Bar Ricardo

authentic tapas bar. if you can, try to book at the front tables directly at the bar, as you’ll get mesmerized by the expertise of the staff and the huge trays of oily patatas bravas (one of the best in valencia). I strongly recommend chipirones a la plancha, unbelievably tasty and usually hard to find. I loved the zamburiñas, the shimps cooked with garlic and the fried zucchini filled with shrimps and ricotta. basque cheesecake was very good as well; the atmosphere is incredible and the staff is very friendly

Great neighbourhood spot for high-quality tapas and large plates. The patatas bravas were quite unique as the potatoes were coated in a chilli oil. Might not be for everyone, but I certainly enjoyed them. The grilled squid was seasoned simply with salt and finished with olive oil and lemon. Simplicity at its finest. The fried courgette flower definitely seemed like a more contemporary dish. Although it was slightly small, it packed a massive punch of flavour. My friend also ordered a ribeye on the bone, which was extremely juicy and full of flavour. Make sure to polish up on your Spanish as some of the waiters here don't speak English. However, they're extremely friendly and will do everything they can to make sure you're satisfied. Definitely book, as many people were turned away due to how busy it was.

We didn’t have any reservations but was able to be seated right away for 2 people. It seemed like really good timing because groups came after us and no tables were available. I recommend making a reservation. There are tables inside and outside and we sat outside since that was the only table available. There were a lot of smokers near us which ruins the eating experience so if that bothers you, make a reservation inside. We got the peppers, bravas, anchovies, artichoke, and eggs with smoked salmon. Way too much food for two people lol The bravas were really well seasoned and had great crunch. Some of the best I’ve had in Valencia. The anchovies were sitting in a lovely vinaigrette that went really well with bread. The artichoke was my favourite dish. It was crunchy and light and the egg on top gave it a creamy texture. The smoked salmon egg was a bit weird for me. I found the eggs to be too fishy and I love fish. Overall, I would highly recommend coming here!

Excellent food! And the service was great as well. My daughter said she's never had baby squid that good before.

Fantastic food, especially their large seafood menu. Reservations recommended.

During our visit to Bar Riccardo in Valencia, we enjoyed a truly memorable dining experience. The menu offered a selection of classic yet perfectly executed dishes that highlighted the freshness and quality of the ingredients. We started with the prawns in oil, which were cooked to perfection—tender and full of flavor, enhanced by the subtle richness of olive oil. The octopus followed, expertly grilled with a perfect texture, mel in your mouth tender, offering a smoky depth that paired beautifully with the dish's seasoning. The Padrón peppers were a delight—charred to perfection and bursting with flavor, with the occasional spicy one adding a playful twist. The broad beans, served in a rustic and hearty preparation, showcased a wonderful balance of freshness and earthiness. To round off the meal, we indulged in the cheesecake, which was creamy, smooth, and just the right level of sweetness, leaving us perfectly satisfied. The ambiance of Bar Riccardo added to the charm, with its welcoming atmosphere and attentive service. It's easy to see why this spot is popular with locals—there’s a genuine warmth to both the food and the experience. Make sure to book in advance, as it gets busy quickly, a testament to its well-deserved reputation. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience the culinary delights of Valencia.

Top food, super lively and busy but attentive service. Seafood was amazingly fresh. Healing ❤️‍🩹

Came here for a drink and a small bite to eat before dinner and the place did not disappoint. Although we didn’t have dinner here, the small things were very tasty. The staff are very friendly and the prices are decent. It’s bar “de toda la vida” meaning that you have a lot of regulars that go there or have been going there for a long time. There are very few of these places still left so highly recommend coming here as they are very friendly to all guests not only to the regulars..

The spot to go when you're in Valencia and want a proper Spanish meal.... As good as it gets.

Local restaurant with the best tapas so far on my vacation! My favorites were the prawns, scallops, razor clams! Make sure you make a reservation! This is where all the locals eat so it gets busy.

This was our best eating in Valencia. And there was a lot of very very very very good eating in Valencia. * * * Bar Ricardo is a tapas place. They have big plates too. They have just about anything Spanish you could want to eat at Bar Ricardo. And it is damm damm damm damm good. * * * We showed up "too early for dinner" on a midweek night. (Sevenish). Most of the tables were reserved and the ones that were not reserved had people at them. We got two seats at the bar. Within ten minutes, all the seats at the bar were taken. When we left at 10 pm, there were long long lines of people outside waiting to get in. The people inside had no intention of leaving. Nearly everyone appeared to be a Valencian. The only tourists in sight were Samuel C and his wife. I think you can infer from this that Valencians like Bar Ricardo. They like it a lot. * * * The menu here is huge. So you can order none of what we had and still do very well. I had Galician octopus (which was just okay) And the preserved anchovies they keep in a tray at the front of the bar. The anchovies were to die for. The anchovies made me forget any doubts I might have had while eating my octopus. My wife ordered her traditional grilled vegetable platter. This came on a huge platter big enough to give vegetables to everyone in your family. (This is probably just how the vegetable platter is really used.) The vegetables were one taste sensation after another ... And we had already had an amazing vegetable platter an earlier night at La Mistela. The vegetables we have been eating just keep getting better and better. * * * We were near the kitchen and we could see one spectacular dish after another being brought out of the kitchen to be served to other patrons. If I could have been the Yelp Bandido and come down from the hills to steal some of those dishes just as they were coming out of that kitchen, I would probably have eaten the best meal that has ever been written about in the history of Yelp. * * * Well, in real life, I could not eat every dish they bring out of the kitchen at Bar Ricardo. But there WAS room for dessert. (There is always room for dessert. This is a scientific law.) And awaiting me at the end of my meal, Like my own personal Holy Grail ... Was the house cheesecake. Bar Ricardo's Tarta de Queso. Never mind Jewish cheesecake or the stuff you get in delis. Never mind the cheesecake you get served in American steakhouses. This was Santa Tarta de Quesa - the patron saint of all cheesecakes. Santa Tarta de Quesa goes all over the world seeking out the cries of the afflicted and unhappy. If they are good and pious and show the highest level of Christian virtue, Then out of the clouds comes a beacon of light. You see the face of the Santissima Santa surrounded by all of the angels. She sends down a bevy of doves carrying a plate of Bar Ricardo's Tarta de Quesa on a silver platter. You eat the Tarta de Quesa bathed in silver and tourmaline light. And all of your woes and despairs on this earth will disappear. In the silver and tourmaline light, there is no pain. There is no suffering. Having been visited by Santa Tarta da Quesa does not mean you have gone to heaven once and for all. You will still have to be good for the rest of your days. But for one moment, you will have known what pure and divine happiness is. Remember this cheesecake. Remember it always. * * * As I mentioned before, there are long lines to get into Bar Ricardo. I think I know why.

Spent a lovely June afternoon outside Bar Ricardo underneath umbrellas in the sun. It was my first introduction to Patatas Bravas and the garlicky Spanish alioli that goes with them. Not normally a huge potato fan, I found them delicious. As a larger group, we sampled all of the tapas, several salads, and a number of dishes - more than enough for our group, but there was nothing left at the end of the afternoon.