What and where to eat in Valencia (or sightseeing)

We had a wonderful and surprising meal at Seu Xerea when we were in Valencia last fall. The food was Mediterranean and Asian fusion. There were multiple tasting menus at different price points. The food and service were both excellent. The restaurant, however, was surprisingly quiet, which may have been because we went midweek in an off-peak time of year. We would happily return again.

http://www.seuxerea.com/

Don't miss the Mercat Central, Valencia's great central market, open daily (exc. Sun.), an architectural beauty as well as a magnificent display of everything that's in season. The seafood alone is worth the trip. As for restaurants, of course you'll want to try paella, since this is the home of that often misunderstood dish. Along the beach front there are a series of shacks that do nothing else--paella, arroz negra, arroz abanda, etc. And down along the shores of the great lake where rice is grown, the Albufera. Follow your nose and your best instincts and you won't go wrong.