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    Valencia Cocina

    4.1 (1.4k reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Valencia Cocina Photos

    VALENCIA COCINA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Spicy shrimp
    Michael T.

    I love the vibe and energy of this restaurant. People always seem happy there. The food is a good departure from the average food found in this area. And the servers are very down to earth.

    New menu!
    Mary B.

    We stopped in for Happy Hour that no longer exist. Apparently new management, and bartender with an attitude. Asked for minimal ice in my margarita, he questioned me and could see him annoyed at me when I'm paying for a $13 drink. What I received was a glass 1/4 full with ice cube. Sorry hard time adjusting menus. To add insult he gave us someone else's check to sign using our credit card. When I caught it he simply ignored it without apologizing for the error. Frankly, last time here.

    Mocktail & Cocktail

    Although we'll miss the casual informality of Valencia Luncheria, Valencia Cocina (the newly reopened Valencia Luncheria) is a wonderful place for a delicious dinner. We tried it out during their first week after they changed to a more upscale type of dining experience. Our tastebuds were not disappointed! To start I had a mocktail (I can't remember the name) which was made with juniper and honey. Delicious complex flavor...not just fruit juice with grenadine! There were four mocktails to choose from and each sounded interesting. My husband's cocktail was enjoyed as well. We shared two appetizers: Street corn (Wood Fire Corn, Elote Crema, Cotija Cheese, Tajin, Lime) and Butternut Squash (Roasted, Verde Crema, Pepitas, Pomegranate Molasses) Both were flavorful and interesting. Definitely will enjoy again! For entrees: I had the Cauliflower Steak with Romesco Sauce, Toasted Almonds, Raisin Agrodolce. This was really not a steak but, rather, an entire head of cauliflower presented quite dramatically! Luscious, rich flavor! Quite a memorable vegetarian entree! My husband enjoyed the Short Rib (Asado Negro) served with a Cacao & Panela Glaze, Creamy Yuca Potato Mash, Crispy Shallots. He said it was prepared perfectly, melt-in-your-mouth, succulent meat that was a real treat! Service was attentive and timed well. We didn't feel rushed at all, nor did we feel overlooked. Decor is changed to be a bit fancier and music was low enough for easy conversation. All in all a really wonderful meal! And, as a vegetarian, I was really pleased that quite a number of the appetizers as well as the cauliflower entree were all suitable for vegetarians. We'll return to try more! Warning to avoid disappointment: Don't expect Valencia Luncheria prices. Valencia Cocina is a nice evening out type of meal rather than your local arepa joint and the prices reflect that. But the prices are fair for the type of meal they are serving and the excellent service. I'm looking forward to their resuming brunch and I'm really hoping they will include El Lado Sur, my favorite from the Luncheria brunch menu, or other creative vegetarian brunch items.

    Maricaibo quesadilla
    Atnier R.

    Still like it as a place to come often for good food at good prices but the Maricaibo Quesadilla this time was far too oily and did not settle well. We will not be ordering it anymore. The bahn mi is still good, mainly because of those mango slices freshening up.

    Urszula P.

    This a great local place with amazing food and drinks. I recently discovered it via a recommendation. My first visit was a brunch special (eggs Benny with real bacon and avocado) and two cocktails. I met some locals who gave me a few extra recos in the area. My second visit was a sunny fall day so we could eat outside. It was really a pleasure to introduce this place and arepas to my mom. Delicious food and cocktails. Service is always friendly and responsive, too.

    Bar Area

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    Page 1 of 35

    Valencia Cocina Reviews in Other Languages

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    Lazy Sister

    Lazy Sister

    4.3(118 reviews)
    1.9 mi

    Talk about last minute birthday decisions! So last year on my birthday I had a friend order…read moretakeout and we had it at their house. This year for my 35th, I was on my own for dinner this time around. That being said, I think I found a winner here to celebrate my 35th birthday. Say hello to Lazy Sister, located in the heart of South Norwalk where the restaurant scene comes alive! Because I was a single coming in, I was seated right away, no reservation needed. They were even kind enough to place my bag in the atrium so that I wouldn't have it in the way. I was seated at a table set for two, but it's a good thing I guess that I came on my own. First thing I notice upon coming in is that it is a very classy restaurant, not your typical dim sum joint. It's also not a big space, but that's fine by me. Honestly, this would make a great date night spot for anyone going out on a date. Funny enough, I was actually suggested this place by my friend the night I went to Jacob's Pickles. For reasons I am about to get to, I am glad I decided not to come here until a later date. So why would I say that? Well, because tonight, my order consisted of two Junmai Genshu "Little Sumo" sakes as well as the Salt & Pepper Calamari, a medium level Dry Fry Style Szechuan Chicken, and then the Fortune Cookie Soft Serve for dessert. Not only did I pay more here, but I also got more inebriated here than I did at Jacob's Pickles. But it's my birthday, so tonight it's not in my contract to care. You only live once, and I am already in like the middle of my life, so it all evens out, right? Speaking of the food, everything I ate was immaculate! The calamari was seasoned perfectly, vegetables were cooked and crisp, the spice from that Szechuan didn't overpower. It was more like a pleasant tingle, especially when mixed with water or sake. Everything was done just right. And that soft serve cooled me down in just the right way. Delicious and well worth finishing off the night! And while there were other drinks that definitely looked good, I couldn't say no to sake. That's like THE ultimate celebratory drink far as I'm concerned, and it was awesome! If you were wondering about the service, these people are quite friendly. They help you through anything you might need. While I waited a while to tell them, I did eventually tell my waitress it was birthday while I was on dessert. Cool enough, we are both Tauri! I love it when I get to talk to another Taurus! :) The bill was also why I am glad I waited for another occasion to come here. Because I decided to splurge, the affair was about $100 once tip was factored in. It was well worth it, and tonight's outing will definitely make for a fun story to tell. But 34 was a hard year. I deserve to let loose every now and then, and hopefully 35 will be a happier age. All in all, a great restaurant and well worth the money to come here.

    Has amazing potential! Went twice and had two very different experiences. Night one I sat at the…read morebar and ordered the lychee cocktail and it was delicious. The bartender was knowledgeable and I trusted him with recommendations. We ordered egg rolls and the wontons in chili oil. Everything was tasty, wish the chili oil was more spicy but the flavor was amazing. Day two I sat at a table and ordered the cherry cola, veggie lo mien, and crispy beef. My friends ordered the spring rolls, sesame chicken, and chicken and broccoli. The server accidentally put in a plain lo mien but it was quickly fixed. Both were tasty but it was better with veggies. All entrees were okay. It's your typical local American Chinese food cuisine and I didn't taste or see any difference to it? It did taste a bit more fresh but I wouldn't order again. Overall, the service was good and the ambiance is nice. I prefer this place as a restaurant for yummy drinks and apps before dinner or after work.

    Photos
    Lazy Sister - Interior

    Interior

    Lazy Sister - Dan Dan noodle

    Dan Dan noodle

    Lazy Sister - Delicious dumplings six per order

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    Delicious dumplings six per order

    Troupe429 - Bar games and drag queen at Troupe429

    Troupe429

    4.8(55 reviews)
    0.7 mi
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    I've been a Trouper for the past four years, ever since moving to Connecticut, and it's truly a…read morespecial place. With gay bars rapidly disappearing across America, Troupe stands out as a vibrant hub in the Fairfield County LGBTQ+ scene. The owners pour their heart and soul into every aspect of the bar including the programming, music, and atmosphere, and it really shows. The bartenders are warm, welcoming, and genuinely seem to love what they do. From drag shows and burlesque performances to seasonal drink specials, themed parties, and go-go shows, there's always something happening. Troupe quickly became my go-to spot after discovering it one week into living in CT and I'm so grateful for its existence. Huge shoutout to Casey and Nicholas for the love and tireless work they put into making Troupe429 what it is today--and of course to Johnny, who mixes the meanest elderflower gin and tonic in town.

    My fiancée (soon to be wife) and I absolutely love this bar. We feel not only safe but loved there…read moreas a lesbian couple! We make a point to go to Troupe every time we are in town. We are from Boston. It is basically the LGBTQ+ Cheers! It feels like home but the Queer flair we love. Don't get me started on how amazing every night is whether it is a Drag Show, Lesbian Night or Karaoke! This truly is life!

    Photos
    Troupe429 - Seasonal espresso martini with bar Christmas decor.

    Seasonal espresso martini with bar Christmas decor.

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    Jesus

    Troupe429 - Summer Haze is the host of a Drag Queen show at Troupe429 Thursday nights

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    Summer Haze is the host of a Drag Queen show at Troupe429 Thursday nights

    Ayahuasca Peruvian Kitchen

    Ayahuasca Peruvian Kitchen

    4.6(44 reviews)
    1.8 mi

    Great location in the heart of South Norwalk…read more Plenty of street parking, as well as a parking lot behind the building a 4-5 minute walk. I was pleasantly surprised with how affordable this food is! Lots of tapas available and decent sizes. I would even say even al the tapas are a tad bigger than other tapas places. If you do decide to give this place a try, I definitely recommend the Ceviche, fresh and perfect for the summer. They also have a variety of empanadas ham and cheese, chorizo, beef...etc. Make sure to pair it with a pineapple mojito. YUM! Great service. Very clean and we even had a chance to meet the chef.

    I entheusiastically recommend Ayahuasca on 46 North Main, a block off Washington where you can park…read moreeasily in the city parking in the back, where SoNo Cinema was years ago. The food is well presented (usually brought to your table by Raul, the chef/owner), delicious, very reasonable and eclectic. The arepas are amazing, the paella is good, as is the ceviche, tacos, stews and more. Unfortunately the place is struggling admits Raul, who bought the restaurant from the former owner. Raul is Ecuadorian and now his server is Alvaro, a polite, very personable fellow who just turned 21 the night I ate there. I was there for dinner with friends the previous Friday and went back for Thursday, all evening, tapas happy hour which was extensive and excellent; but don't just go for the inexpensive tapas which (will set you back a whole $20), go for a great date night any time, the menu is amazing. You will be happy you went! Please go, I selfishly want them to thrive but as they deserve to. Like them on instagram and you will get a free shot of tequila. See less -- at Ayahuasca Peruvian Kitchen. https://www.instagram.com/ayahuasca.norwalk?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

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    Ayahuasca Peruvian Kitchen
    Ayahuasca Peruvian Kitchen

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    Greer Southern Table - Really awesome crispy wings with a ranch sauce

    Greer Southern Table

    4.6(189 reviews)
    0.6 mi

    I tried Greer's Famous Buttermilk Fried Chicken 4 pieces, 1 each of breast, thigh, wing, and…read moredrumstick, cornbread and sorghum honey butter, cole slaw, and I chose mac & cheese as my side. The chicken was the highlight, crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and really well seasoned. You can tell it was freshly made. The cornbread was also really good, soft, warm, slightly sweet, and even better with the sorghum honey butter. The mac & cheese was great. it was rich, creamy, and felt homemade in the best way. I'm not usually a fan of cole slaw, and this one was a bit watery, I should have asked if I could swap it out. The desserts were a highlight too, the peach empanada was nice and warm, buttery, paired perfectly with the ice cream and icing, and the banana pudding was smooth, classic, and comforting with the nilla wafer crumble and fresh banana. Even my starter arugula lemon vinaigrette salad was delicious. Service was excellent and attentive, and the ambiance is definitely upscale and stylish. Overall, it's on the pricier side, but that feels expected for the quality and setting.

    This review is based on my personal experience on May 10, 2026 (Mother's Day)…read more Top shelf Bloody Mary, best ever Deviled Eggs, and the Fried Chicken brought a tear to the Colonel's eye. The dining room at the new location is fantastic. Open and bright. Much better than the older location down by the aquarium, which is now a new Jamaican restaurant. The place was crazy busy for Mother's Day. We arrived early, but the kitchen was instantly overwhelmed. It took over an hour to get our entrees. Not really all so bad since we got to spend extra time with our dear mother, and the food was exceptional when it finally arrived. I recommend going at a time that isn't quite so busy for a better experience.

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    Greer Southern Table - Inside entry

    Inside entry

    Greer Southern Table - Miso and bacon mussels

    Miso and bacon mussels

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    Fried green tomatoes

    Valencia Cocina - latin - Updated May 2026

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