đȘđž Local recommendation for seafood rice! Valencia đȘđž
đ„ Gran Azul: Valenciaâs Paella GemâWhere Tradition Meets Fresh Flavors Letâs get one thing straight: authentic Valencian paella isnât just piles of seafood. Locals know itâs about chicken, rabbit, or fishâwith that iconic crispy socarrat (burnt bottom layer) that makes the dish. Gran Azul nails this tradition, and then some. Itâs a stylish spot with fresh seafood, solid paella, and enough charm to earn its ââ (influencer) status. đ The Star: Paella Fish Paella: Our pick, and a winner. Tender chunks of fish, saffron-infused rice, and that must-have socarratâcrispy, slightly charred, and full of depth. Itâs not overly rich, letting the seafood shine. Rabbit Paella: The âtraditionalâ choice here. We skipped it (no for us!), but locals swear by itâtender meat, earthy flavors, and rice cooked to perfection. đŠ Other Dishes to Try (and Skip) Grilled Shrimp: Fresh, plump, and simply seasonedâletting the sea flavor speak. A great starter. Oysters: Not for everyone. Briny and âfishyâ (we ordered them by mistake instead of scallops). Only if you love raw oysters. Pumpkin PurĂ©e Meatballs: Rich and flavorful, but best shared. The pumpkin adds a sweet, creamy contrastâtoo heavy for one person. Roasted Peppers: Sweet, tender, and lightly charred. A simple, satisfying side. Mystery Fish: Forgot the name? No matterâit was flaky, well-cooked, and paired nicely with the rice. đč Drinks Worth Sipping Gin&Tonic Fresa: A fruity twist on the classicârefreshing, with a hint of strawberry that cuts through the richness of the food. Wine Service: Impressive. We watched the owner help neighboring Russian diners pick a bottle, even pouring a taste to ensure it was âperfect.â A nice touch for wine lovers. đ Details Name: Gran Azul (yes, âBig Blueâ in Spanishâfitting for a seafood spot). Address: Av. d'AragĂł, 10, 46021 ValĂšncia. Gran Azul balances tradition and trendiness. Itâs not the most âhole-in-the-wallâ local spot, but it delivers on authentic paella flavors, fresh seafood, and a vibe that makes it worth a visit. For a paella that honors Valencian roots (and tastes great), this is a solid pick. #ValenciaPaella #SeafoodHeaven #TraditionalTastes