Due to having too much content, I’ve made other El Mercat posts for La Lonja, Mercado Central and Other Stuff to See. My map is here.
The handiest place for tapas after visiting La Lonja is Escalones de la Lonja (Elementary B+) at 3 Calle Pere Compte, www.facebook.com. I can recommend their anchovies (B+)…
…and their croquetas (B).
Tasca Angel (Elementary B+) at 1 Carrer de la Puríssima, is a classic (since 1946) stand-up tapas bar just around the corner from La Lonja. It’s a tiny place and always full to bursting, so they appreciate it if you keep reusing your glasses. We tried the All i Pebre (chunks of eel in a garlic and pepper sauce) and while it was a good example of this dish, I’m still not a fan of eel (B-). The sardines and brochettes here are good though.
The famous La Pilareta aka Bar Pilar (Intermediate B+) at 13 Calle del Moro Zeit, is considered by many to be the best place in town to have Clochinas (Valencian Mussels). Clochinas are smaller and more yellow in colour than normal mussels and have more flavour. Both are on the menu so you can compare. I had them ‘al Vapor’ (steamed and served in a broth of, I think, garlic, bay leaves. black pepper and paprika) and they were great (B+).
The Calamari, fried in a very delicate batter were excellent as well, some of the best I’ve ever had (A).
The old chap in the pictures is showing us the gas powered machine that was used to refrigerate food in the old days.
Tyris On Tap (Intermediate B+), 6 Calle Taula de Canvis
This is a craft beer pub in a quiet square a little away from the market. The service is friendly and their home brewed Tyris beer is pretty decent (B+) for €4.50 a pint.
They have a small food menu as well and as I was bit peckish but not in the mood for a full meal, I tried something from their hot dog section.
The Campero is a sizable local sausage that comes with fried onion and hefty slabs of tasty pickled gherkin in a good bread bun. It’s messy but hits the spot (B+) and wasn’t too pricey at €8.50.
I visited in May 2017.