A visit to a great paella restaurant is more than just a meal — it is a Mediterranean experience that transports you to the sunny shores of Spain. But which dishes should you absolutely not miss? Whether you are discovering Spanish cuisine for the first time or have been a fan of rich rice dishes for years, at Cantina L’Esquina we know better than anyone how to bring Mediterranean flavors to life. In this article, we take you through seven dishes that every visitor to an authentic paella restaurant should try.
What sets a truly great paella restaurant apart
Not every restaurant that lists paella on its menu deserves to call itself a real paella restaurant. The difference lies in the details: fresh ingredients, a good cast-iron pan, the right type of rice, and above all, patience. An authentic paella is cooked slowly over low heat, allowing the rice to fully absorb all the flavors of the broth and the other ingredients.
The so-called socarrat is also an important mark of quality. This is the lightly caramelized crust of rice that forms on the bottom of the pan. A skilled cook knows exactly when the paella is done without letting the crust burn. This requires craftsmanship and experience, and it is precisely this kind of attention to detail that sets an ordinary restaurant apart from a truly great paella restaurant.
1: Classic paella valenciana with chicken and rabbit
Paella valenciana is the original — the mother of all paella dishes. This dish originates from the Valencia region and traditionally contains chicken, rabbit, green beans, and rosemary. The flavor is bold and earthy, with a subtle smokiness that is characteristic of Spanish cuisine.
What distinguishes this dish from modern variations is its purity. There are no unnecessary additions or excessive seasonings. The quality of the meat and the broth determines everything. Saffron gives the rice its characteristic golden-yellow color and a delicate floral aroma.
Paella valenciana is ideal for those trying this dish for the first time and wanting to taste the classic foundation. It is also a perfect choice for anyone who enjoys hearty, meaty flavors without any fuss.
2: Paella de mariscos with fresh seafood
For lovers of the sea, paella de mariscos is an absolute must. This variety is prepared with fresh seafood such as shrimp, mussels, clams, and calamari. The rice absorbs the briny taste of the sea in a way that is hard to match.
The secret to a great paella de mariscos lies in the quality of the broth, which is traditionally made from the shells and heads of the shrimp. This gives the dish a deep, complex flavor that cannot be replicated with a stock cube.
This dish appeals especially to seafood lovers and pairs perfectly with a glass of dry white wine or a cold Estrella Galicia. When ordering, always check whether the seafood is fresh — you will taste the difference immediately.
3: Paella negra with squid ink
Paella negra is perhaps the most striking dish on the menu of any paella restaurant. The rice is dyed jet black by squid ink, giving the dish a dramatic appearance and adding an intense, umami-rich flavor.
Despite its unusual look, the taste is surprisingly approachable. The squid ink adds a deep, slightly salty, and oceanic note without being overwhelming. Pair this dish with a spoonful of aioli for a perfect balance of richness and acidity.
Paella negra is an excellent choice for adventurous diners who want to discover something new. It is also a visually impressive dish that works well at a convivial dinner with friends where everyone orders something different to share.
4: Fideuà as an alternative for those who want a change from rice
Technically, fideuà is not a paella, but it is prepared in the same way and certainly deserves a place on this list. Instead of rice, thin vermicelli-like noodles are used, which absorb all the flavors of the broth just as rice does.
Fideuà originally comes from Gandía, a coastal town in the province of Valencia, and is a popular alternative for those who want to avoid rice or simply try something different. The noodles develop a lightly crispy texture on the outside, similar to the socarrat in paella.
This dish is often prepared with seafood, making it a natural fit for Mediterranean cuisine. It is an ideal choice for groups where not everyone wants a rice dish but still wants to enjoy the same atmosphere and flavors.
5: Tapas and raciones as perfect accompaniments
A visit to a great paella restaurant is only complete once you have explored the tapas and raciones on the menu. These small bites are not only a fun way to start the meal, but also make an excellent complement to a main course.
Think of grilled pimientos de padrón, crispy croquetas filled with jamón or bacalao, or a plate of patatas bravas with a spicy sauce. Raciones are larger portions of the same dishes, meant to be shared at the table. This makes dining social and relaxed — exactly as it should be in Spanish culture.
Tapas are perfectly suited for a casual drinks gathering or as a starter for a group. They invite you to taste, share, and explore, and give you a broad sense of what Mediterranean cuisine has to offer.
6: Vegetarian paella with seasonal vegetables
A great paella restaurant always offers a strong vegetarian option, and the vegetarian paella with seasonal vegetables is proof of that. Artichokes, bell peppers, zucchini, green beans, and tomato are combined with saffron and a rich vegetable broth to create a dish that is every bit as satisfying as its meat-filled counterparts.
The key to a great vegetarian paella is using vegetables that are in season. Fresh, flavorful vegetables give the dish an intensity that frozen or watery vegetables can never match. Roasted bell pepper adds a gentle sweetness, while artichoke provides an earthy depth.
This dish is not only suitable for vegetarians, but also for anyone who is consciously eating less meat or is simply curious about the plant-based side of Spanish cuisine. It proves that Mediterranean food is naturally versatile and wholesome.
7: Crema catalana as the perfect finale
After an extensive paella dinner, your meal deserves a worthy ending, and crema catalana is the perfect candidate. This classic Catalan dessert resembles French crème brûlée but has its own character thanks to the flavors of lemon and cinnamon.
The custard is creamy and light, with a thin layer of caramelized sugar on top that cracks when you break through it with a spoon. For many people, that moment is one of the small pleasures of a great dinner. The combination of warm caramel and cold custard is a classic for good reason.
Crema catalana is the ideal dessert after a rich meal: not too heavy, not too sweet, yet deeply satisfying. It closes a Mediterranean menu in an elegant and traditional way, leaving you with a wonderful feeling.
How to choose the right Mediterranean restaurant in Amsterdam
Amsterdam has many restaurants offering Spanish or Mediterranean dishes, but not every restaurant pays the same attention to quality and authenticity. When choosing a great paella restaurant, there are a few important things to look for:
- Fresh ingredients: A great restaurant works with fresh fish, fresh vegetables, and quality meat. Feel free to ask how the dishes are prepared.
- Atmosphere and interior: A Mediterranean restaurant should have a warm, inviting atmosphere that matches its cuisine.
- Accessibility: Choose a location that is easy to reach, both by public transport and by car.
- Variety on the menu: A strong paella restaurant offers multiple variations, from classic to vegetarian and from tapas to desserts.
- Opening hours: Check whether the restaurant is also open during the day for lunch or an early dinner.
At Cantina L’Esquina, we bring all of these elements together at the welcoming Scheldeplein 2 in Amsterdam South. We are open daily from 12:00 to 01:00 and warmly welcome everyone who loves Mediterranean flavors in a relaxed setting. Whether you stop by for a quick lunch, an extensive dinner, or a casual drink after an event at the RAI Convention Centre, we are here for you. Browse our full menu and plan your visit today.
Veelgestelde vragen
Should I make a reservation in advance at a paella restaurant in Amsterdam?
It is strongly recommended to book ahead, especially on weekends or during busy periods such as events at the RAI Convention Centre. Paella is traditionally prepared in larger pans and requires advance preparation, so a reservation also helps the restaurant have the right quantities of fresh ingredients ready. This way you can be sure there are no surprises and you can enjoy your meal without any worries.
How do I recognize an authentic paella versus a fake one?
An authentic paella is cooked in a wide, shallow cast-iron or steel pan and has a thin layer of rice — never a thick, mushy mass. The most important quality indicator is the socarrat: the lightly crispy, caramelized crust of rice on the bottom of the pan. If the rice is too wet or too thick and there is no socarrat, the paella was most likely not prepared in the traditional way.
Which paella variety is best suited for a first visit to a paella restaurant?
For a first introduction, paella valenciana with chicken and rabbit is the most logical choice, as it is the original recipe and offers the purest flavors. If you prefer seafood, paella de mariscos is an excellent starting point. You might also begin with a few tapas such as patatas bravas or croquetas to fully experience the Spanish dining culture of tasting and sharing.
Can I visit a paella restaurant with a group that has different dietary requirements?
Absolutely — a great paella restaurant offers enough variety for mixed groups. Vegetarians can opt for the vegetarian paella with seasonal vegetables, while meat and seafood lovers order their own variety. The tapas and raciones are also naturally suited to sharing and can easily be adapted to different preferences. Always check with the restaurant about allergens, such as shellfish or gluten in the fideuà.
What is the difference between fideuà and paella, and when should I choose which?
The main difference is the base: paella is made with rice, while fideuà uses thin vermicelli-like noodles. Both dishes are prepared in the same way and absorb the same rich broth flavors. Choose fideuà if you want something different from rice or if someone in your group does not eat rice — the flavor experience is comparable, but the texture of the crispy noodles gives the dish its own distinct character.
Which drinks pair best with a paella meal?
A dry white wine or a cold Estrella Galicia pairs excellently with paella de mariscos or paella negra, as the fresh acidity beautifully balances the briny sea flavors. With a paella valenciana with meat, you can also opt for a light Spanish red wine such as a Garnacha. For a non-alcoholic option, a good glass of lemonade with lemon or a gazpacho as an aperitif is a refreshing choice that fits perfectly with the Mediterranean atmosphere.
Is a paella restaurant also suitable for a business lunch or group event?
Yes, a Mediterranean paella restaurant lends itself wonderfully to both business lunches and group dinners, as sharing food creates a relaxed and social atmosphere. Large pans of paella are ideal for sharing at the table, which sparks conversation and makes the experience truly special. For larger groups or special occasions, contact the restaurant in advance to ask about group arrangements or reservation options.
