This post is part of a larger series on Valencia outlined in the Valencia Trip Report.
We had just landed in Valencia and didn't know the city too well. Thankfully Bryan's co-worker had done lots of homework and researched best places to eat.
He had read that one of the "must-do activities" in Valencia was to have paella on the beach. So he booked a table at a beachside restaurant for the 3 of us.
What a lovely way to start our trip!
Bryan's colleague told us we had to try "Agua de Valencia", the quintessential Valencian drink made with Valencia orange juice, vodka, gin, and cava (or champagne). We got a pitcher, and it was indeed refreshing and perfect to enjoy on the beach.
This simple grilled baby squid absolutely blew me away. It was so tender (probably really fresh), and the flavors were fantastic. Honestly speaking, I had grilled seafood (even grilled squid) at other restaurants in Valencia, but this first one turned out to be the best.
We ordered a "gentleman's paella" (L'arroz del Senyoret), called such because they shell the seafood for you, so you can eat it with a fork an knife, like a gentleman. Bryan hates getting his hands dirty, so this was totally up his alley. In fact, it was delicious, and I also appreciated not having to remove shrimp heads and such (though I'm sure some would argue that most of the flavor is in the head!).
The fried seafood was solid, but OK to skip. We were so full, we didn't even come close to finishing the fried seafood.
Another special treat was the full moon that night.
It was lovely to have a meal at Casa Ripoll Valencia. The paella was delicious, and I'll never forget the amazing grilled baby squid.
We did have trouble finding transportation back to our hotel. It was very difficult to call or book a cab at that hour. We eventually walked about a kilometer to another part of town before we could find a car to drive us back to our hotel. Perhaps it's best to pre-book a car?
Casa Ripoll Valencia
Calle José Ballester Gozalvo, 50
(Paseo Marítimo, modulo 7)
Playa de la Malvarosa
46011 Valencia
Telf. 608810208 - 963550022
