Central Bar

An amazing culinary experience in the heart of the Central Market, well worth the wait and a must try if you are passing through. Portions are quite large; server was also very helpful in helping us choose suitable dishes to try. The only issue was the heat inside the market; while the food is delicious, it was a bit unbearable to sit for long in the heat.

My 5 stars are reserved for places, products or service that exceed my expectations and this locale met this criteria. For me the highlights were incredible service, quality ingredients and wonderful preparation and presentation. I have seen this tapas bar many times during my visits to the market but always thought “I’m not going to stand around and wait to fight for seats together”. However, I was wrong. There is a great system of seating. There is a person, I guess maître’d, who is controlling the seating, the servers and the kitchen… oh.. and serving also! I didn’t catch her name but an incredible person to watch while enjoying their offerings. She maintained a list of the groups of people waiting to be seated and when space became available, she had one of her servers seat the group at the bar and while we had to like up, the line moved quickly. The only thing you have to watch is that there are folk who hover around trying to jump the queue, so to speak, and when our seats freed up, we had to push lurkers out of them as they slipped in under the radar of the staff. The rhythm of the meal was more or less well. There was a slight delay on some of the bocadillos and we had to ask but the maitre’d made the kitchen jump. Being in the Central Market, I assumed the ingredients were sourced there from local suppliers and producers. This meant for very fresh tasting meals both in flavour and texture. It was a little pricey for a bar. However, after our wonderful experience and realising we weren’t at just any regular bar, I understood. I now have this on my list to return on my next trip to the market and may just venture back there directly for another incredible dining experience.

Central Bar is a tapas bar inside the Central Market of Valencia. It’s a small, walk-in-only spot with bar seating only, and the queuing system is not clear at all — I had to circle the bar to realise there’s an actual spot where you’re supposed to wait. Luckily I got there right at noon and didn’t have to queue, but if you arrive later, expect a wait. Seating is tight, so you’ll be elbow-to-elbow with strangers, which can feel pretty awkward. If you have a bag or belongings, it’s inconvenient since there’s nowhere to put them except on your lap or between you and your plate. Definitely keep an eye on your things — it’s a tourist-heavy area and I wouldn’t trust leaving a bag on the back of a chair. Food-wise, I left underwhelmed. The Local Oyster XL was the best thing I had — fresh, sweet, and briny. The Roast Chicken Croquettes were just okay, nothing memorable. The Rabbit in Garlic Sauce, though, was a complete letdown. The meat was bone-dry, the sauce was gloopy and starchy, and it felt like a dish that should never have left the kitchen. For a place with this much hype, I expected better execution across the board. One saving grace was the wine. I had a glass of Bardos 2024 (Verdejo) which was bright and full of peach and citrus, perfect for summer. The staff also deserve credit — with my almost non-existent Spanish, the waitress was very patient and friendly, which made the experience a bit nicer. Still, between the mediocre food, the heat inside the market (I was sweating through my meal), and the cramped seating, I wouldn’t rush back. Maybe the sandwiches — which everyone around me seemed to be ordering — are their strong point, but for me this visit was a miss.

Wow. A bar located in the central market can be really good. This one is great. You won’t get a seat without queuing for a few minutes,but the wait is well worth it. The attention given by the staff was outstanding especially given how busy they were. Still able to chat with customers in multiple languages while bringing the brilliant kitchens food. We started with the XL oysters, which to be brutally honest were just good. But that was definitely the low point. The zucchini flowers were stunning despite their absolute simplicity. The marinated anchovies were a work of art and the XL anchovies on fresh cheese were the perfect balance between piquancy and umami. Next we tried the mussels, which were just as good. Central Bar is an example of how a good team with good ideas and beautiful produce can become much more than the sum of its parts. But while we were sitting there thinking this, they brought the conejo al ajillo. Tender juicy rabbit pieces in a delicious garlicky sauce served on fluffy, soft and crunchy roast potatoes. We were blown away: best rabbit ever. They had a good list of wines both red and white, even a choice of sherries, and we finished with a real Melbourne quality espresso. Going to be hard to beat this one!

Outstanding. Interesting menu. The eggplant with miso was my favorite. You have to stand in line and sometimes the line can be long and it’s only bar seating. We’ll go for a third time next time I’m in Valencia.

No in advance booking, so be patient. I went for an early lunch and I was lucky to wait under two minutes. It also helped I was alone, so if you’re a big group, prepare yourself. The wait will be worth it! My tuna was melting in my mouth. The only downside was that I couldn’t try a lot of things as they don’t have sample menu size tapas.

There’s a queue, and yes — you’ll probably have to wait. But trust me, it’s absolutely worth it. The food is not overhyped in the slightest. I’m not exaggerating when I say it was the best mimosa I’ve ever had. The XL oysters were phenomenal, and the curry dish instantly transported me back to Thailand - it had the exact rich, comforting flavors of my favorite Massaman curry 🤤 This place delivers on every front. Can’t wait to be back!

Espresso, Citrus, and the Art of Artichoke: A Morning at Central Bar By midmorning, the Central Market in Valencia begins to hum with a kind of secular liturgy: clattering knives, aromatic mists of paprika and saffron, and the slow choreography of locals navigating between jamón counters and pyramids of oranges. Tucked unassumingly among the stalls is Central Bar by Richard Camarena—a gastronomic pit stop that feels, in both concept and execution, like an ode to the everyday elevated. The coffee arrives first: rich, with a whisper of sweetness that is more flirtation than indulgence, the kind of roast that makes you wonder how often bitterness is a failure of imagination. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t need to be. This is a coffee that seems to understand the intimate relationship between simplicity and satisfaction. A glass of orange juice follows, and it is a revelation. Valencia is, of course, a city built on citrus—both literal and metaphorical—and here the juice tastes like a memory of sunlight, sharp and alive, with none of the over-processed dullness one has come to expect elsewhere. There’s a humility in its freshness, a purity of purpose that speaks to Camarena’s broader ethos. Then, the artichokes: tender, bright, tinged with olive oil and the kind of salt that isn’t just seasoning but punctuation. They arrive unpretentious and full of character, a small dish that manages to be both rural and refined. One could wax on about texture, acidity, balance—but better to say that they’re simply right. Central Bar is not a place for long, languorous meals. It is a place for moments—for a short, perfect pause in the middle of a chaotic day. And in those moments, if you're lucky enough to have a coffee, a juice, and a plate of artichokes, you might briefly forget the world beyond the market's wrought iron walls. Or at least, you might not care.

An amazing bar-seating restaurant by the Michelin 2-star chef, Richard Camarena, located in the middle of the Centro Mercat (indoor food and crafts marketing) of Valencia. I had a wonderful pork tenderloin sandwich (think cheesesteak), sardine with queso and a iberico croquette. A perfect amount for a nice, filling lunch. Service is good and it's a bustling marketplace so there's a great vibe. You may have to wait in line for a table (I don't think they take reservations) but it's worth it.

Tried two things here. 1. Richard Camarena - pretty much a good Philly cheesesteak sandwich with pork instead of steak. Is it good? Yes. Is it impressive? No. 2. Pork ear - You have to order this. It's so tender and soft. Literally melt in your mouth. The sauce also add a different flavor into it. The only con is a bit too salty. Service is quick. I would come back for the Rabo de toro. Also the menu on the wall is all in Spanish. Scan QR code for the translation. But better prep yourself and look up reviews before you go. Some items are missing on the online menu.

Great food and wine and beer Usually long line but if you arrive 10:30-11:00am, you will easily get seats. Great for couple and also we went there with 5 people and they are super professional and got us seats too. Service is great and price is reasonable

Loved the food & service it's one of those small bars that surround the servers & kitchen perfect for the location, in the back of the central Market place. The food was absolutely delicious the servers are very busy but attentive, the local specials were the high light along with deliciously fresh oysters & the Cremaet was the perfect way to end the meal. The only down fall is the wait & it's a little bit more than what you would normally pay but it's definitely worth it

Yummy sandwiches and lunch food for a reasonable price! You will be seated at a bar, so there is less room to move around. The tuna sandwich was delicious! The filling is light and flavorful; the amount of filling is not skimped on either. The bread is thick and fluffy on the inside, and harder on the outside. The oysters are a bit bland, but more or less fresh. They are sizeable (on the larger end), but the texture is not quite supple. The cappuccinos are delicious! Light, airy, and flavorful. Overall, I would love to return!

Food place in the market! The drinks are very reasonable too. The people watching is key!

A must try in the market! Central Bar by Ricard Camarena offers a small but flavor packed menu for small bites and drinks. Make sure to ask about the daily specials, but my recommendations include the classic tapas staples and the pork jowls and other face parts. Pick your favorite bocadillo and share with a friend.

A absolute must when in Valencia! Central Bar is located inside the Mercado Central, On Saturday, the market opens at 7:30am, and before Central Bar does at 8am. We arrived early to explore the market and found seats easily when Central Bar opened. But it sure filled up quickly as the tourists began rolling in en masse as we got closer to 9am. The food was amazing. Have the 'Canalla' - a freshly baked white roll with spicy morcilla (blood sausage/black pudding), scrambled eggs and pickled peppers. We also tried the croquettes. You're not rushed and it's lovely to sit and eat as the market bustles around you. I wish we'd had time to return for lunch, but know that if you don't make a reservation, wait times can get up to 90-minutes. Takes cards and cash.

I enjoyed the relaxed, casual vibe of Central Bar, which feels like it's very much a part of the market.  Given the location, you'd almost expect it to be some sort of greasy spoon, but the service and the food here are much better than you'd find at that kind of place. On to the food!  We started with tortilla on bread, and were surprised that a cold potato omelet could taste that good.  Next, we had the cod croquettes.   They were made fresh to order, and followed by pork ribs and lightly pickled cauliflower. Sitting on bar stools at the counter, we watched the staffers prepare the dishes being served to all the other diners at the bar.  They looked like relaxed, like they had all the time in the world, but they accomplished their task at what was actually breakneck speed. This is a cool place to hang out and the food is quite enjoyable; I recommend it to anyone who enjoys soaking up local color while casually dining.

Central Bar is tapas paradise. Located inside the Mercat Central, the restaurant pretty much consists of long counters with seating on both sides, and a kitchen at the end. These 5 star Yelp reviews below don't lie, trust me! And there is also a reason why the bar is frequented by locals and tourists alike. Pretty much every item on the menu is a highlight, I did enjoy their Ensalada de tomato valenciano (5 Euro) and their amazing baguettes (bocadillos) - prices for those range from 5 to 6 Euro. Super fresh food with high quality ingredients for an unbeatable price. Just wow.

Only restaurant in the market. Depending on the time your wait can be brief or longer. Had the Ricard Camarena sandwich with lomo, onion, cheese and mustard. I was underwhelmed. Barely saw any onion much less tasted it. Meat was fatty and cheese was only on one side. Service was pretty good since it seems everyone helps you. Food comes out quickly, prices are reasonable. Specials on two boards to far away from some seats to read and only in Spanish.

Located in the outer edge of the market the food is a great way to try a Michelin chef's menu. While the seating is not exactly kid friendly ( high tops and bar counter seating) the menu is available for take out and comes relatively quickly. I ordered the oxtail, pan tomate, a sandwich and croquettes and found everything to be well executed. I think I would have preferred a dine in experience but alas traveling with kids makes not everything possible. They also are open early for a light an easy breakfast. They had really wonderful cafe con leche that was also worth getting to start your day. Would def recommend if you are in the area and looking for an off the beaten path kind of place to try some higher end cuisine in Valencia

Excelente comida y un servicio muy atento...!!! En el Mercado Central de Valencia, este lugar ofrece unas opciones muy buenas para el almuerzo. Altamente recomendado y un lugar a visitar si te encuentras en Valencia.

Great! We always dine here first when in town. We love the activity in the market and at the restaurant. The staff is super efficient, informative, and patient- esp. with so many non-spanish speaking guests. They even separated everything a little and added dividers for covid. Everything on the menu is excellent- potatas bravas, squid, croquettas... The food here is EXCELLENT! What a treat!

Central bar is located inside Central Market. After weaving through numerous vendors, I eventually found the bar. It is a little tricky to find, but worth the search. Of course, once you find the bar, then you have to find a seat which was no easy task around 1 pm. The bar was packed. Being a solo Traveller, I had the advantage that I could find a single seat. Still, this took about 20 minutes. Was it worth the wait? I would say so. Service, once I was seated, was quite prompt. Service was friendly and English was not an issue. There are many great choices here. Of course, had to try the Papas bravas. These were nicely done with a little bit of spice. And then had to have the tuna sandwich which was amazing. This filled me up, but I felt the need to continue sampling. The mussels were good, not great but good. I also had some shrimp which was quite tasty. I left there quite full. Time for a siesta. This is a great place to grab a quick lunch.

Do you know that moment when you go from tourist Spots to tourist Spots and you eat the same type of foods, yeah they're good but they're not great. Central Bar is the spot that locals go to. And these locals have epic taste. The Central Bar has made me the best Cod Fish Croquettes I've ever had, and now the best fried rabbit I've ever had. The staff is wonderful, very professional and service with a smile. The ambiance is like Grand Central Oyster House in New York, it's exciting you're amongst the public, the beauty of the Mercat Market.

We were heading to Barcelona today and we wanted to get something to eat before. The market was great and we bought a lot of goodies to take home there. This place was already in my raider and I am glad that I tried. It's so friendly and casual. The best part of traveling is to mingle with people from different parts of world, and sure enough, we were having conversations with a gentleman from France. Anyway, we loved marinated sardines, potatoes and artichokes that was special today. Being a busy market and having a nice wine and food....what can you ask more?

Waited a really long time to get a seat to try this place out. A lot of food, and noted that it was good... I don't think I'll ever order the pig ears or rabbit ever again. The sandwiches on the other hand... was really good!

Well this was a nice lunch. I was referred to this place by my friend Tim who told me a Michelin star chef ran the joint. It was a bit chaotic when I went at around 2:30pm, but I found a seat and eventually got shown an English menu. I think I missed out on some off-menu items... not even the ones on the specials board! I saw dishes come out that were on neither menu. But I was told the rabbit was good, and it definitely was. That was 10.25 euro. I also had a couple of cod fritters for 2.20 euro each, which I totally could have skipped. Don't get me wrong, they were good, but not a lot of food for the price. Service was just ok, but the locals that spoke better Spanish seemed to be getting MUCH better service. I'm not saying I was treated worsely because I spoke English, it just wasn't the warmest reception. Then again, they were busy, so I won't hold it against them. Good stuff, wish I could have tried more menu items!

After eating at bothCannala and his flagship, Im a believer in Ricard Camarena as one of the leading chefs in the Valencia area. A Michelin Star, a more casual eatery and a down to earth tapas style bar in the Mercat Central itself. The place is bustling with people. The foot traffic in the market is more than assured to bring hungry folks after doing so much food shopping. Do Ferreiro Albarino is a good way to start any Spanish meal and is very suited to chef Camarena's cooking. So is the Mestizaje Blanco from Bodega Mustiguillo. There is a torta that contains pork loin, onion, mustard and cheese that is a play on one of his signature dishes at the Michelin star restaurant. If you cant do the latter try the former. Hell go to both to compare and contrast. Lots of classics with little twists. You can either do some light snacking or try a bunch of things and create a whole meal.

We initially tried this place because of the Michelin guide, and it really didn't disappoint. I love Spanish indoor markets, and this place really is in the center of it all. We only had a light lunch--sandwiches and coffee--and we were thoroughly impressed. I would definitely come back here again on an emptier stomach.

We went there for almuerzo and it was great. Fresh quality tapas and bocadillos. A bit pricey but worth it.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the market is a cute bar in the middle of it all. There was a line, so we walked around a little more and came back as soon as we saw 2 seats open up. We were there for breakfast- you can have beer in the morning!! I decided to have a coffee and a sandwich though. I really need my caffeine. There were some people around us ordering fried seafood already and it looked really good. If you are in the central market, take a break. Come to the bar, have a few drinks, then go back to continue shopping!

Unique location, good tapas fair prices. Lovely staff. Grab a beer and wait. Worth the wait.

Very nice place inside the Mercado Central to eat local specialities cooked with fresh proucts. The only drawback is that it is ofren crowded, but wait a moment with a cerveza, it diserves it. All plates are very tasty for fair prices. We had : toast with mixed meat grill, toast with with salad tomatoes and mozarella, calamares a la plancga, fried pimentos.

A huge queue, however worth the wait. I'd steer clear of the pigs ear. Definitely for the braver traveller. The rabbit however was devine. The only eatery in the market so very busy. Everything shuts at 3pm #standard.

Amazing place, the food is really good. You must go with time because it's always full. The waiters are incredibly beautiful. If you are visiting Valencia you must visit Central Bar, you won't regret it. Also the prices are really really good. A must

Hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of the daily market, is this hidden gem of a bar. And not just a bar, this bar is from Ricard Camarena the chef/owner runs a Michelin starred restaurant and is one of the leading chefs in Valencia. The market is a place for the local community to do their grocery shopping, so there are not a lot of sitting zones like in some more touristic markets. But after strolling around the market my appetite is always growing, so best thing to do in that case is to have a break at the Central Bar. Traditional quality tapas are served with great wines, Jerez or a glass of Cava. You can also enjoy a breakfast with coffee if your an early bird. Its a good place to try the Tortilla de patata (most eaten tapa in Spain), and I am very picky on tortilla, since my mom makes the best one, sorry Ricard ;) But also this tortilla is moist, tasty, fresh, just like the rest of the tapas and bocadillos. This market food counter is a casual place but not a cheap eat, good for foodies that like the local feel, a good selection of wines and traditional food.

Really, really great food, great location in the middle of the Central Mercado. Prices are not that expensive considering the quality of the food offered!