La Pilareta is a valencian tapas restaurant in El Carmen, Valencia.
La Pilareta on Carrer del Moro Zeit in Valencia's Carmen quarter has run a counter-tile bar since 1917, famous across the city for its clochinas (small native mussels).
Signature dishes: Clochinas, Esgarraet, Anchoas
Must order: A platter of clochinas with lemon, salt and pepper, and a cana of Estrella Galicia.
Tip: Cash preferred. The clochinas season runs roughly May to September; out of season ask for mussels (mejillones).
Address: C/ del Moro Zeit, 13, 46001 Valencia
Bodeguilla del Gato in Valencia's Carmen quarter is a corner tapas bar with a wide carte of tapas and bocadillos, a wood-bar counter and a small terrace on a quiet plaza.
Signature: Bombas, Patatas bravas, Tapas surtidas
Order: The bomba (a fried potato-and-meat ball) with the spicy and the alioli sauces; a glass of vermut from the tap.
Tip: Tiny dining room; come early for lunch (before 13:30) or be ready to wait. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Tasca Angel on Carrer de la Purissima in Valencia's Mercat quarter has grilled sardinas a la plancha to order at the counter since 1946, on a charcoal grill metres away.
Signature: Sardinas a la plancha, Anchoas, Atun
Order: Half a dozen grilled sardines off the plancha with a cana, plus the anchoas.
Tip: Open lunchtime only (12:00 to 16:00); arrive before 13:30 to find a seat. Closed Sunday.
Bodeguilla del Gato in Valencia's Carmen quarter is a corner tapas bar with a wide carte of tapas and bocadillos, a wood-bar counter and a small terrace on a quiet plaza.
Signature: Bombas, Patatas bravas, Tapas surtidas
Order: The bomba (a fried potato-and-meat ball) with the spicy and the alioli sauces; a glass of vermut from the tap.
Tip: Tiny dining room; come early for lunch (before 13:30) or be ready to wait. Closed Sunday and Monday.
Navarro on Carrer de l'Arquebisbe Mayoral in Valencia's Ciutat Vella is a long-running family rice kitchen, with a tiled dining room and a strong arroz al horno tradition.
Signature: Paella valenciana, Arroz al horno, Fideua
Order: The arroz al horno with chickpeas, blood sausage and pork, ordered as a half portion for two.
Tip: Reserve 24 hours ahead for paella. The menu del dia at lunch is one of the best in the centre.
Goya Gallery on Carrer de Borrull in Valencia's Eixample is a modern Spanish dining room with a strong tapas-and-arroz carte, a gallery-art interior and a tight wine list.
Signature: Croquetas, Steak tartar, Arroz
Order: The croquetas of jamon iberico, then the arroz meloso or the steak tartar with a glass of Mistela.
Tip: Reserve in advance for weekend dinners; the room fills with locals from L'Eixample. Lunch menu is good value.
Saiti on Carrer de Reina Dona Maria in Valencia's Eixample is chef Vicente Patino's modern Valencian room with two Repsol Suns, anchored on Mediterranean produce and short tastings.
Signature: Tasting menu, Arroz, Pescados
Order: The shorter tasting menu at lunch is the best-value introduction to the kitchen.
Tip: Closed Sunday and Monday. The tasting runs about two hours; book through the website or call.
El Encuentro on Carrer de Sant Vicent Martir in Valencia's Ciutat Vella is a neighbourhood arroceria with a strong local following, eight rice variations and a daily menu del dia.
Signature: Paella valenciana, Arroz a banda, Fideua
Order: The paella valenciana for two with the canonical rabbit and chicken, ordered ahead.
Tip: Closed Sunday evening and all day Monday. Reserve weekend lunch a few days ahead.
