Between Valencia and Castellón, we have put together a selection of restaurants that are synonymous with high-quality paellas and rice dishes.

In Valencia, we’ll naturally want to try paella — and specifically authentic Valencian paella. We won’t attempt, at the risk of getting it wrong, to dictate how this iconic dish should be prepared, but we can tell you where to try some of the best versions.

In El Palmar, in the heart of La Albufera, you’ll find Arrocería Maribel. Its offering combines traditional Valencian cuisine with a contemporary approach, although its paella alone is worth the trip. And while you’re there, don’t leave without trying its all i pebre. Before or after your feast, take the opportunity to enjoy a boat trip across the lagoon or lose yourself among the rice fields.

In Malvarrosa, there are still restaurants where paella is prepared the traditional way. And with quality. Casa Carmela has been doing so since 1922, using locally sourced ingredients and serving it with a delicate layer of rice in the paella pan, accompanied by the traditional wooden spoon so that everyone can help themselves to their share. Afterwards, enjoy a nap on the sand or a walk to the Rice Museum in Cabanyal, where you can learn everything about this grain.

Feasts like these deserve a place to relax afterwards that lives up to the experience: somewhere where everything is designed with guests in mind, where traditional hospitality is combined with new touches that elevate your stay into something truly memorable. Sounds good, doesn’t it? At Sercotel Sorolla Palace and Sercotel Valencia Ruzafa, this is exactly what they put into practice.

Manolo García, frontman of El Último de la Fila, already hinted at it when he sang “Take me to the cinema, my love, and let’s eat some rice in Castelló”, but we didn’t pay much attention, as Valencian paella continues to receive most of the attention while Castellón’s rice dishes are mentioned somewhat less. And yet, between baked rice, paella de cullera i mosca, rice with prawns and artichokes… there is an impressive selection waiting to be discovered in its restaurants. We have chosen these two.

Located in Castellón de la Plana, this restaurant opened its doors in 1987, so when they talk about culinary tradition, they do so with good reason. Their proposal is based on Mediterranean cuisine prepared with local produce, where, of course, rice dishes take centre stage. Their rice dishes are always a great choice. For dessert, head out for a stroll around the city and, along the way, look out for the Co-cathedral, El Fadrí bell tower, or be surprised by the Post Office and Telegraph building.

To try the Castellón-style rice dish prepared at Casa Lola, you’ll need to head to El Grau, the city’s maritime district, around 4 kilometres from the city centre. They cook many other varieties too, but the fact is that in 2022 they won the 3rd International “Arrocito de Castelló” Competition. Once your meal comes to an end, wander around its fishing port. You may prefer to hop on one of the boats offering coastal excursions or simply go and enjoy the beaches for a refreshing swim.

A difficult choice, considering that both Sercotel Plana Parc, Sercotel Hotel Plana Suites and Sercotel Plana Onda take care of the little details that make you feel at home. Here, they greet you by name, remember how you take your coffee at breakfast, or let you know which parking space will make it easier for you to park.