Arrocería Maribel

The story

Arrocería Maribel, El Palmar: Bib Gourmand Valencian Rice Specialists

The Setting

In the heart of El Palmar, within the Albufera Natural Park of Valencia, Arrocería Maribel sits alongside a quiet canal. The terrace places guests at the water’s edge, with boats drifting past and the park’s wetlands stretching out beyond. The dining room, renovated in 2017, opens onto the same view, keeping the connection to the landscape immediate.

The Cuisine

Chef Maria Jose Estevens and her team focus on what this region does best: rice. The kitchen works from traditional Valencian recipes, updating them with modern techniques and light international touches while keeping local, seasonal produce at the centre. The menu changes with the seasons, and dishes such as sepia playa with a pine nut and baby broad bean vinaigrette show the kitchen’s precision. Two tasting menus are available – the Menú Degustación D.O. Albufera de Valencia (42€) and the Gran Menú D.O. Albufera de Valencia (75€) – both designed to showcase the depth of Valencian rice cooking.

The Recognition

In 2026, Michelin awarded Arrocería Maribel a Bib Gourmand, a distinction given for good quality, good value cooking. The restaurant is also recommended by Guía Repsol and Guía Macarfi, and has been named among the best paella restaurants in Valencia. The team’s commitment to sustainable, daily-made cooking and their use of Denomination of Origin produce from the Albufera have earned these honours year after year.

The Experience

Lunch is the only service, and the restaurant asks guests to order their paella or rice dish when making a reservation – a sign of the care taken in sourcing and preparation. The atmosphere is relaxed, unhurried, with the rhythm of the park outside. A private, free parking lot is available for diners.