Bay Backner portrait

Valencia

The Little Black Book of Valencia by Bay Backner

Best Restaurant & Why?

Restaurante Bodega Bar Flor in Carrer Marti Grajales. Open in the same location since 1893 in El Cabanyal, Valencia’s traditional barrio of tiled fisherman’s houses. A daily menu of Valencian family cooking.

Favourite Bar & Why?

Two bars in Russafa, Valencia’s art neighbourhood: Slaughterhouse Food & Books in Carrer de Dénia and La Bella de Cadiz in Carrer de Cadiz. Slaughterhouse is lined with books I want to read, La Bella de Cadiz is filled with vintage treasure.

Name an Area of Valencia you Love?

My neighbourhood, Ayora

Name one Gallery you always go to in Valencia?

Centre del Carme Cultural Contemporania (CCCC) – Valencia´s contemporary gallery in a former convent, with cloisters, a bell tower and thrilling art curation.

Favourite Boutique/Shop?

The vintage clothes market which fills the streets of El Cabanyal on Thursday mornings, from around 10am until 1pm. 

Where can you be found on a Saturday night?

Saturday evening is family night in Valencia, so gathered around a table with putxero (stew), arroz el horno (baked rice) or paella.

It’s Sunday in Valencia

A morning in the old town to see the latest show at CCCC, walking under tiled balconies and eating empanadas from the bakery on Carrer Roteros.

Where do you go for some peace and quiet

We drive out to the mountains, to the caves and waterfalls near Yatova

View artwork by Bay Backner