food!
Enjoy a delicious lunch with the 3-course menu for 30 euros, or opt for the menu bouet for a range of dishes to share.
Address: Gran Via de les Germanies, 34
www.bouetrestaurant.es
6. Restaurant Copenhagen
Ruzafa is also a paradise for vegetarians or those fancying a meat-free feast. Restaurant Copenhagen is a modern restaurant with a menu offering vegetarian dishes from around the world. In addition, they also have a fantastic and varied 3-course menu for 11.90 euros each day (you can see it here). Copenhagen also has two sister restaurants: Malmö (also in Ruzafa) and Oslo (in the historic centre of Valencia).
Address: Calle Literato Azorín, 8
www.grupocopenhagen.com
7. El Almacén
Another wonderful restaurant in a relaxed, informal setting, serving delicious tapas with a twist. Choose a few dishes to share or just the Menú Degustación for 24 euros, where you will get eight delicious and original dishes. They also have an extensive wine list with many delicious wines.
Address: Calle de Sueca 41
www.elalmacenncr.com
8. Sorsi e Morsi
Fancy a change from Spanish food? Sorsi e Morsi is a great alternative. This hip Italian restaurant offers delicious pasta and pizza with a few little twists. In addition, the restaurant offers delicious piadinis and tasty wines. Well affordable menus here too, so definitely worth a visit for a change!
Address: Calle de Doctor Serrano 11
www.sorsiemorsi.com
9. La Tasqueta del Mercat
This is the little sister of Dando Leña. If you want more daylight in a nice area near the Mercado of Ruzafa, then La Tasqueta is the place for you! Especially perfect for lunch, they offer three fantastic menus at 11.90, 16.50 and 20 euros. Don’t forget to try the tuna salad with peanut sauce or ‘ensalad rusa’! And super friendly staff. Good price/quality!
Address: Calle Maestro Aguilar 2 (another one at Calle Cadiz 90)
www.latasquetadelmercat.com
10. Mood Food
Mood Food is also a wonderful restaurant where you can go and enjoy a 6 or 8-course tapas menu. Delicious dishes perfect for sharing! Or, enjoy the culinary lunch menu for just 15 euros.
Address: Carrer del Pintor Salvador Abril, 7
www.facebook.com/moodfoodrestaurant
Again, this is just a small selection of the lovely restaurants in the lively Ruzafa district of Valencia.
If you have any tips or other good restaurants in Ruzafa we should try, let us know! 🙂