Complete Les Falles Food Guide: What to Eat During Falles (2026)

Les Falles food traditions run as deep as the festival itself. Certain treats literally define the celebration, appearing at every bakery and street corner throughout March. 

Which means that understanding what to eat and where transforms your festival experience from tourist to participant.

This guide covers everything from traditional sweets to restaurant strategies to street food survival. So, I’ll tell you what locals actually eat, where to find it, and how to navigate the food chaos.

The Essential Les Falles Foods

Bunyols: The Official Falles Dessert

Bunyols are deep-fried pumpkin fritters dusted with sugar. They’re THE dessert of Les Falles. Which means, you’ll see them everywhere from March 1st onwards. And to be honest, they’re one of my favorite Valencian foods!

What they are: Valencian bunyols use pumpkin in the dough, giving them a subtle sweetness and orange tint. They’re fried until crispy outside and soft inside. Then they get rolled in sugar while still warm.

The texture is light and airy, not heavy like donuts. The pumpkin flavor is subtle. The sweetness comes mostly from the sugar coating.

When to eat them: Traditionally during the berenar (evening snack, around 6-8pm). But honestly, eat them whenever you want. Bakeries sell them all day. Street vendors set up in the afternoons and evenings.

Fresh bunyols are completely different from ones that have been sitting. If you see them coming out of the fryer, grab them immediately. The crispy-to-soft contrast is perfect when they’re fresh.

Where to find the best:

Horchateria Santa Catalina

• Location: Plaça de Santa Caterina, 6
• Why: Nearly 200 years of tradition. They’ve been making bunyols since before Les Falles was officially organized.
• Price: Around €1-1.50 each
• Note: Gets very crowded during Les Falles. Expect to wait. 

El Contraste 

• Location: Carrer de Sant Valero, 12
• Why: Traditional bakery in Russafa. This is where my Valencian husband’s family goes!
• Price: Around €1 each
• Note: Lines get LONG. Get there before 4pm.

Bunyols Bienve

• Location: Av. Regne de València 22
• Why: One of my favorite traditional bakeries in the heart of the city. It is ONLY available during Les Falles
• Price: €1-1.50 each
• Note: They only sell bunyols, not xurros. 

Street vendors: You’ll find bunyol stands throughout Ciutat Vella during Les Falles. Quality varies, but they’re usually decent. Around €1 each. Don’t buy them if they’re €2+ (it’s a tourist trap)

Pro Tip: Look for people with signs in Valencian, not Spanish. That’s how you know which ones are actually from here. 

Xurros and Hot Chocolate: The Classic Pairing

Xurros (churros) with thick hot chocolate form the other essential Les Falles treat. These aren’t the cinnamon-sugar churros you might know. Valencian xurros get dusted with plain sugar.

What makes them special: The hot chocolate in Valencia is THICK. Like, coat-a-spoon thick. Almost like chocolate pudding. You dip the xurros directly into it.

So the xurros themselves are crispy outside, soft inside, and not too sweet. The chocolate provides the intense flavor.

When to eat them: Classic timing is for berenar (around 6 PM) or during the xocolatà gathering. Although, many places serve them all day during Les Falles.

I love getting xurros around midnight after watching events. It’s the perfect sweet energy boost to keep going.

Where to get them:

Chocolatería Valor

• Location: Multiple locations (Plaça de la Reina is my favorite)
• Why: Chain but consistently good. Open very late during Les Falles.
• Price: €5-7 for xurros and chocolate
• Note: More touristy but reliable and spacious

You can also get them at the places I mentioned above for bunyols. 

The Xocolatà Tradition

A xocolatà is a social gathering centered around sweets and hot chocolate. And it’s become synonymous with Les Falles.

How it works: Groups of friends or family meet at a café, bakery, or Casal. They order bunyols, xurros, and hot chocolate. Everyone shares. It’s social, relaxed, and very Valencian.

Public cafés also advertise xocolatàs sometimes. You can just show up, order, and participate. No special invitation needed. Although personally, I think these aren’t as fun as actually just having one with your loved ones.

Because hey – you don’t need an invitation. Have a homemade xocolatà with your travel partner and enjoy! 

Timing: Usually happens during evening berenar time (6-8pm).

Restaurant Survival During Les Falles

I’m gonna be honest with you guys. Eating at restaurants during Les Falles is… challenging.

Reservations

Every decent restaurant books solid during Les Falles. I mean completely full. You cannot just walk into a good restaurant at dinner time and expect a table.

When to make reservations:

• For popular restaurants: January-February
• For mid-range places: February-early March
• For casual spots: 1-2 weeks before

Even places that usually have tables are packed. I mean, the city literally doubles in size with tourists. And alllll those people have to eat. 

Where to Make Reservations

I have a separate best restaurants guide for normal times. During Les Falles, these same places apply but with 10x the difficulty getting tables.

For traditional Valencian food:

La Riuà

• Location: Carrer del Mar, 27
• Why: Excellent traditional Valencian cuisine in old town
• Book: Minimum 3-4 weeks ahead
• What to order: Any of the rice dishes
• Note: They understand tourists but keep it authentic

El Ferro

• Location: Carrer de Pare Tosca
• Why: Classic Valencian restaurant, excellent paella
• Book: 2-3 weeks ahead
• Note: Slightly less well-known, so it can be easier to get a table

For contemporary Valencian:

Canalla Bistro

• Location: Carrer del Mestre Josep Serrano, 5 (Russafa)
• Why: Ricard Camarena’s tapas restaurant
• Book: 1-2 months ahead during Les Falles
• Price: €€€
• Note: Pricier, but great if you want a nice dinner. 

Copenhagen

• Location: Carrer del Literat Azorín, 8 (Russafa)
• Why: Vegetarian, creative, trendy
• Book: 2-3 weeks ahead
• Price: €€
• Note: Great menú del dia (€12-15)

Restaurant Timing During Les Falles

Normal Valencia meal times:

• Lunch: 2pm-4pm
• Dinner: 9pm-11pm

During Les Falles, these times go even later. People eat dinner at 10pm or later because they’re at events. You’ll see people cooking paellas outside with their Falla. 

My tips:

• Eat lunch slightly early (1:30pm) to avoid post-mascletà crowds
• Book dinner for 9:30pm (before peak 10:30pm rush)
• Or eat dinner very late (11pm+) after crowds thin

Budget Restaurant Options

Not every meal needs to be special. Sometimes you just need food.

For quick, cheap meals:

Kebab shops

• Everywhere throughout the city
• €5-8 for full meal
• Open late (until 2-3am)
• Perfect for post-event hunger

100 Montaditos

• Location: Multiple locations, there’s one on the Plaça de la Reina
• Chain sandwich restaurant
• €5-8 per person
• No reservations needed
• Quality is decent, nothing amazing

El Dorita

• Location: Carrer de Sant Dionís, 1 (El Carme)
• Good tapas, reasonable prices
• Usually can walk in
• Service is slow but food is decent

Street Food Strategy

Sometimes you can’t get into a restaurant, but you still need to eat. So street food can be a good option to get something in your belly without the stress.

What you’ll find:

• Bunyol stands
• Xurro vendors
• Bocadillo (sandwich) stands

You’ll also find tons of vendors selling international foods. Just note that these vendors are NOT traditional at all. This just started happening within the last 3-4 years. So if you find Americanized food or things like empanadas – just know this is NOT a local/authentic experience. 

But hey, people gotta eat. Do what you want, but don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Prices:

• Bocadillos: €6-7
• Empanadas: €3-4
• Bunyols: €1-1.50 each

Traditional Valencian Meals During Les Falles

Beyond sweets, what do Valencians actually eat during the festival?

L’Esmorzaret: The Mid-Morning Tradition

L’esmorzaret is a hearty mid-morning meal (around 10-11am). It’s very Valencian and very filling. I talk more about it in my Valencian food guide.

What it includes:

• Large bocadillo (baguette sandwich) with meat or tortilla
• Small tapas (olives, pickles, anchovies)
• Beer or wine
• Coffee (after the meal)

Where to get it:

La Pascuala

• Location: Carrer del Doctor Lluch, 299 (Cabanyal)
• Famous for enormous bocadillos
• Go on weekdays (weekend prices inflate)
• Around €7-8

Nuevo Oslo

• Location: Carrer del Doctor Sanchis Sivera, 7
• Won Cacau d’Or for best esmorzaret
• More casual atmosphere
• Around €6-8

Note: Most traditional bars offer esmorzaret. Look for signs advertising “esmorzar” (specifically in Valencian). 

Paella and Rice Dishes

You’re in Valencia during March. You need to eat paella. But remember: paella is a LUNCH dish.

Good restaurants probably won’t even serve it for dinner. If they do, it’s a tourist trap.

I go over more of this in detail in my Valencia paella guide.

Where to eat paella during Les Falles:

Reservations required:

Casa Carmela

• Location: Carrer d’Isabel de Villena, 155 (Malva-rosa)
• Book: 1+ month ahead
• Price: €€€
• Why: Classic, beachside, wood-fired

La Pepica

• Location: Passeig de Neptú, 6-8 (beach)
• Book: 3-4 weeks ahead
• Price: €€
• Why: Historic, beautiful location

Another option is to go to takeaway shops that sell single portions of paella! This is great for solo travelers. 

Tapas Strategy

Valencia doesn’t really have a strong tapes scene. It’s not as popular as it is in places like Madrid or Andalucía. 

But you can check out my food guide for some tapes restaurants. Just note that some restaurants will close completely during Falles. You may have to do some exploring and go with the wind a bit. 

(I’ve mentioned before, this is a chaotic festival). 

What Locals Actually Eat During Les Falles

Let me tell you what my Valencian friends do during the festival.

Breakfast (8-9am): Coffee and maybe a pastry. Nothing heavy. You need to save appetite.

Mid-morning (10-11am): Esmorzaret if you’re feeling traditional. Or skip it.

Lunch (2-3pm, after mascletà): This is the main meal. Either:

• Full paella at a restaurant (if you planned ahead)
• Menú del dia at a local restaurant (€12-15, three courses)
• Entrepà and quick bite if rushing to next event

Berenar (6-7pm): Bunyols and xurros with chocolate. The quintessential Les Falles snack.

Dinner (10pm-midnight): Either:

• Proper restaurant meal (if you booked)
• Homemade dinner
• A quick entrepà (sandwich) 

Late night (midnight-3am): Either bunyols or kebab, drinks at casals.

In other words: One good meal (lunch), lots of snacking, drinking throughout, xurros at least once per day (or maybe that’s just me?)

Budget vs Luxury Eating

Budget Les Falles Food Plan (€30-40/day)

Breakfast: Coffee at any bar (€1.50)

Mid-morning: Skip esmorzaret or grab a cheap bocadillo (€4-5)

Lunch: Menú del dia at local restaurant (€12-15)

Afternoon: Bunyols from street vendor (€2-3)

Dinner: Kebab or 100 Montaditos (€6-8)

Drinks: Supermarket beers (€1-2)

Late night: Xurros from street stand (€3-4)

Total: €30-40/day

Mid-Range Les Falles Food Plan (€60-80/day)

Breakfast: Coffee and pastry at café (€4-5)

Lunch: Paella at decent restaurant (€20-25 with drink)

Afternoon: Bunyols and xurros at Santa Catalina (€5-7)

Dinner: Tapas at good restaurant (€25-30)

Drinks: Bars and casals (€10-15)

Total: €60-80/day

Luxury Les Falles Food Plan (€150+/day)

Breakfast: Hotel breakfast or nice café (€10-15)

Lunch: Top paella restaurant with wine (€50-60)

Afternoon: Bunyols and chocolate at best spots (€8-10)

Dinner: Nice restaurant restaurant (€60-80)

Drinks: Rooftop bars, cocktails (€20-30)

Total: €150-200/day

Practical Food Tips for Les Falles

Get Snacks

Seriously. Keep granola bars, nuts, or fruit in your bag. This is great for travelers that haven’t adapted to Valencian meal times. You can buy some quick snacks at the grocery stores.  

Card is Fine

I can count on one hand how many times I’ve ever paid with cash in Valencia. Sometimes it’s helpful at a bar or revetla (the outdoor club). Have some cash, but don’t stress over it. 

Water Bottles

Refill at hotel. Carry all day. Buying water constantly gets expensive. You’re walking 15,000+ steps daily and probably drinking alcohol. Stay hydrated.

Restaurant Backup Plans

Always have a plan B restaurant. Especially if you don’t make a reservation! Know where you can grab food if plans fail.

Dietary Restrictions

Valencia isn’t terrible for dietary restrictions, but it’s not London either.

• Vegetarian: Copenhagen, Khambu, The Nature
• Vegan: Khambu, Copenhagen (many options) 
• Gluten-free: A Huevo is excellent for this 
• Allergies: Call restaurants ahead if you can explain in Valencian

Check my restaurants guide for detailed dietary restriction options.

Eating Alone

I recommend going to takeaway spots for some authentic foods without the higher prices. 

If you’re looking to meet people, you can always go to cafe’s or bars! It’ll be less stressful to actually get a table that way. 

Timing Your Meals Around Events

Before mascletà (2pm): Eat lunch by 1:30pm or wait until 3pm. The post-mascletà restaurant rush is real.

Before L’Ofrena: Eat dinner early (8:30pm) or very late (after 11pm). The 9-10pm window is packed.

Before La Cremà: Eat dinner by 8pm. Everything gets insane after 9pm on March 19th.

Other Foods to Try

Orxata

Not technically a Les Falles food, but it is very Valencian. This sweet drink made from tiger nuts is super unique and definitely worth trying. It’s more common in the summer.

Where:

• Daniel’s (Mercat de Colón or Alboraia)
• Santa Catalina
• Any orxateria

When: As a refreshing afternoon drink

Try: Orxata with fartons (sweet bread for dipping)

Coca de Llanda

A traditional Valencian cake. Light, spongy, not too sweet. Often eaten as afternoon snack.

Where: Any traditional bakery (forn)

Torró

Nougat made from almonds and honey. Traditionally a Christmas sweet but available year-round in shops.

I think Valencians would find it weird to eat torró in Falles. But if this is your only chance to visit the city, you might as well take the opportunity!

Where: Mercat Central

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake 1: Not Booking Restaurants Early Enough

I’ve said this already but it bears repeating. Book restaurants in February or early March at the latest. You’ll regret waiting.

Mistake 2: Only Eating Tourist Food

The paella near Plaça de l’Ajuntament with the English menu? Sweetie, that’s a tourist trap. At a minimum, try to find a place that isn’t explicitly advertising everything in English. 

Mistake 3: Eating Dinner Too Early

7pm dinner reservations mean you’re eating alone or with other tourists. Embrace the late schedule. 

Mistake 4: Skipping the Traditional Sweets

You can eat bunyols and xurros anytime. But during Les Falles they’re everywhere, fresh, and part of the experience. Don’t skip them! Especially the bunyols!

Mistake 5: Drinking on Empty Stomach

Loooots of people are drinking during the entire festival. But if you’re walking all day, out in the sun, and drinking… 

You need some food and water too, ya know. 

More Valencia Travel Resources

I hope this helps you plan what to eat during Les Falles in Valencia! Truthfully, “Falles” food is just sweet, fried, festival food! 

But that doesn’t mean you can’t try the rest of the gastronomy Valencia has to offer. 

If you need help, feel free to send me a message or book a travel consultation. 

And if you want to keep exploring, here are some other guides I’ve made that could be helpful:

Bon viatge!

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