A family-run restaurant mentioned in 2023’s Michelin Guide, Mediterranean restaurant Napicol blends the best of authentic Spanish warmth with the sun-blushed produce of Valencia’s green Huerta region.
One of only two restaurants within the region to have been awarded the Bib Gourmand, Napicol marries traditional food from Valencia with modern techniques under the careful guidance of Chemo Rausell.
With a tranquil garden kissed by the Mediterranean sun for 300 days a year and elegant interiors lit by atmospheric candles, it’s one of the best restaurants in Valencia for family days out and romantic date nights too.
A charming escape
This charming restaurant is located to the north of the city in the quiet village of Roca, just a short stroll from the inviting waters of Meliana Beach. If you’re looking for traditional rice dishes and ingredients straight from the huerta, Napicol is, without doubt, one of the best places to eat in Valencia.
Its paellas are divine, the wine selection laudable, and the warm atmosphere makes every moment of the short journey worth it.
From Valencia’s Estación del Norte, hop on the C6 train towards Vinarós, and you’ll arrive at Roca-Cuper station just three stops later. You’ll find Napicol just a block away, on Carrer de Sant Isidre, one of just a couple of streets that criss-cross this tiny village surrounded by fields.
Reimagined rustic
Napicol invites you to live the slow life, with a romantic garden where vibrant pink blossoms trail over the wooden trellis and emerald palms promise complete tranquillity. Inhale the effervescent scent of the lemon tree laden with juicy fruits, admire the vegetable patch flourishing in the sun, and sip local wines under the covered terrace as candles flicker in the gentle evening breeze.
Head inside, and you step into a world of more modern aesthetics, where crisp white tablecloths and minimalist decor offer a glamorous yet relaxed ambience. From the floor-to-ceiling windows to the gentle yellow glow of the hanging lamps, every detail is oriented towards an atmosphere of openness and calm.
Sun-blushed flavour
Napicol offers food from Valencia with a twist that separates it from the crowd. The rich menu is dotted with local ingredients, with many of the fresh fruits and vegetables coming from the restaurant’s own gardens. They also work closely with small businesses nearby, with the daily catches displayed behind glass for your perusal.
Head chef Chemo Rausell highlights the importance of paying respect to the legacy of their forefathers and of working with humility to give value to the abundant local produce.
The regular menu at Napicol is dotted with Valencian favourites, including the sensational paellas and delicate Valencian cocas, round breads topped with irresistible flavours, and an unmissable attraction for the travelling foodie.
While rich paellas and melosos, another popular rice dish with a brothier base, take centre stage on the seductive menu, ask for the day’s special to savour the unforgettable flavours of seasonal produce picked at the exact right moment.
Pair your perfect meal with a glass of local or international wine, with an extensive menu featuring more than 25 spectacular Valencian wines and a curated collection of bottles from the world’s more flavourful vineyards.
Friendly service
Napicol blends the elegant experience of ironed tablecloths and haute cuisine with the charming character typical of the lush Valencia region. From the moment you step into the sun-splashed garden, the friendly staff at Napicol will help you feel right at home.
Their attention is dedicated, their manner affable, and their knowledge of the Mediterranean food they serve impressive. So, take a comfortable seat, ask for a recommendation, and you’re sure to be delighted.
Our recommendations
We’re always on the lookout for the best restaurants in Valencia to try the traditional paella, and with Napicol, we’re onto a winner. If you were wondering what to eat in Valencia, this storied rice dish promises to please with plump bomba rice and a saffron-infused fragrance.
At Napicol, you can dive into traditional with a snail and rabbit paella, take it modern with a seafood delight, or indulge in the less famous but no less delicious arròs al forn, oven-cooked rice.
Both the paellas and the melosos, which offer similar flavours and ingredients but with a creamier texture, are limited to one pan per table, with a minimum of two people to order. Bear in mind that you should call ahead to reserve these dishes, as they are cooked to order and it takes a while to reach the point of perfection.
Remember to book ahead!
While the city of Valencia offers a delightful mix of cultural hotspots and sprawling gardens, a trip to try the hearty Mediterranean food at Napicol offers an unmissable chance to truly escape into nature.
One of the best places to eat in Valencia for those seeking rich flavours and sophistication in the sun, we’d recommend spending a gorgeous afternoon at Napicol without hesitation. Our only tip is to make sure you call to book ahead, as it is popular with locals, who plan their family visits well in advance.
Are you planning your trip to Valencia? If you’re looking for the perfect rural retreat in the Huerta region, La Mozaira offers the ultimate rustic romance just a 25-minute walk from this exquisite Mediterranean restaurant.