🇪🇸 Who says Valencia is only good for salty seafood rice?

🍚 Bar Restaurante Amazonas: A No-Fuss Paella Gem in Valencia Valencia is the birthplace of paella, and while historic spots like La Pepica dazzle with ambiance, their rice can hit you like a salt bomb. Enter Bar Restaurante Amazonas: a tiny, unassuming street-side joint run by a local couple—no frills, but paella that tastes like tradition done right. Bonus? It’s steps from the City of Arts and Sciences, making it a perfect pit stop. 🤔 The Head-Scratcher (But We Got Over It) Here’s the quirk: They insisted paella starts at 2-person portions. We were planning two 2-person orders anyway, but… why? We saw neighboring tables of 2 with 1-person servings. Confusing, but the food won us over fast. 🍲 The Paellas: Stars of the Show Traditional Valencian (2-person): Saffron-yellow rice loaded with chicken, green beans, and white beans—classic, comforting, and not salty. No overpowering seasonings, just pure, warm flavor. Black Rice (Squid Ink, 2-person): My favorite. Seafood lovers, run. Chunks of fresh seafood, sweet (spring onions) that add a bright crunch, and a zesty green sauce that ties it all together. Slightly saltier than the traditional version, but never overwhelming—I polished off half the pan alone. 🦑 The Rest of the Menu Sea Bass with Clams: A standout. Tender fish, briny clams, and a broth so rich, we ordered extra bread to soak it up. Chef’s kiss. Grilled Squid: Decent, but underwhelming—mildly flavored, so it relies on a thick dollop of mayo. Skip unless you’re a squid die-hard. Russian Salad: Our go-to starter, and this one delivered—heaps of tuna, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing. Generous portion, perfect for sharing. 💰 The Price Tag Shocked Us Four people, stuffed to the gills, and the bill? Under €25 per person. For paella this good, that’s a steal—their portions are generous, and prices sit well below mid-range. Amazonas proves paella glory doesn’t need fancy digs. It’s about rice cooked with care, flavors that balance, and prices that let you eat like royalty without breaking the bank. If you’re near the City of Arts and Sciences, do yourself a favor: Skip the tourist traps. This little spot’s worth the detour. #ValenciaPaella #HiddenFoodGem #BudgetEats