A celebrated restaurant in El Palmar village within Albufera Natural Park, known for its authentic all-i-pebre (eel stew) and traditional Valencian rice dishes using locally grown rice.
Nou Raco is a celebrated restaurant in El Palmar, the small village at the heart of the Albufera Natural Park south of Valencia. El Palmar is the spiritual home of several of Valencia's most traditional rice dishes, and Nou Raco is among the village's most respected kitchens. The restaurant is known above all for two dishes: all-i-pebre, the ancient Valencian eel stew made with garlic, paprika, and local potatoes, and traditional Paella Valenciana cooked with rice grown in the surrounding Albufera fields. The location is inseparable from the flavour — Albufera rice absorbs the lacustrine minerals of the lagoon soil, producing a grain distinct from any other, and the eels that go into all-i-pebre come from the same waters that surround the village. The dining room is unpretentious and family-run in character, with a warm, local atmosphere. Beyond the rice and eel, the menu extends to arroz con pato (duck rice), arroz al horno (oven-baked rice), and seasonal game preparations. A visit to Nou Raco is most rewarding when combined with a boat trip on the Albufera lagoon and a walk among the rice fields, making El Palmar a natural half-day excursion from Valencia city — approximately 12 kilometres south on the road that skirts the lagoon.
Good to know
- Reservations
- Recommended
Location
C/ del Palmar, 14, 46012 El Palmar
Highlights
- All-i-pebre (eel and potato stew) using Albufera eels — one of the great Valencian heritage dishes
- Paella Valenciana made with rice grown in surrounding Albufera fields
- Location in El Palmar village at the heart of Albufera Natural Park
- Arroz con pato (duck rice) and arroz al horno for seasonal variety
- Natural pairing with an Albufera boat trip for a half-day Valencia excursion
Tips for visiting
- Combine lunch at Nou Raco with a morning boat tour on the Albufera lagoon — tours depart from the village dock.
- All-i-pebre is an acquired taste — earthy and pungent; ask for a small serving if trying for the first time.
- El Palmar is around 12 km from Valencia; a car or a taxi from the city is the most practical way to reach it.
- Rice dishes take 20–25 minutes from ordering — avoid rushing and let the kitchen work.
- Weekend lunches can be busy; a midweek visit gives a quieter, more relaxed experience.
Accessibility
Nou Raco is in a low-rise village building with street-level entry. The dining room is on one level and generally accessible for wheelchair users, though El Palmar's uneven village lanes may require care. Guests with specific requirements should contact the restaurant ahead of their visit.
Frequently asked questions
What is all-i-pebre and why is El Palmar significant for it?
All-i-pebre is a traditional Valencian stew of eel, garlic, paprika, and potatoes, cooked slowly in a clay pot. El Palmar is significant because the eels come directly from the Albufera lagoon surrounding the village, making this the most authentic place to eat the dish.
How do visitors reach El Palmar from Valencia?
The easiest options are a hire car or a taxi. El Palmar is approximately 12 km south of Valencia along the Albufera lakeside road. Guided excursions from the city also typically include a stop in the village.
Is Nou Raco family-friendly?
Yes. Like most Valencian lunch restaurants, it accommodates families comfortably. The environment is informal and the rice dishes are suitable for all ages.
Is rice grown right in El Palmar?
Yes. The Albufera Natural Park contains active rice paddies that supply local restaurants directly. The rice, grown in mineral-rich lagoon soil, has a distinct texture and flavour prized by Valencian cooks.