Europe’s Most Underrated Neighborhood
Vegan in El Cabanyal, Valencia, Spain
I tell this to EVERYONE…Valencia, Spain is one of the most underrated cities. It may not be high on the typical tourist list but trust me when I say that Valencia, Spain is worth visiting. Valencia is the third-largest city in Spain. It’s the perfect mix of modern and historic architecture. It is the home to the City of Arts and Sciences, it has a huge, beautiful park that runs through the whole city called Turia (an ex river that overflooded so it was excavated and turned into a giant city park, pretty cool right?) The city is just the right size, it’s bike-friendly and is the original home to the famous Paella.
Although the city as a whole is super cool, one of the best neighborhoods in Valencia to check out is called El Cabanyal. What used to be a humble fisherman town is now known for its beautiful colorful homes, beaches, and now its growing vegan scene.
Bar La Paca
Carrer del Rosari, 30, 46011
Next you have to try one of the best tortilla Española’s (Spanish Omelette) in all of Valencia. Bar La Paca is a favorite among El Cabanyal and they offer a tortilla that is a favorite even among non vegans. The tortilla española is traditionally a potatoe egg omelette but here instead of egg to make it vegan they use chickpea flour. They season it with vegan sobrasada and bell peppers to give it color. It is served with a vegan aioli, freshly grated tomato and some fluffy charcoal colored bread. They offer other vegan options like wakame seaweed salad, olives and you must get altramuces, aka lupin beans which are a typical spanish pub dish that are high in protein and fiber.
Tallat Specialty Coffee
Carrer de la Barraca, 25, 46011
One thing you can’t have enough of in Spain is cafe con leche, aka a latte. But if you’re a specialty coffee lover you need to make sure to stop by Tallat, they are an independent coffee roaster that seasonally sources beans from different regions to give you that perfect cup. They offer different plant based milks like Oatly, soy, almond and even horchata! Ok one thing you MUST try is the horchata frappuccino they make with iced, concentrated horchata and coffee.
Festinar
Carrer del Dr. Lluch, 46, 46011 València
The best hummus in Valencia can be found at Festinar! If you’re a hummus-sapien like me, you NEED to try the pumpkin humms from here. It has a rich orange color and some of the best roasted paprika flavor ever. What makes it even better is the fluffiest pita bread that is freshly baked to order from their high heat pizza oven. Make this a must. They also have mini pizzas you can order without cheese and overall it’s a great place for drinks.
Mestiza
Carrer de la Reina, 186, 46011 València
One of the hippest vegan restaurants in Valencia is Mestiza. Located close to the beach, it has a beautiful ambiance and decor. You are instantly welcomed with luscious green plants, friendly staff, and a variety of vegan options. The origin of the restaurant is quite interesting since the owners aren’t even vegan. When the pandemic it, the now chef, got stranded in Thailand and and started having deep conversations with his friend David, the owner of the restaurant, saying that they knew that opening up a plant-based restaurant is where the future would be so they decided to start the new venture and infuse some flavors inspired by different flavors around the world.
La Batisfera
Carrer de la Reina, 167, 46011 València, Valencia, Spain
Not far from Mestiza you will arrive at La Batisfera. This place is super popular because it's also a book store! So if you love to read, there’s nothing better than grabbing a bite to eat while reading your next favorite book. They offer a vegan menu and their seitan kebab pita was one of my favorites. You also can’t go wrong with their tortilla.
Vegan kebab at La Batisfera
Mala Fama
C. de Francesc Cubells, 37, bajo izquierda, 46011 Valencia, Spain
If you want a pinxtos and tapas experience this is the spot to visit. They have many small plates to choose from and even an eggplant cannelloni stuffed with vegan minced soy meat. Other great options are the papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatos) and falafel.
Mercabanyal
Carrer d'Eugènia Viñes, 225, 46011 València, Valencia, Spain
Another huge favorite of mine because the vibe is super cool, just go and you'll see what I mean ;). What used to be an old market has become a gastronomic experience. Here you will find various food stands where most offer at least one vegan option, a beautiful terrace and full bars that also offer non-alcoholic options. This place is popular so it's best to arrive earlier as there can usually be a wait.
Mercabanyal Photo Credit Mercabanyal
La Llimera
Carrer del Rosari, 17, 46011 València, Valencia, Spain
This place is SO CUTE you will fall in love with their patio and indoor decor. But they also have a very vegan friendly menu! Their oven roasted potatoes with tomato sauce are a must and they’re hummus and dips are great too. If you love red wine, do yourself a favor and get the AZ Alto de los Zorros Crianza Tempranillo Ribera del Duero . This was one of my favorites.
La Llimera Patio Photo from La Llimera
Visit El Cabanyal! If I were to move back to Spain, this is hands down where I would move to. There is so much more charm that I didn’t even mention in this neighborhood. If you are wanting the best list of recommendations for where to eat in Spain. Don’t forget to grab your own copy of the Ultimate Vegan Guide to Spain. This is my special, curated list of 13 cities and all the vegan options I had. Enjoy exploring and make sure to check out my other videos!
