Baguio’s Valencia’s Restaurant: A Spanish Experience with Filipino Hospitality

For many years that I’ve been visiting and staying in Baguio City, I’ve come to the point that I enjoy the City of Pines more during the rainy season. Less crowded, colder weather, and I find it more calming – bed weather, as they say. But of course, more than just staying in a cozy hotel room, what better way to enjoy the weather than by filling those tummies with sumptuous and heartwarming meals that add color to our eyes and warmth to our stomachs.

During my recent visit to the City, I discovered a place that offers not just a cozy and homey ambiance, but also a heartwarming and comforting cuisine familiar to the Filipino palate. Valencia’s Restaurant, with three years of operation now, takes pride as Baguio City’s ‘Home of Paella’ - offering different variations of one of Spain’s famous dishes and a whole lot more.

“It feels like a destined opportunity for us, because not only is our family name Valencia, but we also started as rice millers from Bulacan. With paella originating from the Valencian Community in Spain, it feels like we’re on the right path combining our business, our name, and our love of the Spanish cuisine,” shares Mr. Richard Valencia, owner and general manager of Valencia’s Restaurant.

A Fusion Made to Fill our Hearts and Bodies
Upon entry at Valencia’s Restaurant, you’ll be welcomed by that familiar, cozy vibe reminiscent of a grandparent’s house. Cold yet cozy, old yet homey. Surrounded by pine trees and offering indoor and al fresco dining areas, Valencia’s Restaurant is strategically located along Outlook Drive in Baguio City, just a few minutes away from The Baguio Mansion and Wright Park.

A comfy nook that welcomes everyone with a counter of bread, pastries, and even the rice they sell in the market, Valencia’s Restaurant has a delightful menu list offering a wide range of dishes from Spanish, Italian, and Filipino. With paella as their specialty, a group of friends or family can indulge in their mouthwatering offerings that come in large sizes.

Bruschetta (PHP280)

For starters, enjoy a fresh and crunchy Bruschetta (PHP280), made with fresh cherry tomatoes, basil, onion, and balsamic vinaigrette on top of sliced, toasted baguette bread. With ingredients all fresh and sourced from Baguio City and nearby provinces, this fresh start will set your appetite for a good indulgence. Other starter that you can choose from include their homemade pork chicharron or Inantala (PHP345) or Taro Nachos, which is Valencia’s version of nachos.

Bangus Ala Pobre (PHP590)

Pescado Agridulce (PHP1,299/medium size)

For a vegetable option, Valencia’s Eight Treasure Stir-fry (PHP485) offers a delectable combination of crispy noodles topped with bokchoy, bell peppers, fried tofu, snow beans, carrots, and shitake mushrooms. While these are not yet the highlight of my visit, one may also enjoy my favorites - Bangus Ala Pobre (PHP590) and Pescado Agridulce (PHP1,299/medium size). A delectable fish dish that comes so colorful and appetizing, I can’t help but savor every bite. Bangus ala Pobre is a fried open-face milk fish with sautéed onion and tomatoes, topped with garlic oil. Valencia’s special Pescado Agridulce or Sweet and Sour Lapu-lapu is “sarap to the bones,” offering a nice balance of sweet and tangy sauce. You may have it as it is, but I guarantee you that you’ll enjoy this more with their soft, moist, and pillowy steamed rice, which Valencia takes pride in as well.

USDA Ribeye Steak (PHP2,398.40)

Another popular special that we enjoyed and devoured is their USDA Ribeye Steak (PHP2,398.40), which comes with corn cobs, mixed vegetables, mashed potatoes, side salad, and Valencia’s special gravy. A perfect group-gatherer, this ultimate dish can be good for four to five people, depending on the appetite.

Baguio's Home of Paella
For their ultimate Spanish offerings, under the supervision of Chef Manny De Leon, Valencia’s Restaurant offers exquisite Spanish dishes that are suited to Pinoy taste.

The Callos Madrellenia (PHP649) shares meaty ox tripe stew with chorizo, chick peas, and flavorful sausage with fried banana on the side. Perfectly paired with red wine, this dish brings you to the shore of Spain without challenging your palette and pocket. Complementing this initial dish is Pasta ala Valenciana (PHP589), Creamy Spinach Pizza (PHP730), and Valencia’s Signature Pizza (PHP760), which are made for sharing.

Pasta ala Valenciana (PHP589)

Creamy Spinach Pizza (PHP730)

Valencia’s Signature Pizza (PHP760)

Above all else, if you are visiting Valencia’s Restaurant – especially for the first time, like us – you must not miss the amazing selection of their signature paella dishes that are not just perfect for sharing, but are set to bring you to an experience you would love to try again and again. Good for 2 to 3 pax, each serving is made delicately to take their guests to a Spanish experience right at the heart of the Philippines’ Summer Capital.

Arroz con Pollo (PHP849)

Paella Valenciana (PHP985)

Paella e’Porchetta (PHP995)

Paella de Marisco (PHP1,150)

Paella Negra (PHP1,150) 

If you wish to savor a subtle yet impactful paella dish, Valencia’s version of Arroz con Pollo (PHP849) or chicken paella comes with tender and flavorful chicken thighs over fragrant rice with aromatic seasonings. For a more comforting version, their Paella Valenciana (PHP985) is the restaurant’s signature creation, which is made of shrimp, chicken, and chorizo de bilbao over fresh vegetable produce in rich-flavored rice. A perfect combination of crunch and tasty dish, their Paella e’Porchetta (PHP995), which is considered a classic paella dish, comes with rolled oven-bake pork with stuffing that you will surely love. For some seafood experience, the Paella de Marisco (PHP1,150) comes with fresh shrimp, mussels, squid, and salmon strips served over fresh vegetables in rich-flavored rice. Lastly, for that ultimate and flavorful experience, the Paella Negra (PHP1,150) or Arroz Negro is made simply with rice, squid, squid ink, and locally known as Lapu-Lapu. Vegetarians can find comfort as well from their Paella Ala Benguet, which comes with a selection of fresh vegetables including broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, tomatoes, and French beans, in rich-flavored rice.

More to Come
Quenching all those wonderful dishes, Valencia’s Restaurant offers a nice place for coffee and pastry as well, and at night can be a good hangout place through their amazing concoctions, mocktails, and cocktails.

Refrescante de Fresa (PHP228), Strawberry and Orange (PHP208), and Cucumber Minty Lime (PHP198)

Among the latest treats that we got to enjoy are Refrescante de Fresa (PHP228), Strawberry and Orange (PHP208), and Cucumber Minty Lime (PHP198). As colorful as they are, these drinks offer a refreshing take on modern drinks that colorfully match the dishes that we had.
Valencia’s Restaurant, popular among locals as a venue for special events and occasions, is celebrating its third year by offering free use of the venue until the end of August.

Valencia’s Restaurant is located at 30 Outlook Dr S, Baguio, Benguet. To contact or make reservations, you may connect with us through Facebook and Instagram.