Tapas

El Albero

In the trendy Cánovas district, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants and El Albero is one you definitely shouldn’t miss! This cosy tapas restaurant has a true Andalusian soul. You can sit outside on one of the high barrels and enjoy the lively atmosphere, or step inside the tiny indoor area. Even if you choose an outdoor spot, make sure to peek inside, it’s the real deal: authentic tiles, vintage Spanish posters, and a buzzing crowd of locals chatting over tapas.

Prices range from €1 to €15 per tapa, and every dish bursts with Andalusian flavour. Try the crispy calamares, the creamy croquetas, or the delicious puntilla, small fried baby squid. And of course, no visit to an Andalusian taberna is complete without a bowl of gazpacho, the refreshing cold tomato soup that’s perfect for Valencia’s sunny days.

• Carrer de Ciscar 12
• Website
• Monday till Saturday: 12.00 – 16.00 & 19.30 – 01.00

La Pizarra

At La Pizarra, they’ve perfected the art of relaxed Spanish gastronomy. Every time you order a beer, wine, soft drink or even water, you’ll get a small tapa included, all for just €3 in total.

Here’s how it works: your first drink might come with pipas ibéricas (Spanish-style spare ribs), your second with croquetas de autor (homemade croquettes), and by your fifth drink, you’ll be treated to crujiente de pollo, crispy fried chicken. The menu changes regularly, and sometimes the fun continues all the way up to your seventh drink!

It’s a fantastic concept, especially loved by locals who enjoy spending hours chatting and sipping their way through the evening.

Not in the mood for multiple drinks but still want to eat well? No problem, you can also order directly from the menu. Don’t be surprised if there isn’t one on your table, though: the menu is written on a large chalkboard (that’s what La Pizarra actually means!).

Some must-try dishes include the calamares a la Andaluza (fried squid rings), falafel, and their famous homemade croquettes.

• Carrer dels Vivons 20
• Website
• Monday till Sunday: 10.00 – 02.00

Bar Ricardo

For three generations, Bar Ricardo has been a true Valencian institution, located on Carrer del Doctor Zamenhof. When Ricardo Mirasol first opened the doors in 1947, the bar mainly served wines, liqueurs, and cured meats.

The second generation, the current owner’s father, expanded the menu with fresh local products, adding top-quality fish, squid, and of course, traditional tapas.

Today, with the third Ricardo leading the way, the bar has been modernised while still keeping its authentic soul. Locals and visitors alike see Bar Ricardo as one of the most iconic tapas bars in Valencia.

Come and enjoy their classic Spanish tapas, from patatas bravas and calamari to Russian salad and many other favourites, all served with that unmistakable local charm.

• Carrer del Doctor Zamenhof 16
• Website
• Tuesday, Thursday till Saturday: 12.00 – 23.30

La Santa

At La Santa, you’ll be dining right among the locals! This cosy spot serves up authentic Valencian dishes full of flavour and tradition. Try the choricitos a la sidra (chorizo cooked in cider), the titaina valenciana (a Valencian-style ratatouille from the Cabanyal district), or the classic pimientos de padrón (fried green peppers). Simply delicious!

It’s the perfect place to spend an evening eating, drinking, and soaking up the local atmosphere on the lively terrace. Make sure to book a table in advance this popular tapas bar fills up quickly!

• Carrer de Ciscar 13
• Website
• Monday till Friday: 10.30 – 00.30
  Saturday: 12.00 – 16.30 uur & 20.00 – 01.00