Let’s talk about esmorzaretthe Valencian gastronomic tradition that could well steal the international fame of paella itself. In Valencia, we take our diet very seriously, but esmorzaret goes even further. For a Valencian, lunch is not eating for pleasure, but rather a sacred custom that must be respected. And no, it is not just a snack between breakfast and lunch, but a social ritual deeply rooted in the local culture.
He esmorzaret It is a ritual that has been passed down from generation to generation, from the working and peasant classes who needed to regain their strength mid-morning, to today becoming a daily event for many Valencians . It’s more than a culinary tradition: a moment to disconnect, relax and enjoy good food in good company. A break to enjoy without rushing, despite the busy pace of life and a fundamental element of Valencian identity that, if you are a visitor, you should never neglect if you really want to know the customs of this region.
He esmorzaret It is not a simple sandwich, but a ritual that must be respected. From nine in the morning, the bars welcome their guests and can serve lunch until mid-morning. And yes, many people accomplish their esmorzaret daily with colleagues, but weekend lunches are those chosen to peacefully share the morning with family and friends.
The ritual of esmorzaret
For lunch, you don’t go to a bar, you order a sandwich, you eat it and you leave. He esmorzaret it goes much further. Start by choosing the sandwich you will have today, perhaps from a menu, perhaps from a suggestion from the bar or, also, you can choose yourself the ingredients you want to put in the bread by choosing them directly in front of a display. case. Once the order is placed, you can then wait with a plate of cocoa necklace (peanuts) and another with olives, and even in some places with a basic salad of lettuce, tomato and onion. This is what marks the tradition. Drink ? A beer (with or without alcohol) or a wine with soda for example.
Then comes the sandwich, the big moment. The variety is enormous but there is no shortage of them. Chivito is one of the best known, with chicken loin or breast, fried egg, bacon, mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato and cheese. Also the brascada, with beef fillet, onion and serrano ham. Or the almussafes, with sobrasada, cheese and caramelized onion. Or why not, also those with sausage, blood sausage and tomato; cuttlefish with mayonnaise; the one with loin, pepper, fried egg and fries; the tortilla with countless variations or the squid with mayonnaise. Pretty much anything that can be put into bread because it will always be finger-licking good.
Finally, as tradition dictates, your thing is to ask for a cremaet. A black coffee with rum, lemon, sugar and cinnamon, although the liqueur can be adapted according to taste. It is normally served flambé, even with a little flame, so that the alcohol is consumed. All this, from the beginning with the peanuts until you now end with the coffee, is the famous esmorzaret Valencian.
A fact that may attract attention: it is also possible to have lunch in a bar by bringing your sandwich from home, and accompanying it with everything else. Something much more common during the week.
10 places to enjoy a good esmorzaret Valencian
You won’t go crazy looking for a place to have lunch in Valencia, as there are plenty of bars where you can enjoy it. But of course, not all places are the same and there are always a few particularly recommended ones that have managed to gain a certain fame by conquering stomachs. Don’t limit yourself to the Valencian capital either, because if you can also try some surrounding areas, even better.
If you are visiting Valencia and want to play it safe, here are ten recommendations so you don’t make a mistake in your choice.
- La Pascuala (El Cabanyal, Valencia):
Located in the fishing district of El Cabanyal, very close to Malvarrosa beach, La Pascuala is one of the most legendary bars to enjoy a good lunch. Famous for its giant sandwiches, like the bacon, cheese and French omelette, or the barrel with sobrassada, bacon and fries, this place is a staple among locals. Its family and traditional atmosphere, in addition to its proximity to the beach, makes it a must-visit place for those looking for an authentic gastronomic experience.
- Le Pastoret (Nàquera, Valencia):
Located near the Sierra Calderona, El Pastoret is known for its hearty, quality lunches, perfect for hikers and nature lovers. It is famous for its XXL lunches and among its most famous sandwiches the Don Otilio stands out, with pork ear marinated with mature cheese cream; or the Petao Petao, with Pastoret sauce, lettuce, tomato, breaded brisket, Havarti cheese, lacon and bacon. The natural environment and the kindness of the staff make this bar a privileged place to enjoy a good traditional lunch.
- Goes to Bo (Alfarp, Valencia):
This establishment located in the small town of Alfarp stands out for its varied sandwich menu. Va de Bo has made a name for himself among fans of esmorzaret for sandwiches like the Manró, with Iberian secret, mushroom sauce, bacon and grated tomato; or the Cerveró, with breaded chicken, cheddar, bacon and a honey mustard sauce. Its cozy atmosphere and pleasant terrace are ideal for enjoying a good mid-morning lunch.
- La Mésedora (Algemesí, Valencia):
Located in Algemesí, La Mesedora is known for its traditional and generous sandwiches, with fresh and local products. Among its most popular options are the sandwich quarter of a poblet, with natural tomato, loin, melted brie cheese, bacon, homemade cheddar sauce and crispy onion. Or the Brascafuà, with entrecôte, touches of liver with red wine reduction and caramelized red onion. Thanks to its quality menu it has become a place of reference for lovers of esmorzaret.
The New Oslo is a neighborhood bar that stands out for its authenticity and the quality of its lunches. On its menu you will find everything from the classic potato omelette sandwich to more elaborate combinations like the pulled pork or the Pablico, with ground beef with a sweet chili sauce. Its warm atmosphere and proximity to areas of tourist interest in Valencia make it an ideal stopover for those who want to enjoy the local cuisine.
- The Racó de Vega (Xàtiva, Valencia):
Located in a polygonal area, like most of the best bars to enjoy a good esmorzaretEl Racó de Vega is famous for offering a great gastronomic experience at lunch, with sandwiches that exceed half a meter. Their most requested sandwiches are the low-quality potatoes with truffle zest, the Iberian secret and the chistorra; or scrambled eggs with shrimp, mushrooms and goat cheese. It is an authentic place where countless parishioners go on pilgrimage to start the day with a full stomach.
- La Pérgola Kiosk (Valencia):
Located in the Turia gardens, the La Pérgola kiosk is an emblematic corner of Valencia for outdoor lunch. A pleasant place like few others and which offers famous sandwiches like bonbon, with filet mignon, cheese, mushrooms, green sauce and mayonnaise; or the full equip, composed of sausage, onion, bacon, onion, tomato, potatoes and mayonnaise. With such a sight, it usually doesn’t hurt to then stroll along the old Turia bed to enjoy the feast.
This bar owes its name to the famous “spicy” coffee that we have already told you about, but it also stands out for its typical lunches. Its menu is broad and suggestive, but it all seems too good to be decided easily. Surely with the best musafes 3.0, with grilled sobrasada, bacon, poached onion, mature cheese and fried egg; or with Snoopy, with filet, green peppers, poor potatoes and mayonnaise, you can’t go wrong. Its modern atmosphere and excellent location in the city make it a very popular choice among locals and visitors.
Mistela is a bar that is committed to the fusion of tradition and modernity. Your offer esmorzarets It includes traditional sandwiches like El Clot, a potato omelette with aioli, and more innovative sandwiches, like pegasus, with horse meat, cheese and sesame. In addition, its good atmosphere and wine list make it an option for those looking for a more sophisticated experience without giving up tradition.
- Mesón Canela (Valencia):
Auberge Canela, located in the center of Valencia, offers a variety of traditional sandwiches with a typically homemade taste that its visitors love. Among the most popular are the Manolo sandwich, with two sausages, rubbed blood sausage and peppers; or the Lola, with bacon with French omelette and mayonnaise. The warm atmosphere and fast service make it an ideal place to enjoy a esmorzaret typical of the El Calvari region.
