Following a long weekend of exploration in Valencia, this post offers a summary of my gluten-free dining experiences. As usual, there’s a Resources section at the end of this post with links and lists.
The City
Valencia is a vibrant city with historic buildings in the centre, a futuristic looking City of Arts and Sciences complex and a beach. Even if you visit for a long weekend, like I did, you should get time to see all these aspects of the city.
In the centre of the city, visit the La Lonja (The Silk Exchange), a Unesco World Heritage site as well as Valencia Cathedral and the central market. The Silk Exchange is free to visit on a Sunday so expect to queue! If you are able to, take a walk through the Turia gardens, a park created in the former riverbed of the Turia River.
The Research
I didn’t want to take any chances of having my weekend spoilt by a contamination incident. Nor did I want to spend our limited time in the city just traipsing around from one restaurant to the next. So I did some research and prepared a list of restaurants that were in easy travelling distance to the old town where we were staying. Some of my choices of restaurants came from Google searches and Trip Advisor recommendations.
Travelling
I was travelling through Birmingham Airport around lunch time so I decided to investigate the snack pots at Soho Coffee. I had their Thai green chicken curry jacket potato – an odd combo but it was filling!
Restaurants
EL miracle
Carrer de Campoamor, 42, 46022 València
I made a special trip to this 100% gluten free haven on the outskirts of the centre, aptly named the El Miracle!
On my first visit, we stopped for a light bite so I opted for a savoury crepe with pesto and mozzarella. We booked to visit the following evening for dinner. I ordered some lamb meatballs and empanadas to share for starters followed by a chicken burger in a gluten free bun with potato wedges
la papardella
A popular Italian restaurant in the heart of Valencia. We visited twice and it was very busy each time. They make use of every available nook and cranny. It was amusing to watch some of the taller waiters having to bow down to reach certain tables in the eaves.
Over my two visits, I had the Provola starter twice. A delicious provolone cheese melted with crispy pancetta, dried tomato and pesto. Perfectly accompanied with gluten – free bread.
I had the Penne Al Ragu (minced meat in a rich tomato sauce) for mains on my first visit. Mains on my second visit was Penne Del Levriero – mushrooms, guanciale pork, cream and parmesan.
Oh, if you have space for desert, try the gluten free tiramisu!
All my dishes were fantastic. The service was very good despite how busy they were. Book in advance!
LaLola
Pujada del Toledà , 8, 46001 València
One day we decided to try the local speciality of Valencian paella which contains chicken and rabbit meat. We were planning on checking a few restaurants when we stumbled upon a board advertising paella at a restaurant called La Lola. Taking the narrow alleyway, we were delighted by the lively restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating. Even more delightful were the signs advertising the restaurant as 100% gluten free!
It was rather busy but we managed to get the last table outside. I enjoyed a refreshing gluten free Daura Damm lager/beer. We ordered a starter as we were advised the paella would take thirty minutes or so. It was a healthy looking grilled thai aubergine (eggplant) with smoked sardines and sun-dried tomatoes. A gluten free baguette was also served with alioli.
After all the bread, we did struggle to finish the paella when it arrived. It had a mix of chicken, vegetables and a few chunks of rabbit.
eggcellent brunch cafe
This cafe offers all day brunch and has gluten free bread available. I didn’t try breakfast but I did stop by for a chai latte and a gluten free brownie cheesecake.
Resource List
Website to research restaurants: https://www.findmeglutenfree.com
Spanish Coeliac Restaurant card: http://www.celiactravel.com/cards/spanish/
Gluten Free Holiday Checklist:
restaurant links
My essential packing
- Schar Fibre Seeded loaf (as it’s got air in the packaging to stop it getting squashed).
- Nakd raw fruit and nut bars in Peanut Delight
- Schar rich tea biscuits
- Nairn’s fruit oat biscuit breaks
- Granovito pate and M&S chicken pate for making sandwiches