Café
Horchatería de Santa Catalina
One of the oldest horchaterías in Valencia, beside the church of Santa Catalina, serving horchata with fartons and hot chocolate with churros every day.
Federal Café
A bright café-restaurant in the old town serving brunch, breakfast, lunch and dinner without a break, with an emphasis on fresh, often organic ingredients.
At a glance
- Type
- Brunch café
- Area
- Ciutat Vella (Sant Francesc), Valencia, Spain
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Official site
- federalcafe.es
Good to know
- All-day service
- Brunch
Why we recommend it
Federal Café is a café-restaurant in the centre of the old town and one of the most popular brunch spots in Valencia. It sits on Calle Embajador Vich, a quiet street between the Plaza de la Reina and the Mercado Central. With its easy, informal style, it has become a regular meeting place for locals as well as visitors.
The kitchen focuses on healthy dishes made with fresh ingredients, many of them organic, at affordable prices. Brunch is the speciality, and the menu covers the familiar favourites of a modern café, with coffee and fresh drinks to go with them. Because service runs non-stop, you can also come for breakfast, lunch, a snack or an early dinner, which is useful in a city where many kitchens close between lunch and dinner.
Weekend brunch is the busiest time, and queues for tables are common in late morning on Saturdays and Sundays. Arrive early if you want to avoid a wait, or come on a weekday, when it is calmer. The average spend is modest for the city centre. Opening times can vary, so check the café's website or social media before you go if you are planning around a specific time.
Federal suits couples, friends, families and solo travellers who want something lighter than a traditional Spanish meal. Vegetarians are well catered for, and the staff can advise on options for other dietary needs. It is also a convenient spot to plan the day over coffee, given its central location.
A practical point for visitors: many traditional Valencian restaurants serve lunch from around 14:00 and dinner from around 21:00, with kitchens closed in between. A place with non-stop service like Federal fills that gap, so it is worth remembering if you arrive hungry in the late afternoon after a morning of sightseeing, or if you prefer to eat earlier in the evening than local custom.
The café is about five minutes' walk from the Plaza de la Reina and the cathedral, and a similar distance from the Central Market and La Lonja. Many city bus routes stop nearby. After eating, head north into the Barrio del Carmen or west to the market and the Plaza del Mercado.
Federal Café FAQs
What is Federal Café known for?
Brunch, with healthy dishes made from fresh and often organic ingredients.
Is the kitchen open all day?
Yes, service is non-stop, from breakfast through to dinner.
When is it busiest?
Late morning at weekends, when queues for tables are common.
Is it expensive?
No, prices are moderate for the city centre.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes, vegetarians are well catered for.
Can I book?
Check the café's website or social media for the current booking policy and opening times.
Where is it?
On Calle Embajador Vich, about five minutes' walk from the Plaza de la Reina and the Central Market.
Is it good for solo travellers?
Yes, the informal atmosphere suits solo visitors.