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Are you looking for the best places to try a vegan version of paella, Valencia’s local dish? I got you! While there are many vegan restaurants in Valencia, not that many of them serve vegan versions of traditional Spanish cuisine. In this guide, you can find the best places to try vegan paella in Valencia whether you’re in the center of the city, by the coast, or further afield. Enjoy!
Valencia, Spain
Valencia is a lovely vibrant city on the eastern coast of Spain. It attracts travelers from all over the world with its unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Known for its stunning architecture, Valencia boasts the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences complex, a beautiful example of contemporary design.
This city is steeped in history as well, with the historic Old Town showcasing medieval treasures like the impressive Valencia Cathedral and the Silk Exchange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
One cannot discuss Valencia without mentioning its culinary delights. Known as the birthplace of paella, Valencia is a food lover’s paradise. As a vegan traveler, you can savor the flavors of this iconic Spanish dish in many locations across the city.
Another great place to visit for vegan and conscious travelers is the Central Market. It offers a massive amount of fresh produce, with a lot of veggies, fruits, and spices, making it a must-visit if you are a food enthusiast.
Valencia’s Mediterranean climate is another draw, with sunny beaches like Playa de la Malvarrosa providing the perfect backdrop for relaxation, yoga and water activities.
Vegan paella, Valencia
Vegan versions of paella have gained popularity as plant-based diets are becoming more mainstream nowadays. These adaptations allow vegans and vegetarians to enjoy the flavors of traditional Valencian paella without the use of animal products. The concept of vegan paella is not directly related to the city of Valencia’s culinary traditions, but it reflects the growing global interest in plant-based alternatives and the adaptability of traditional recipes.
Traditional Valencian paella typically includes rice, saffron, vegetables, and various proteins like chicken, rabbit, or seafood. To create a vegan version, chefs in Valencia replace animal-based ingredients with plant-based alternatives or leave them out altogether.
Instead of meat or seafood, vegan paella can include ingredients like tofu, tempeh, or seitan for a protein source. Additionally, vegetables like bell peppers, artichokes, tomatoes, and green beans, can be used more extensively compared to a traditional paella.
While vegan paella may not be an authentic Valencian dish, a lot of traditional Spanish dishes are naturally vegan. You can be sure that, when eating vegan paella, you can savor the flavors of traditional Spanish cuisine, without lacking any taste!
In the next section, you can find nine great places in Valencia to enjoy vegan paella. They are divided by area. There are a few good places to try vegan paella in the city center and by the coast but, for traditional arrocerias take a biking trip to El Palmar near Parc Natural de l’Albufera!
Outdoor terraces at Valencia Cathedral
La Tavernaire is a fully vegan restaurant in the center of Valencia. It is a small, laid-back, and rustic bar that offers an authentic Spanish experience.
Food on the menu includes tapas like patatas bravas, croquettes and coca de dacsa. On Sunday, they offer the most delicious vegan paella!
Website: La Tavernaire
Where: Directions
The terrace of Suc de Lluna inside the Mercado de Colon, Valencia, Spain
Suc de Lluna is a beautiful organic restaurant located at the Colon Market in the center of Valencia. Although not a vegan restaurant, 90% of their produce is organic and sourced locally which makes it an excellent choice for eco-conscious health food lovers.
On the menu, you can find vegan paella, various vegan tapas, and Horchata, a traditional Valencian drink that happens to be naturally vegan!
Website: Suc de Lluna
Where: Directions
La Cassoleta is a vegan takeaway restaurant in the Patraix neighborhood in Valencia. It’s the perfect choice if you are tired from a day of exploring and wish to have your dinner in the comforts of your accommodation.
Aside from vegan paella, they also offer a variety of other vegan dishes like Fideuà and croquettes.
Website: La Cassoleta
Where: Directions
Beaches of Valencia
La Pepica is a traditional Valencian restaurant that was established in 1898. It was one of the favorite spots of Hemingway in Valencia, where he loved to enjoy rice dishes and seafood.
While this restaurant is not at all that vegan-friendly, it does offer traditional paella verduras with peppers, white beans, green beans, carrots, and mushrooms.
Website: La Pepica
Where: Directions
Vegan Paella at Portolito in Valencia
Portolito is another restaurant a little further down the beach from La Pepica. It is actually only one of the restaurants of the Portolito chain. They have two more branches in the center but this one by the coast offers the most scenic views.
Their menu includes a vegan paella as well as other healthy vegan dishes like yellow curry meatballs and Unagi Modoki.
Website: Portolito
Where: Directions
Parc Natural de l’Albufera, El Palmar, Spain
El Palmar is a picturesque village located near the city of Valencia. It is situated within the Albufera Natural Park, which is a wetland area known for its scenic beauty and ecological significance.
El Palmar is particularly famous for its connection to Valencia’s culinary heritage, as it is considered one of the birthplaces of the traditional Valencian paella!
Visiting this village is a must-do on your Valencia itinerary and one the best places to try authentic vegan paella.
Arrocaria El Rek is a traditional Valencian restaurant that specializes in Spanish rice and pasta dishes. With views over the Albufera, this is one of the top places to try vegan paella in El Palmar.
The restaurant focuses on sustainable gastronomy. they have their own organic garden and source almost all their other ingredients from local suppliers in and around El Palmar.
They offer a traditional vegan paella and a few vegan tapas.
Website: Arroceria El Rek
Where: Directions
Arroceria Maribel is another traditional Valencian rice restaurant in El Palmar near the city of Valencia. The quality here is outstanding and they have been featured in Michelin and other publications.
The menu here caters very well to vegans with even two vegan paellas to choose from, the typical one with traditional verduras as well as one with asparagus.
But there is even more! Aside from paella, you can also find vegan Fideuà, Arroz Meloso and vegan street food on the menu!
Website: Arroceria Maribel
Where: Directions
Offering a slightly more cozy vibe and fancier interior than the two previously mentioned restaurants, restaurant Mornell is also a great restaurant to enjoy a vegan paella.
Do note that nothing else on the menu is vegan aside from pan tomate so if you like to have an elaborate lunch experience, Maribel or El Rek are probably better options.
Website: Restaurant Mornell
Where: Directions
Restaurant El Graner is another great restaurant in El Palmar that caters to vegan travelers.
While the options might again not be as elaborate as in Maribel or El Rek, on the menu you can find a vegan paella as well grilled vegetables, vegetable tempura, and pan tomate as tapas.
Website: El Graner
Where: Directions
There you go! As you can see there are plenty of restaurants in Valencia where you can enjoy a vegan version of paella.
Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions or drop me a message through my contact page.
Also, don’t forget to check out my resources page with my favorite booking platforms and tips to start planning your trip. Additionally, have a look at my favorite travel gear if you want to pack more consciously!
ENJOY!
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Hi! I am Annelies and this is Travelers & Dreamers, a blog about conscious travel which means traveling in a more mindful way, with a positive impact on the world and yourself!
On this website, I cover different topics like slow travel, plant-based food guides, responsible travel, sustainable packing, eco-travel, and more!
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