Dining in Alicante
From cozy bodegas to Michelin-star restaurants, Costa Blanca is a perfect spot for a gourmet break. Even though this southern region has long been gastronomically gifted, Alicante is quietly becoming one of Spain's culinary hotspots.
Paella hails from the region north of Alicante, near Valencia, and the culinary riches of the Mediterranean are right at home in this quaint coastal city.
Saffron-spiked rice dishes, local squid, and turron made from local honey and almonds are all worth trying in this sun-drenched city on Spain's southeast coast.
Eating out in Alicante
If you're looking for the best places to eat in Alicante, head to the historic quarter, the area around the harbor, El Postiguet Beach, the Explanada, and the cathedral.
Here you'll find the highest concentration of pubs and restaurants where you can go tapas bar hopping or enjoy a pre-meal drink and snack, as well as have lunch or dinner before whiling away your afternoon or evening.
Many of the eateries in this area also come with the added bonus of some truly spectacular views of the Mediterranean.
Top restaurants in Alicante
Alicante's restaurants cover everything, whether you're yearning for classic tapas or superb Italian cuisine. Here are some of Alicante's top restaurants.
La Taberna del Gourmet
Tapas are the big draw of La Taberna del Gourmet, but the tavern also offers a separate area with tables for people who want to eat from the full menu. As this is a vegetable-centric region, try the skillet veggies, fried baby artichokes, and asparagus with romesco sauce.
Dársena
Eating at a restaurant in the port area is a terrific way to round off a day at the beach. Dársena's specialty is rice. Begin with the Alicantinos appetizers, which include cod fritters, squid, and shrimp. After that, try the banda rice with fish broth, shrimp, and squid, or gamba roja (red shrimp).
Nou Manolin
A typical Alicante gourmet experience includes a spacious bar stocked with delicious food and a kitchen that interacts so closely with the bar that the bartenders appear to be chefs. Nou Manolin and its new sister restaurant/tapas bar, Piripi, are two excellent examples. Try the huevos rotos or, for a more traditional Alicante experience, select from three types of rice dishes: creamy, soupy and dry.
Tribeca Music Bar
If you're looking for a low-cost dining choice in Alicante, go to Tribeca, which is located near the gorgeous Explanada d'Espanya. Tribeca Music Bar features a pleasant ambiance, excellent music, and some of the greatest burgers in town. This place is definitely worth a visit, with a rich tradition dating back over 40 years. Great wines and beverages, as well as a large range of sandwiches, are available here.
Street food in Alicante
The Central Market, where numerous vendors have bars where you can sample the finest local goods, is one of the greatest options for eating well and on a budget in Alicante.
If you're in the mood for a Hot Dog, La Folie Hot Dog is definitely the best place to try in Alicante. Try the Frida Kahlo hot dog for a Mexican twist or go with the Joker for a truly American experience.
Head to Churrera Santa Faz because churros are always a good idea, especially when they come with a large pot of warm chocolate sauce.
Foodie tips in Alicante
- Try some of the region's best wines at Bernardino. The region of Alicante is proud of its winemaking heritage. In Parcent, north of the city, Bodegas Gutiérrez de la Vega produces wine from moscatell and monastrell grapes. The Bernardino wine shop has bottles of Casta Diva Rojo y Negro and Casta Diva Moscatel Blanco Seco, two of the winery’s most popular wines.
- If you're in Alicante with your pet, head to Sip & Wonder, a cozy coffee shop and pancake joint that's the only dog-friendly café in Alicante.
- For the best paella in town, walk past the popular eateries and go to Casa Ibarra instead. This hidden gem is often packed with locals but definitely worth the wait.
- Don't forget to try out some turron. Turron is a sort of nougat that is thought to have been invented in Jijona by the Moors. Jijona is currently known throughout the world for its soft nougat, which is available in a range of flavors such as almonds, dried fruit, and chocolate. The nougat from Alicante is firmer. It's made with honey and almonds. It's commonly served around Christmastime, but it also makes fantastic ice cream.
Final Thoughts
If you're in Alicante, don't miss out on the variety of treats, dishes and local delicatessens available on every street corner. Bon appetite!
