Lucas Eating
Restaurante de comida valenciana tradicional con más de 125 años de historia situado en pleno paseo marítimo. Es un poco turístico pero allí también comen muchos valencianos. Para mi, los precios son algo elevados pero la calidad de la comida es bastante buena.
El local es amplio pero suele haber mucha gente, en especial en temporada alta, así que lo más recomendable es reservar. Se hacen directamente a través de la página aunque piden tarjeta para hacerla efectiva. Este punto en concreto no nos ha gustado nada. Dar por hecho que el cliente, a lo mejor, reserva y luego no se presente nos parece una falta total de confianza. De hecho nos lo pensamos dos veces antes de reservar una mesa... Al final accedimos a hacerlo porque queríamos probar este sitio en concreto. De ser otro, nunca hubiéramos reservado nada.
De entrantes pedimos croquetas de jamón. Aunque nos parecieron pequeñas, estaban deliciosas. El exterior no era excesivamente crujiente pero el interior era tan cremoso y sabroso que valen lo que cuestan.
Luego pedimos las bravas al estilo valenciano. Para ser sinceros, de bravas tienen poco pero están buenísimas igualmente. Tienen un sabor dulce muy agradable con una mezcla de texturas bastante interesante. Nos sorprendió gratamente. Muy muy buenas.
De principal pedimos la paella valenciana. La verdad es que nos decepcionó un poco. El color parecía más de colorante que de azafrán. También nos pareció un poco escueta de ingredientes. Y para finalizar, ni pizca de socarrat. Cabe decir que está rica y tiene una buena relación cantidad precio pero no está a la altura de otros sitios tipo Casa Carmela o Alquería del Pou.
Por lo demás, me gustaría reseñar que el servicio fue muy bueno aunque el restaurante estaba hasta arriba y que no se pueden reservar paellas. ¿Eso qué quiere decir? Que las preparan por orden de comanda... A nosotros nos tocó esperar como 50 minutos. Cuando sirvieron la paella ya no teníamos ni hambre. Pero bueno.
En resumidas cuentas, es un restaurante que vale la pena probar pero que es para ir solo una vez.
Ainoa Martínez Arteaga
Fuimos un festivo a tope y esto puede marcar un poco el resto de la reseña.
Fuimos con reserva y aún así nos tocó esperar como media hora en la puerta a pie de horno, pero bueno una vez dentro, en la terraza, una gran experiencia
Pedimos la paella vegetariana, que buen detalle para los no carnívoros :) y bastante rica, no pudimos con todo! Al haber visto tanta cola pensamos q nos llegaría tarde y pedimos entrantes y al final fue todo rápido
Las patatas alioli no nos encantaron, pero correctas
El personal muy amable
JaviGG
A lo largo de la Malvarrosa se pueden encontrar infinidad de restaurantes . Éste restaurante ofrecerá mucho de lo que se puede encontrar en los del mismo paseo ,pero si tienes la seguridad de que es un sitio serio, que el servicio es muy bueno, con gran cantidad de personal para atender, que es uno de los más antiguos y por tanto aporta gran experiencia. A lo que íbamos principalmente era a comer la paella valenciana 🥘. Y no se puede saber nunca si sera la mejor, pero a nosotr@s no dejó satisfech@s. Por poner un pero, fue el hecho , de que el pan lo cobren,bien, pero el hecho de tener que poner y por tanto cobrar, la misma cantidad de raciones de pan que de comensales no parece justo a sabiendas de que con la paella no se come pan normalmente. Por lo demás todo correcto. Un pequeño malentendido nos privó de poder comer en terraza en vez de interior, pero tampoco le dimos demasiado importancia.😎.
Carlos Gonzalez
En primer lugar, agradecer el buen servicio que nos ha dado Juanvi. Atento, servicial, y rápido en atender nuestras peticiones. A nivel general, el restaurante es sin duda de los mejores lugares para disfrutar de un buen arroz. Quizás los precios son un poco altos, pero no desmerece la calidad y el sabor de los platos. Para los de aquí, un lugar tradicional al que acudir, para los de fuera, un acierto si quieren probar nuestros platos por excelencia.
Armenio Domingues
Restaurante famosísimo de Valencia, por sus ilustres clientes que han visitado el local y claro por sus platos estrella: Paella y todos sus variantes. Simplemente genial. Local bien organizado con sitio para muchos clientes. Tiene un ambiente con sabor a antiguo, a los tiempos de antes, en el buen sentido.
Silvia Moreno
La atención de JuanVi ha sido espectacular.
Cabe destacar que el hecho de tener que hacer cola teniendo reserva no es un punto a favor y estuvimos esperando media hora y además pedimos entrantes y paella y nos llegaron antes las paellas y mucho más tarde los entrantes.
Las paellas que pedimos estaban buenísimas eso si, la pepita y valenciana.
Paula
Nos tocó a Luis de Camarero, persona recomendable al 100%, atento, carismático y detallista. Luis se merece un aumento de sueldo.
La comida estaba muy rica: yo pedí un Strak de vacuno, es un plato grande y delicioso.
De postre pedimos un surtido de 3 postres: las raciones grandes y buenas. Os recomiendo la tarta de queso estilo americano. También, el brownie que estaba hecho de manera con extra chocolate, delicioso.
Julia
Restaurante grande de toda la vida y con buen ambiente. El servicio bastante rápido para toda la gente que había. Pedimos la ensaladilla, anchoas y paella La Pepica. Muy rico todo.
Servicio muy atento y agradable.
David Zafra Navarro
El restaurante típico de Valencia por excelencia con una comida, un servicio y un ambiente muy normal, creo que está perdiendo calidad en todos los sentidos. La comida rica pero nada del otro mundo. Comerás bien si vas. Calidad precio normal
Aaron Ismael Vasquez Sanca
En nuestro paso por Valencia no podíamos obviar a este mítico restaurante junto a la playa de la arenas, en verano hace falta reservar con antelación. Me gusto el cuidado que tuvo el camarero Fernando a la hora de preguntar por los alergenos, muy simpático por cierto. Servicio muy bueno, comida también, recomiendo a todos ir a la pepica a por una rica paella.
Marlana P.
We knew we had to go here when our friend, who is a native Valencian, recommended this spot and even called it "the best Paella in Valencia". The biggest snafu that we ran into was that we assumed that this place did not require reservations. We quickly learned that we were not the only ones who knew about this jem and we had not made reservations. We tested our luck and got to the restaurant early so that we would be there right when it opened. There was a small line of people who had the same idea, but to our delight, they had a handful of tables that were not reserved and we got one of them.
We were seated inside which had a slightly dated style but was clean and upscale. We were dressed nicely - a casual cotton dress and my husband wore khaki shorts and a button down shirt. They did let people in who were dressed more for the beach but those people did stick out quite a bit and the servers did not seem happy about it.
The menu has an English section which made ordering easy. We went with a traditional Valencian tapa of esgarret and we were also given slices of garlic bread. We really liked the house red wine, Sericis and ordered a bottle. We chose the mixta paella rather then the traditional Valencian paella since I am not a fan of rabbit. All of the food was absolutely delicious and there was more than enough of it. Our friend was right, best paella we had in Valencia!
Mary M.
Had a fantastic meal here for lunch on American Thanksgiving Day. Paella Pepica, sangria, jamon y queso, calamari, cappuccino, bailey's tarte and tiramisu - todo maravilloso! We especially loved the paella, the fish flaked perfectly and the seasoning was perfection. The cappuccino was creamy and needed no sweetener. We recommend!
Candy B.
So. I am on the fence with this one. The pros: the ambiance was wonderful. We had good paella, def. not "the best" but pretty good. I did wish it had the bottom crust on it and that would have put it in a much better place on my list. The bread was good and I enjoyed The aioli and tomatoe. The bravas, meh. I have definitely had much better. The sauce was a little sweet, rather than the typical Spicy (not my preference because it reminds me of ketchup) The calamari was thick and a bit cold like it may have sat out for a bit, as it was not crunchy. I think it would have been great if it was super hot from being prepared right then. The waiter was fine, and no, they don't speak Spanish, but he was pleasant when he took our order. (There is also an English menu so really look at that) There was another waiter that seemed happy to want to talk and pleasant, but he was busy like everyone else. All in all, I'd say make a reservation and you have can have a pleasant meal and just enjoy the laid back non rush of the service. Was it the very best paella or food of Valencia? No. But it is a nice place to visit.
Michael U.
Items Selected:
Toasted Bread with Tomatoes and Garlic Butter
Jamon de Iberico Croquettas
Paella Pepica with Shrimp, Mussels, Squid, Octopus and Cod
Apple Pudding Cake with Sherry and Raisins
Turron with Espresso Sauce, Whipped Cream and Raisin
Known as the birthplace of Paella, every local or tourist in the region seemingly with an opinion regarding which Restaurant serves the best pan of Rice in town, it seemed only appropriate that even as a solo diner the dish should be sought out during a brief stay in Valencia, the hotel's concierge well-utilized in making a reservation nearly a month in advance for a sought after table on the outdoor patio of La Pepicia.
Favored by the likes of royals, writers and artists for both the location as well as the history, a sprawling space of more than 400 seats looking onto Playa Malvarrosa since 1898, La Pepica serves diners from 13h00 until 17h00 seven days a week with dinner service added on Fridays and Saturdays, parking near Paseo Neptuno limited thanks to beach access and nearby competition, though an underground garage about two-hundred meters inland is available for just under €3.50/hr.
Sprawling in its layout with servers buzzing about, patrons arriving from the beach frequently walk-ins and thus relegated to an indoor seat beneath sky-blue walls, old photographs and tile murals, those with the foresight to book in advance will typically approach La Pepica from the opposite side where doors are flanked by a bar adjacent the enormous open kitchen, more than a dozen cooks maneuvering pans of various sizes filled with no less than a dozen combinations of Saffron, Starch, Protein and Produce.
No doubt a tourist-friendly sort of place, at least a quarter of the diners plainly heard speaking English to bow-tied waiters who are fluent, it is after seating that guests are invited to peruse a sizable carte of Starters, Entrees and Desserts in addition to the restaurant's signature, the €28.50 per person Tasting Menu a perfect choice with Bread, one Appetizer, one Dessert plus a pan of Rice typically meant for two easily accommodated for even single diners.
Said to have adapted much of its menu based on the likes and dislikes of famous guests of the past, the eponymous Paella of peeled Seafood originally created as an alternative to tradition in order to prevent the rice from becoming "dirty," it was with a basket of toasted Bread paired to crushed Tomatoes and Garlic Aioli that the meal began, a follow-up of eight Croquettas filled with Bechamel and Iberico initially raising eyebrows as relates to portion sizes, though the crispy exterior and creamy insides quickly saw them made short work of as sounds of the tide rumbled in the distance.
Arriving shortly after the restaurant's opening, the space subsequently filling to capacity over the course of perhaps 45-mintues, it was just past 13h35 that the first Paella emerged from the kitchen followed by a second, the third landing on a two top and nearly filling it to capacity with steam still rising and edges still sizzling, the first spoonful going from center to edge collecting Shrimp, Fish and Squid plus a generous bit of the crisp and salty Socarrat.
No doubt a lot of food, the minimum portion for two still offered as a matter of feasibility despite only being charged for one tasting, it was with good speed that nearly all of the tender rice was enjoyed with a focus on the edges and fresh chunks of Seafood, a few spoonfuls sent back in order to preserve stomach capacity for later, though the two-sided Dessert card immediately rendered that idea moot, the more expensive Turron Sundae with Espresso Sauce, Whipped Cream and Raisin texturally wonderful and counted as part of the tasting with a €4.95 wedge of Apple Bread Pudding added on proving equally compelling beneath a warm sauce of Butter and reduced Sherry.
Thomas R.
A step into history and a great meal at the same time. With Hemingway and Orson Welles on the wall, it's obvious Pepica has stood the test of time. And considering the service and the meal, it's clear why. We had a delicious salad, a cheese plate and Paella Pepica. Bottle of rosé. Of course my companion was the best part, but that's the way it should be. We opened and closed the restaurant. Viva la Pepica!
Damian W.
Food: 4.0/5.0
Service: 2.0/5.0
Value: 3.0/5.0
Decor: 3.0/5.0
Overall: 3.5/5.0
I am kind of shocked that Pepica's average rating as of June 2016 is only 3.5 stars. Glancing at past bad reviews, my [admittedly arbitrary] guess is that those reviewers either caught the restaurants on really bad days, showed up completely uneducated about what to order/expect, or are literally talking about a different restaurant/making sh*t up as some other reviewers accused.
First, there are usually 1-2 waiters who speak some amount of English, so yes you'll have trouble getting access to them if the restaurant is really busy (which unfortunately it constantly is outside of perhaps opening time). You're in Spain - you need to some serious inner reflection time if you think staff members' fluency of a non-local language should be key to your assessment of a restaurant. Second, the menu literally comes in 10 different languages. Order a starter or two and the paella marinera (seafood paella)... which is technically seafood rice and not a paella per se for you nit pickers. The stuff is also supposed to be a bit salty - get over it.
The paella was quite good, but the quantity left a bit to be desired. We were a hungry group of four and felt like a pan for four contained a bit less than two pans for two -- we could have just tried two different paellas instead.
Pepica feels like it could totally be tourist trappy, as it sits right on the beach and passersby will stop to glance at an open menu on the boardwalk. But a tourist trap this is not. A reservation is going to be important especially during peak times. The website asks you to book two days ahead, though I was able to book the day before by calling.
Ryan C.
Our cab driver recommended this place for paella when we arrived by train. We were looking for a spot on the beach and were able to snag a table right as they opened for lunch at 1pm. The restaurant was completely packed on the patio by 1:30, however there was a lot of room inside. I would recommend getting a RSVP a couple days in advance.
We had the patatas bravas, paella pepica (traditional seafood), bread and a bottle of vino blanco. Overall, I would rate the overall experience a 4.5*, food 4.5*, the service was 5* and the ambiance was 5*. I would agree with some other reviews that the paella was a little salty, but we didn't mind it. Also, it took at least 30 minutes for the paella to come out, so I believe that the paella is cooked fresh and not frozen. The weather was amazing in October and a patio in Valencia is a must.
All in all, the history of this restaurant and food were worth the price of admission. While it was the most expensive meal we had during our trip to Spain ($62 Euro - traveled to Barcelona & Valencia), we did not feel like it was overrated or overpriced.
Tono C.
Excellent Paella! Probabbly the best one I out here. The garlic bread with butter and tomato / olive oil is also delicious.
Phil G.
After multiple disappointments tasting Paella at an assortment of touted restaurants in Valencia central, we decided to taxi out to the Marina to try the version at La Pepica. I pre-empted our visit by ordering Paella Negro, made with squid ink, ahead of our luncheon.
The decor is old school Valencia in the cavernous space, but with a pleasant view of the beach. The Matre D acknowledged our reservation and graciously sat us at a nice table with view of the Mediterranean. Surrounded by local families all speaking Spanish, we were encouraged after reading that La Pepica might be a tourist trap. This was no tourist trap on a December 31st afternoon. It was fun watching Valencians of all ages celebrate the impending new year. After perusing the extensive menu in English, we ordered a white Ribera, salads and awaited the quintessential black pan of Paella. After a short wait, the Paella arrived with a flourish and we dove into the best Paella ever.
I asked for the bill, and for approximately $70 for two including wine, salad, dessert and bread, paid with a smile. As we left, the charming Matre D thanked us for coming. Arm and arm, we strolled down the beach's promenade knowing we had experienced a taste of authentic Valencia.
Mario D.
After enjoying a delicous paella meal and reading the yelp reviews for La Pepica I can't help but wonder if they ate at the wrong place or I did. I guess I didn't because the plates are stamped as you can see in these pictures so clearly these other reviews are for a different place or maybe just fake reviews from competitors. Believe the travel guides and locals alike when they tell you if you that if you want the best paella come here. Excellent service and delicious food at prices worthy of a fine dining world famous institution. Believe the hype.
Bernadette S.
We try to stay away from tourist trap like places, such as restaurants on the beach front, as most of them tend to be disappointing. La Pepica did not disappoint.
We entered from the street side, and to get to the dining hall, you see huge pans of paella being made. The aroma of the food put us in a spell and we couldn't wait to feed our stomachs. We visited on a Sunday for lunch, which locals tell us is the traditional day to feast on this delight. It was only 1pm (opening time) and many of the patrons who had lined up already had reservations in the coveted areas outside overlooking the beachside. We didnt call ahead, but we were seated promptly and without hesitation.
The menu offers a variety of seafood, but the prime star is the paella. They offer the traditional Valencia paella which consists of chicken and rabbit as well as other versions. We opted for the Paella pepica and as a recommendation from a local friend that we had, we asked for the bottom to be a little burnt.
For starters, We ordered the mussels that were bathed in a lemon sauce that tasted wonderful with the toasted garlic bread. Paella can take anywhere from 30-40 min to prepare, so patience is key. The paella was so flavorful and the slightly burnt part of the bottom
Of the pan was our favorite! It added more flavor. We were too full for any dessert but our dining experience here was fabulous.
The inside decor is nice and this place is said to be about a century old. Look around at the various pictures posted as well as one of the walls dedicated to Ernest Hemingway, who is said to have come here quite
I was skeptical of coming here because the reviews were very mixed, but I am glad we did. Our Service and food were amazing. Definitely recommend if you are in the beach area and wanting to try paella.
Meg L.
Excellent paella! Most definitely worth the price! The ambiance in the outdoor area was phenomenal, and the waiters were very attentive.
Cathy C.
I had a fun morning at the beach and have been looking forward to having lunch at La Pepica. They were supposed to open by 1pm so I was there but the doors were still closed. The chef was still taking a smoke break. I'm on vacation...in Valencia...on a beach - so no worries since the best paella in the world comes from Valencia. This was one of Hemingway's favorite restaurants.
Sure enough I was the first diner of the day and one of the servers was singing to me as he was opening the door to let me in. It smelled delicious already as soon as I walked in. Every single person that works here is very friendly. My server was great!
I had a table with a very nice view of the beach. They'll give you some bread and a cup of garlic butter. It was very garlicky and I loved it. I got a pitcher of Sangria and paella. It had shrimps, langoustine and chicken. It was well-seasoned, flavorful and wasn't too fishy. Delicious! Make sure you scrape the burnt rice at the bottom for some crispy goodness. It was one of my favorite meals while I was in Spain.
Also, the bathroom was clean. You'll see pictures and newspaper articles of Hemingway and other important people all over the restaurant.
Allen G.
Second time here and either my memory is failing or La Pepica is. Probably the former but two years ago the paella had that great socarrat and was not so salty. It was good, but sadly I do better at home. Still a great space and a fun time.
Oh well. We'll try again next year
Karina C.
We decided to come here for a lunch after driving from Barcelona to Valencia. It is right on the beach and seating arrangements are in a way where you can see the ocean from where you have a meal. We ordered a couple of appetizers, of which the Fried calamari was the best. They also had very good croquettes and octopus. For our entrée, we shared a paella that was very good and plenty for the three of us that we're having lunch. Service was quick for everything they had to do. We asked for the payout to be clean so all the seafood was out of the shell.
Vanessa T.
So my vacation crew were in search of the best paella in Valencia. This place was recommended by the host of our apartment. Location of this restaurant is probably what made everyone rave about it but I thought their paella definitely was not the best.
So it seems that most of the restaurants along the beach are very well lit at night. We walked in and the whole room was lit with bright white lights. As we walked along the strip of restaurants, they all looks about the same.
We ordered 2 plates of paella which was fairly large, we had a group of 6 people. The food came out rather fast which is likely the first red flag. Paella should take at least 50 minutes if they're not serving you frozen pre-prepped paella. We had seafood and chicken. The rice was under cooked. Flavor was ok. My friends didn't like that the chickens have bone but I enjoyed it. Would I come back for their paella? Likely not.
Marta M.
Epic restaurant by the Malvarosa beach. Starters and paella were OK, I don't think I'll come back though.
Is the price worthy? Judge by yourself. It might be more the location and atmosphere than the food itself.
Gigi C.
Do not come with high expectation if you really want a good paella. Too salty, and the seafood was not fresh at all. Not recommended!
Renzo C.
Restaurant shows as is closed on Feb 22nd but it is not .The information on Yelp is wrong . Will give my rating after dinner.
Steven C.
Stopped in for lunch during day two in Valencia. This was the second time that I've eaten here. It's fun to watch them prepare paella as you enter.
I started with Pulpo. It was delicious and tender. We added Sangria which was OK but not as good as we had in Barcelona. I had the cod for my main dish which was delicious. The menu must change seasonally as I was hoping for Chipperones.
A bit tourist with the whole "Hemminway ate here" but very good nonetheless.
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