Here's our list of the five essential cafés that deliver on both taste and unique atmosphere.

Quick Jump Guide

• Bluebell Coffee Roasters (Best for Ethical Sourcing)
• Cult Cafe (Best for House-Made Food)
• Blackbird (Best Brunch)
• Pals Cafe (Best for Work & Good Vibes)
• Los Picos (Best Overall Classic)

Bluebell Coffee Roasters: Ethical Sourcing & Unique Vibe

📍Calle de Buenos Aires, 3

Bluebell is a cornerstone of the Valencian coffee scene, combining local heritage (opening in 2014) with a strong sense of ethics and unique character. Importantly, they are also a roaster under the banner "Coffee Roasted by Women"—a value represented through their team and their commitment to sourcing beans from farms/projects led by women, emphasizing sustainability and good work conditions.

You can purchase their beautifully branded beans online or at the café. They are roasted with precision to extract the best flavor profiles, whether you prefer rich and fuller South American flavors or brighter, fruitier African beans.

The café is a favorite for locals and visitors and features classic Valencian architectural details like Catalan vaulted ceilings and tiled floors. The food is equally a highlight, with a menu that ranges from classics like avocado toast to creative dishes like Asian-inspired baos and pulled pork with kimchi sauce. We highly recommend the Eggs Benedict, which comes with perfectly poached eggs.

• Vibe: Historic Architecture, Busy, Welcoming
• Best For: Ethically Sourced Coffee / Roastery Experience
• Must-Try Food: The Eggs Benedict

Cult Cafe: House-Made Brunch & Local Staple

📍Calle de l'Arquebisbe Mayoral, 7

This family-run café, just five minutes from Plaza Ayuntamiento, has been a specialty coffee and brunch staple for over five years. Everything is made in-house, from the sandwiches to the baked goods, and the baristas are experts. It's a small space with limited seating, but such is the popularity that you'll often see queues out the door. The wait is always worth it for the quality of the food and coffee.

• Vibe: Bustling, Authentic, High-Quality
• Best For: Freshly Baked Goods / Lunch
• Must-Try Food: Anything from their baked goods selection

Blackbird: Best Brunch & Signature Cinnamon Rolls

📍Calle de la Reina Na Maria, 7

This hugely popular café in Russafa is always packed, and for good reason. The food menu favors quality over quantity with exceptional dishes like the Turkish Eggs and Fennel Sausage Sandwich. Everything is made in-house, you can even see the chefs preparing the plates and baked goods in the background.

They exclusively serve coffee beans from Right Side Coffee (Barcelona), and we highly recommend pairing your coffee with one of their signature, freshly baked cinnamon rolls. This place is so good we have to visit every couple of weeks! Sit out on the terrace and enjoy this high-energy spot any day of the week.

• Vibe: Lively, Chef-Driven, Always Busy
• Best For: Specialty Brunch / Patio Seating
• Must-Try Food: The Signature Cinnamon Rolls & Turkish Eggs

Pals cafe: Best for Work & Sunny Weekend Vibes

📍Calle Mestre Palau, 4

A recent entry in the Valencian coffee scene (opening in 2025), Pals brings fresh plates and quality coffee to the neighborhood. This is a weekend favorite for its sunny terrace and great vibes. The front opens up completely to create a seamless indoor/outdoor blend of energy from the clientele and staff, backed by an R&B or hip-hop soundtrack. Big plus: They offer a dedicated work table where you can get creative with your laptop or notepad.

• Vibe: Trendy, Chill R&B Soundtrack, Sunny
• Best For: Remote Work / Weekend Brunch
• Work Feature: Dedicated work table available

Los Picos: Beloved Classic & Tiramisu Destination

📍Plaza de Manuel Granero, 20

One of our absolute favorites and a spot we've been visiting for many years, Los Picos is technically a wine, coffee, and food bar, but they take their coffee very seriously. Expect some of the best pulled espressos here. Pair your drink with a creative seasonal menu that includes some of the tastiest sandwiches. We always order the Tiramisu when visiting, it's a must-try. Located on the corner of a plaza in the heart of Russafa, this is definitely a spot to bring friends, family, and pets to enjoy the local atmosphere with great coffee and food.

• Vibe: Local, Plaza-Corner Spot
• Best For: Espresso, Sandwiches & Dessert
• Must-Try Food: Sandwiches & The Tiramisu (Seriously!)