Restaurant
Ricard Camarena Restaurant
Ricard Camarena's two-Michelin-star flagship inside the Bombas Gens arts centre, serving tasting menus built around vegetables from the Valencian huerta.
La Riuà
A family-run rice restaurant in the old town near the Plaza de la Reina, with walls covered in Manises plates and Valencian tiles.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional Valencian rice
- Area
- Ciutat Vella (La Seu), Valencia, Spain
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- lariua.com
Good to know
- Traditional ceramic decor
- Online booking
Why we recommend it
La Riuà is a family-run restaurant in the old town that has become a favourite for traditional Valencian rice close to the main sights. Its family describes the cooking as a way of keeping alive the legacy of several generations. Inside, the walls and ceilings are covered with Valencian ceramics, plates from Manises, old tiles and historic photographs under wooden beams, which make the dining rooms feel more like a family home than a tourist restaurant.
The kitchen describes its approach in terms of time, slow fire and respect for the family recipe, and the focus is firmly on rice. The paella valenciana is the main dish, and creamy seafood rices are another speciality. Starters follow local tradition, and the menu changes little, which is part of the appeal for regulars. As always with paella, the rice is cooked to order for the table, so allow time and share a few starters while you wait.
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday for lunch, from 14:00 to 16:00, and for dinner, from 21:00 to 23:00. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so plan around that if your stay includes a weekend. Booking is advisable, especially for dinner and on Saturdays, and can be made through the restaurant's website. Late lunch and late dinner times follow Valencian habits, so arrive hungry.
La Riuà suits couples, families and small groups who want a reliable paella without leaving the centre. It also works well in the evening, when many traditional rice restaurants are closed, since locals generally eat paella at lunchtime. The dining rooms are fairly compact and fill up, so it is not ideal for very large groups without a booking well ahead. Prices are moderate.
Carrer del Mar runs east from the Plaza de la Reina, so the cathedral, the Micalet tower and the Plaza de la Virgen are all within a few minutes' walk. The Museo Nacional de Cerámica, the Plaza del Patriarca and the shops around Calle de la Paz are also close. Colón metro station is about ten minutes' walk, and many buses stop around the Plaza de la Reina.
La Riuà FAQs
What is La Riuà known for?
Traditional Valencian rice dishes, especially paella valenciana, in dining rooms decorated with Valencian ceramics.
When is it open?
Tuesday to Saturday, 14:00 to 16:00 for lunch and 21:00 to 23:00 for dinner.
Is it open on Sundays or Mondays?
No, it is closed on both days.
Can I eat paella there in the evening?
Yes, it serves rice dishes at dinner as well as lunch.
Do I need to book?
Booking through the website is advisable, especially for dinner and on Saturdays.
What is the decor like?
The walls are covered with Manises plates, old tiles and historic photographs under wooden beams.
Where is it?
On Carrer del Mar, a few minutes' walk from the Plaza de la Reina and the cathedral.
Is it suitable for large groups?
The dining rooms are fairly compact, so large groups should book well ahead.