1. East Crema

While this list is not in chronological order by any means, East Crema could actually be marked as one of my absolute favourite coffee places in Valencia.

Now dotted throughout most of the major cities in Spain, the intriguing story of East Crema originated after an exciting trip to Tokyo, where Alberto and … of East Crema rediscovered their love for speciality coffee and developed a burning passion to learn everything about it before heading back to Spain.

Marked by the simplicity and quality of Japan’s renowned coffee culture, East Crema has become one of the most trendy coffee hotspots in Valencia, and the distinctive aromas of their coffee have quickly conquered the hearts of many.

The reason for this is that they’re sourcing their beans from the world’s most famous coffee-producing countries; Kenya, Ethiopia, Colombia and Peru, which translates into extremely good coffee and having one here will definitely scratch your caffeine itch.

While I mostly go here for a quick takeaway coffee, East Crema also has a small minimalism-style sitting area for those who need a short break from their daily hustle and bustle.

2. News & Coffee

Conceptionally in a league of its own, this kiosk-style cafe brings the joy of freshly printed newspapers, arty magazines and top-notch coffee together in an authentic yet modern way.

As an enthusiast for the artistic side of life myself, News & Coffee instantly piqued my interest when I stumbled upon them, as they display plenty of indie magazines that make my creative heart tick.

Think Kinfolk, Open House, SOLO magazine, Thrasher Magazine and heaps of other inspiring and well-curated reads that will get you gushing with creative ideas and inspiration.

While it is unique and bloody awesome if you ask me, it is not solely the magazines and newspapers that make News & Coffee one of the best cafes in Valencia.

No, they serve seriously good coffee, have a super friendly team of creative like-minded people, offer top-notch service and have an immaculate hipster-ish and artistic ambience.

Situated on the intimate Plaza del Doctor Collado, right after the famous Mercat Central and La Lonja de la Seda de Valencia, this trendy coffee joint is an absolute must-visit for every coffee aficionado spending time in Valencia.

3. The Coffee

The first coffee place I discovered when arriving in Valencia, the Coffee has somewhat been my second home during the summer of ‘23. 

Originated in Brazil, and inspired by Japan’s emerging world of speciality coffee, the Coffee is a truly exceptional franchise with coffee shops established in Brazil, Spain, Portugal, Bangkok, and Dubai to name but a few.

It’s a place where the complexity & rich aromas of coffee and the minimalism & simplicity found in Japan come together in a pure and sophisticated manner.

Given Valencia is sizzling hot during the peak summer months, the Coffee is my favourite place to go for a caffeine fix on a hot summer’s day, as they serve great iced options.

My go-to options here are the Pure Black, The Coffee’s version of espresso, a True White, a classic Flat White, and my absolute favourite; the Iced Vanilla, a cold double-shot latte with vanilla and a hint of chocolate, which to me, is the perfect refreshment when the heat is up.

It is also the place where I came to the hard realisation that espresso with tonic is not made for human consumption – sorry, but not sorry to my Scandinavian readers.

All of this is thanks to my friend Reeju, who worked here as a barista before venturing on her entrepreneurial journey at Karma Cafe – make sure you give that a visit too!

4. Syra Coffee

Popping up at just about every corner in the centre of Valencia (they now have 4 cafes in Valencia), Syra has become somewhat of an institution in the evolving Valencian coffee scene.

It’s the perfect stop for a quick caffeine fix, as there are only a few options on the menu, making it a straightforward, fast and extremely pleasant experience.

Of course, we all fancy artisanal and innovative options from time to time, yet on most days a classic speciality brew is all we’re craving for – this is where Syra should come into play.   

You see, Syra is more of a daily driver, with all the classic options on offer, as well as a few iced options for days when the temperature soars above the 30-degree mark – which happens quite often here in Valencia.

Prepared by the most friendly staff that are poured with all the knowledge to serve you the perfect brew, I believe you simply can’t go wrong at Syra Coffee. 

Options on offer include Espresso, Cortado, Americano, and Latte, as well as a few excellent pastries and fresh bakes – basically all the good stuff that starts off your engine.

5. Café De Camilo

After all the speciality coffee hotspots, I believe it is more than fair to add a bit of a local touch.

Located in the lively streets of Ciutat Vella, Cafe de Camilo is a small, cosy coffee bar, favoured among the Valencian locals.

With a well-curated selection of beans of Arabic origin on offer; think Brazilian, Nicaraguan, Colombian, Costa Rican and of course Ethiopian, you immediately notice that Cafe de Camilo takes the process of brewing your favourite beverage pretty seriously.

They also aim to serve coffee from a different bean just about every day of the week, which will be displayed on a handwritten pavement sign creatively.

While the coffee is rich and full of flavour and complexity, it’s the lively and authentic ambience found here that charms and captivates me time and time again. 

While you’re enjoying your morning coffee standing at a cosy bar, around you, the local ‘ancianos’ take in the news of the day, vendors open up stores, and the daily hustle and bustle slowly start moving – it doesn’t get any more local than this.

Another thing worth noting is the fact that Cafe de Camilo is criminally cheap for the quality that it puts to the table, which adds to the overall reputation of this incredible Valencian coffee bar.

6. Ikore Coffee Market

When I noticed baby Yoda enjoying a cup of brew behind the counter, I thought it was safe to say that the coffee at Ikore was approved – this was also the moment when his powerful connection with the force suddenly started to make sense

Oke, jokes aside; at Ikore Kofi they’re approaching coffee the right way! 

Situated in the heart of Valencia, this impressive cafe doubles as a young, yet innovative micro roastery that roasts coffee in small batches, with a dedicated focus on its ingredients.

As a result, Ikore serves seriously good coffee with rich and dense profiles, where sweetness, acidity, and aromas come together in an utterly delicious fashion.

They also put a significant emphasis on supporting ethical coffee practices, meaning they value fair trade and aim to help coffee farmers, which makes Ikore even more awesome.