Tasca El Botijo — Restaurant in Valencia

I tried several different tapas. The service was quick and friendly though it wasn't possible to get a table outside right away being Friday evening on short notice. No matter, inside was fine, good atmosphere. Lots going on with the kitchen and bar right there. The employees have a good time and know many of the local clients, which makes it fun. Really enjoyed the "Esgarraet" cod & red peppers with olive oil and garlic for €8 and the "Morteruelo" €6. Also the "Champignon al ajillo" was quite tasty. This is a place I plan to return to. And I have returned to let you know the "Salpicon de Atun" is a very good value at 5€ -- tuna with roasted red pepper, olives, olive oil. Not heavy, good by itself or on the bread that accompanies, or with the Magna beer of course. And here's another excellent tapa, the "Calabacin con queso de cabra". Usually I find goat cheese to be very sharp, but this one is closer to the flavor of a mozzarella joined with the zuchini-like calabacin which reminds me of the flavor of yellow squash. Served warm, it goes...

To be honest, I was surprised by this place given the reviews. I should have been suspicious about the fact that all clients (no exception) were tourists except for me and my friend. I would like to give a better review because the guy was polite and friendly, but sadly I just can't. The tapas are kind of cheap, that all there is positive to say about them. We couldn't even eat the ajoarriero, I don't know what that was... But that wasn't certainly anything similar. If you are Spanish, go somewhere else, if you want to try good Spanish food, again, try a different place. The ensaladilla rusa was mediocre (at best) and the salpicón de atún... (Tuna salad) was plain bad. Lowest tuna quality and canned red pepper. Sorry guys, I'd appreciate less amount but better quality! Or at least, decent! My only explanation to the good reviews is that they have been written by people who have never tried any of the tapas...

What I love about this place is that it feels more local than others, even tho it’s really just a block away from the maddening crowds. It’s right across from the police station and so you are surrounded by cop cars - a prospect that would scare most Americans, but here, no threat. The food is good and they have a great menu. A step above your average tapas bar, but not fancy or Michelin stuff. They’re always busy but the service is still good and friendly. And perhaps the best: one of the owners son’s makes wine that they serve, and it’s really good! All in all the best tapas experience we had...