It is impossible to list all or even most of the “gastrotastic” restaurants, cocinas or bars in Valencia, or for that matter any Spanish city! Just wander about in the shade of the many tree lined streets and you will discover an unlimited number of treasures to call your own. Bar Crameat, like all the others we’ve listed here, offer value, great food and their own special ambiance. But there are thousands more! Yeah for that… Bar Crameat is that special “local’s” restaurant named after the famous Valencian after dinner drink that is a mix of rum, espresso and crema. And the food is amazing too!
In Barcelona and Madrid, it is Tapas and the smaller “Pinchos” that you will find on almost any street corner. But in Valencia, you will instead find a larger sandwich called a “Bocadillo” which are amazing too, but also quite a meal in itself. But if you are craving that traditional Pincho, look no further than the Rassafa neighborhood and the restaurant entitled Masa Madre which is right near the Rassafa Mercat and in the heart of super cool shops and bars. Sitting either inside or outside on the street, their selection of exceptional and very reasonably priced Pinchos will leave you craving more. And of course, don’t forget the Vino or Cerveza too!
The Central Market in Valencia’s Old Town or “Ciutat Vella” is considered to be one of the largest and best open air Markets in the world. The building itself is an amazing work of art, and if you wander about for a while you will run into the “Central Bar” restaurant tucked away in the top corner inside the market. Yep, get in line and wait your turn for a seat at the bar, where either side is served by a world class chef and his tempestuous staff. Just like the amazing menu like freshly picked zucchini blossoms, it’s all in good fun and great taste. Make sure to bring your appetite and your credit card, as you’ll make good use of both.
The Colon Market is situated in a building which rivals any of the most beautiful structures in the world. Surrounded by upper class condos and shops that all seem to be competing for best dressed, the Colon Marketplace and the surrounding neighborhoods should not be missed. Inside you’ll find two floors of restaurants that literally serve every type of food and drink, as casual or fancy as you would like. After the market, spend some time strolling the Gran Via del Marques del Turia and all the amazing streets, bars, restaurants, shops and nightclubs that spring up before your very eyes. Just keep your phone charged so you can use your Google maps to find your way home!
For all of those who made it to the end of this page, this is my special gift to you! Yep, get excited, real excited. For after you tip a few cocktails at the Botanista Bar (see the Entertainment page) you’ll walk around the corner to the Bottega Marsengo Italian restaurant. But take the word of a pizza Presario, the pizza, wine, beer and anything else you can put in your mouth is amazing. And the low prices are amazing too! This is a well kept locals secret so don’t let on, but do take any seat they offer and be prepared for a super good time with great food and local atmosphere. Yep, my gift to you. For Christmas, my sweater size is a large, cashmere only! 😁