RICE RESTAURANTS IN VALENCIA AND ALICANTE

Rice is an integral ingredient in the cuisine of Valencia, with various styles and scrumptious dishes all over the metropolitan area, there are many ways and places where it can be enjoyed! Because of Valencia’s situation on the coast of the lovely Mediterranean Sea, the freshness and quality of the seafood here is unmatched. Valencia is also the birthplace of Paella, making it the perfect spot to sample and share the most famous piece of Spanish gastronomy that combines fresh, quality ingredients with exceptional technique. All this begs the question: Where to begin?

Valencia’s expansive restaurant scene offers a plethora of great options to hungry diners looking to share a paella or rice dish together. The city’s proximity to the coast is a great opportunity for a delicious beachfront meal, which is guaranteed at Balandret restaurant. Serving a variety of traditional paellas and “melosos” (creamy rice) and fideuàs right on the Paseo Neptuno next to Las Arenas Beach in Valencia. One highlight of Balandret is the Fideuá de Marisco, a Delicious fresh dish seasoned with lemon like paella, using a small thin pasta instead of the usual rice, a wonderful traditional plate with origins on the coast of Valencia. Just one taste of Balandret’s menu of flavourful, fresh coastal meals right on the beach.

Balandret, WEB Paseo Neptuno, 20, Valencia

As mentioned, rice is an integral component of Valencian gastronomy, and at Tablet this ingredient is front stage accompanied by quality local ingredients and Mediterranean flavours. Tabalet is minutes away from Valencia serving up dishes to be shared, like the “arroz del senyoret” prepared with king prawns, squid, mussels, cuttlefish, and monkfish. Great location for a relaxing shareable meal not too far from the beach in Pinedo.

Tabalet, WEB Paseo Marítimo, 8, Pinedo, Valencia

Continuing in Pinedo, get dinner with a view at Maremar restaurant which has a lovely beachfront terrace, a must-visit spot for the summer, the average check price sits at a reasonable 41 euros and its rice selection highlights seafood-focused dishes such as rice with codium (seaweed), scallops, mussels, monkfish, and king prawns. Its menu features classic paella of course, but its “arroz a banda” or black rice complements its delicious selection of fish and meats with the tranquil background of the beach front this restaurant offers a great scene for a relaxing experience.

Maremar, WEB Paseo Marítimo, 20, Pinedo, Valencia

Among tranquil spots for a lovely meal, is Al Grano, situated in the quiet residential area of La Canyada. It is an essential stop for rice lovers in Valencia the Chef Carles López curates a menu of traditional recipes prepared with quality products, a contemporary perspective, and updated with pristine techniques. Whether it’s the paella at Al Grano, which was recognized as the best paella in the Valencian Community in 2022 at the 61st edition of the International Valencian Paella Competition in Sueca, or modern takes on classic Valencian roots the restaurant is a fantastic place for a modern perspective on traditional Valencian dishes. One such example exhibited here is the “black rice with Andalusian-style baby squid and Mery sauce aioli.” Or en español, the “arroz negro con chipirones a la andaluza” a fantastic take on a rice dish with Valencian and Andalucian roots made with elite technique and scrumptious squid!

Al Grano, WEB Calle 29, nº 27, La Canyada, Paterna, Valencia

Along with rice, Spain is well known for its tapas, and at Esama, you can get both while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere located right next to the Arenal Beach in Jávea, with seafood sourced from local producers. About 1hr and a half outside Valencia this restaurant is situated in the Alicante Province, where you can become immersed in Spanish seaside life, while feeling summer all year round. Dishes that stand out here include the “arroz del senyoret” with flavors of th sea for sharing while facing the arenal, the sandy shore of the beach. And don’t forget about the tapas, such as “cocas de Jávea,” Altea pink tomatoes, or “huevos rotos” with tuna and fried potatoes.

Escama, WEB Avenida de la Llibertat, 34 F, Xàbia, Alicante

Another great spot for quality rice dishes in Alicante is Greenwich. Located at the heart of the beautiful Luis Campomanes Marina. The Chef, Miguel Rivas is trained in prestigious restaurants with experience in L’Escaleta, a restaurant with two-Michelin stars. The rice dishes here offer a chance to experience the coastal flavours unique to Alicante, and only a short trip away from the hustle and bustle of Valencia. The white prawn rice with fried baby squid is one of their highlighted rice dishes made with Mediterranean character.

Restaurante Club Náutico Marina Greenwich: WEB Puerto Deportivo Luis Campomanes, Altea, Alicante

The community of Valencia offers a wide variety of rice dishes that map out the history and rich culture of the area if you want to go only a few minutes away from the city centre there’s Tabalet. Or, if you’re craving a beachfront experience, go to Balandret or Maremar. A more tranquil location in the suburbs at La Canyada, or travel to the Alicante providence to visit Greenwich or Escama you cannot go wrong when trying rice in La Comunidad Valenciana.

Report by Bridget Callahan