Valencian rice€€la-malvarrosa
Kiosko La Pergola on the Paseo Maritimo in Valencia's Malvarrosa is a beachfront kiosk paella spot, with wood-fired rices and a sand-side terrace.
Signature: Paella valenciana, Arroz a banda, Sardinas
Order: The paella valenciana cooked to order, with a glass of horchata for dessert.
Tip: Lunch only and closed in winter. Reserve the terrace one week ahead in high summer.
Valencian rice€€extramurs
Rausell on Carrer d'Angel Guimera in Valencia's Extramurs is a family-run rice and seafood kitchen since 1948, now in its third generation, with a daily-changing chalkboard of fresh fish from the lonja.
Signature: Paella valenciana, Arroz a banda, Pescaito frito
Order: The pescaito frito plate of the day plus a half-portion of arroz a banda.
Tip: Closed Sunday. The lunchtime menu del dia is one of the best in the area.
Modern Mediterranean€€russafa
La Greta on Carrer de Pere III el Gran in Valencia's Russafa is a neighbourhood modern-Mediterranean bistro with a long arroces carte and a strong wine list.
Signature: Tartar, Arroz, Croquetas
Order: The croquetas of jamon and the arroz of the day.
Tip: Russafa locals favourite; reserve weekend lunch a few days ahead.
Spanish bistro€€leixample
Yarza on Carrer de Ciscar in Valencia's Canovas quarter is chef Manu Yarza's neighbourhood bistro, with daily-changing plates from the lonja, aged meats and a tight Valencian rice carte.
Signature: Cocina de cuchara, Pescado de lonja, Arroces
Order: The aged meat of the day or the rice of the day (order rice 24 hours ahead, minimum two).
Tip: Tight neighbourhood room; reserve through the website a week ahead. Rice dishes require advance order for at least two.
Asian fusion€€leixample
Ma Khin Cafe on the lower floor of Mercado de Colon in Valencia is a pan-Asian kitchen, with curries, noodles and bao under the 1916 modernista market vault.
Signature: Pad thai, Curry, Bao buns
Order: The Thai green curry or a plate of bao buns with iberico pork.
Tip: Open daily through the day. The Colon market complex hours run longer than the upstairs grocery stalls.
Valencian rice€€leixample
Racons in Valencia's Eixample is a neighbourhood arroceria with a wide rice carte, including the wood-oven arroz al horno that needs ordering in advance.
Signature: Arroz al horno, Paella valenciana, Croquetas
Order: The arroz al horno (oven-baked rice with chickpeas, pork and morcilla) for two.
Tip: Closed Sunday evening. The wood-oven arroz needs at least 24 hours notice.