Best paellas for foodies

A Barcelona classic with a long history, 7 Portes is consistently mentioned as one of the best places to enjoy paella in the city. Its heritage and reputation endorse it as a reliable option for 'foodies'.

It stands out for its modern ambiance and its culinary proposal that fuses tradition with a contemporary touch. It is considered one of Valencia's 'coolest' spots to enjoy a stylish paella.

With over 125 years of history, La Pepica is a cultural and gastronomic landmark on Malvarrosa Beach. Its 'La Pepica' paella, *senyoret* style, is famous and represents the Valencian rice tradition by the sea.

Recommended by the Repsol Guide and Bib Gourmand of the Michelin Guide 2026, chef María José Estevens fuses traditional Valencian cuisine with creative touches. It is a benchmark for rice dishes and paellas in the natural environment of L'Albufera.

This restaurant focuses on 'socarrat', the crispy rice layer, an element highly valued by 'foodies'. Its striking decor and the use of a special 'patella' to maintain heat offer an authentic and distinctive experience.

This restaurant benefits from its proximity to Valencia's Central Market, guaranteeing fresh and local ingredients. It offers a variety of authentic paellas and rice dishes, such as *senyoret* style or lobster paella, making it a sure bet for a quality paella.

A Madrid classic since 1935, La Barraca offers an impressive variety of 17 types of rice dishes and paellas. Its motto 'discover the pleasure of simplicity well done' summarizes its commitment to quality and tradition in the heart of Madrid.

This restaurant has been recognized multiple times at the International Paella Competition in Sueca, including the award for the best paella in the world in 2018. Its reputation continues in 2026 as a benchmark for authentic and award-winning Valencian paella.

Founded in 1903, Can Solé is a historic restaurant in Barcelona, renowned for its seafood paella. Its long trajectory and the use of fresh products guarantee impeccable technique and exceptional flavor, making it an essential classic.

This urban beach restaurant, supervised by chef Xavier Pellicer (two Michelin stars), stands out for its sea views and one of the best vegetarian paellas. It offers quality paella with a focus on produce and innovative options.

Recognized as one of the 16 best restaurants for eating rice in Spain in 2026, Alfonso Mira is distinguished by its Mediterranean market cuisine. Its rice dishes, such as rabbit and snail paella, are praised for their 'serious depth and well-treated grain'.

This restaurant specializes in authentic Valencian paella cooked over a wood fire, a traditional technique that enhances the flavor. Its chef, with over 300,000 paellas to his name, guarantees a commitment to quality and tradition.

Recommended by The New York Times, L'Alter is known for its spectacular Valencian paella made over orange and carob wood fire. It stands out for its quality/price ratio and the authenticity of its rice dishes, inheriting a family tradition since 1967.

This Michelin-starred restaurant offers updated traditional cuisine with magnificent interpretations of paella. Its evolution from a beach bar to a fine dining establishment guarantees a high-quality product with contemporary details.

This restaurant has managed to turn rice into its specialty, gaining fame for preparing some of Salamanca's best rice dishes. Its extensive repertoire, from *arroz a banda* to oxtail rice, makes it a prominent option in an inland city.

This new project from the Sagardi group specializes in wood-fired rice dishes and seafood notes, offering a quality proposal in one of Madrid's most important gastronomic areas. Its focus on wood-fired cooking promises an authentic and deep flavor.