Have you ever tasted paella? You probably have. But you haven’t had it properly if you didn’t eat on a Sunday afternoon in Valencia, like in Palmar. 

Paella is one of the most popular dishes in Spain, if not the most popular. But nothing is as good as the traditional “Paella Valenciana”, which contains rice, vegetables, rabbit, and chicken.

But where can you eat the best paella valenciana? And how do you eat paella properly? I will tell you the best restaurants to eat paella in this blog.

So, let’s not hold you up any longer!

Where to take a seat for a great paella?

The best place to eat is always local and would be to eat paella with a traditional Valencian family. Easier said than done. If you have a Spanish relative, friend, or girlfriend, then of course you can do it.

But unfortunately, for many non-Spaniards this will not be the case.

But for many non-Spaniards, that’s not really an option. Don’t worry, though! There are still plenty of amazing local spots to get your hands on the real deal.

The way to eat paella

Many people (including me), especially tourists trying paella for the first time, make a common mistake. They head to the city centre of Valencia and try an expensive paella… A paella costing you > 25 euros, which is not worth the splash at all.

And on top of that, they do not even try the Paella Valenciana…

If you are one of those who like fish more, it is okay. I understand you opt for a Paella Marisco. You happen to like fish, which is not bad at all, instead, it is very healthy!! But okay, believe me: the Paella Valenciana is definitely worth a try.

Did you know that Spaniards only eat paella on Sunday afternoons? Believe me, they’ll probably laugh at you if you’re chowing down on a weekday or during the evening (that’s what happened to me). But hey, adapting to the Spanish culture takes time, right?

But paella isn’t just a meal; it is a social event, a gathering of friends and family around the streets sharing their food.

Have you already visited Valencia? If so, did you get a chance to try the authentic Paella Valenciana? If not, well, you have a reason to come back! And if you’re still in the lovely city, make sure to try it before you set of your journey back.