Still one of the best places for Paella: Restaurant La Ruiá (7. May 2022)
It was so funny when I realized that the restaurant I had booked for lunch was a restaurant I had already been to four years ago when I was looking for a great Paella place. And well, sometimes you just end up in the very same place after many years. I only had good memories of La Ruiá, so I was keen to go back, and I was super happy to have booked in advance since the place was absolutely booked out and many walk-ins which tried to get a table last minute were turned down.
Since there was quite some walking activity before lunch (and they only open the restaurant at 2pm), it was time to have a few starters prior to the main – the “esgarrat valenciano” (EUR 12.00) was some kind of interesting bell peppers spread which was definitely delicious but also rather intense in terms of flavour.
The “gambas a la sal” (EUR 16.00) were absolutely okay, but not comparable to the Carabineros we have had the evening before. Sure, they are gambas and not Carabineros, but man, the difference in taste and intensity was tremendous!
The “jamón ibérico cebo” (EUR 16.00) was quite nice too – nice cuts, sometimes a tiny bit too thick for my personal gusto, but great in terms of flavour and texture. However, looking at all the starters it turned out to be almost too much considering …
… the two portions of “Paella Valenciana (Arroz, pollo, conejo y verduras. (judía verde y garrofón))” (EUR 28.00) which were served right after. I am always surprised for how little money you can get so much food – and so much high quality food. The Paella was absolutely exquisite! Traditional. Simple. Authentic. Enjoyable.
What I absolutely love about the La Ruiá is the interior. It is simple, it is appealing, it is nicely decorated and overall just a great place – I especially adore the many plates on the walls which really make it something authentic yet nice and appealing.
The waiters are competent and friendly and make sure you have everything you want and need – especially when you are asking over and over again for more water, they remain composed and bring it to you with a smile. If you want to try authentic Valencian paella, I would highly recommend you to book this place quite a bit in advance.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant La Ruiá
Carrer del Mar 27
46003 València (E)
Tel.: +34 963 91 45 71
Tel.: +34 96 391 71 72
Fax: +34 96 391 91 83
E-Mail: lariua@lariua.com
Homepage: http://www.lariua.com
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
