Spain’s third city is buzzing with tourists and expats. Naturally, a new wave of specialty-coffee shops has put Valencia on the coffee map.
BY TOM SAXON
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE
Featured photo by Jonny James via Unsplash
Valencia is a must-see on Spain’s tourist trail. The bustle of the city gradually quietens the closer you get to the beach, which offers a sort of calmness—especially midweek. The old town is packed full of winding streets leading to plazas or more incredible architecture that will tantalize any culture vulture’s taste buds.
Valencia’s specialty-coffee scene is still young but incredibly exciting as new coffee shops move in and find their roots.
Tallat
Tallat (meaning cortado in Valencian, pronounced tie-yat) is specialty-coffee heaven. Situated a few blocks from the beach, there isn’t a better place to sit under the palm-tree-lined street and sip away a Sunday morning. It’s owned and passionately run by Lorenzo, who cut his teeth in the coffee industry in the U.K. working for coffee roasters like Perky Blenders and Ikawa. All of the coffee at Tallat is roasted on two Aillio Bullet roasters to a level of precision that is hard to match anywhere in Spain. If you are partial to a pourover, let the barista talk you through the menu for a coffee that suits your palette. Or why not experience an Iced Orange Coffee made with Valencian oranges?
Fran Cafe
Fran Cafe is exactly what you are looking for when it comes to a city suburb cafe. A local favorite, the coffee here is always on point. A great place to start your city day and maybe pick up some local tips from customers or the staff. Pastries are baked in the back, which pulls sweet-toothed tourists in from the street. If you are lucky enough to find the bench free outside, soak up a few rays while waiting for your coffee.
Bluebell
Located in one of the most exciting suburbs of Valencia, Ruzafa, Bluebell sums up the vibe here: always busy, but always a seat available. The beautiful Valencian architecture is still intact as you enter the tranquility of Bluebell. These guys not only roast their own specialty-coffee beans (offsite) but also have amazing options for brekky or brunch and have a number of homemade cakes, protein balls, and breads.
Flying Bean
Although Valencia is nowhere near as touristy as Barcelona or Madrid, in peak season you may feel like you’ve heard too much English. A few streets on the other side of the main station is Flying Bean, certainly off the tourist trail and a place for expats and locals to enjoy their midmorning extended coffee break. Flying Bean is a café, coffee roastery, and co-working space all under one roof. The indoor terrace out back is a great way to spend an hour or so enjoying your coffee after a busy day.
Four
If you’re on the lookout for an amazing breakfast, then Four Coffee and Bistro is your spot. They offer something different from a traditional Spanish breakfast, as there is only so much pan con tomate (toast with tomato) one can eat. Their menu consists of a range of incredible bagels, vegan cakes, and many other homemade delights. The staff here are really on point and super friendly. Plus, the coffee is really great.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Tom Saxon is the co-founder of Batch Coffee Club. He has been working in the specialty-coffee industry for over 10 years throughout the world and in many parts of the supply chain.
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