Food & Drink
Alicante's Best Spanish Restaurants
Alicante's dining scene goes far beyond paella for tourists. Behind the waterfront terraces lies a city where locals gather for long lunches, share tapas into the night, and debate which neighbourhood serves the best arroz.
The best Spanish food in Alicante isn't found by following the crowds on the marina. It's found by following the locals into the old town's narrow streets.
La Taberna del Gourmet
Michelin-recommended tapas with 6,800+ reviews and a focus on local ingredients
La Taberna Salamanca
Intimate spot on Calle San Fernando with exceptional quality and 4.7 rating
César Anca
Creative tapas just off Explanada de España—where locals go for inventive dishes
Alicante's tapas culture differs from the rest of Spain. Here, the Valencian influence means rice dishes share the spotlight with small plates, and seafood dominates menus year-round. The city's position on the Mediterranean means fish arrives fresh each morning—something you'll taste immediately.
La Taberna del Gourmet on Calle San Fernando has earned its reputation over years of consistent quality. The space is traditional without being dated, and the menu changes with what's fresh at the central market. Expect to wait for a table at peak times—locals know this place well. Their gambas al ajillo and selection of Iberian hams draw regulars back weekly.
Just two doors down, La Taberna Salamanca offers a more intimate experience. The 4.7 rating from nearly 1,000 reviews reflects genuine quality rather than tourist volume. This is where you'll hear more Spanish than English, always a reliable indicator.
Rice and Seafood
Alicante sits in the heartland of Spanish rice culture. While paella originated in Valencia, the Alicante province has its own traditions—arroz alicantino, arroz con costra (rice with an egg crust), and the rich caldereta de pescado (fish and seafood stew).
The key to finding authentic rice in Alicante is understanding that the best restaurants don't rush it. A proper arroz takes 20-30 minutes to prepare. If it arrives in five, you're eating reheated tourist food.
Nou Manolín
Institution since 1971—awarded and respected for traditional Alicante cuisine
La Fábrica
Mediterranean cooking at Plaza de Quijano with 4.7 rating and loyal following
Casa Domingo
Playa San Juan specialist for rice dishes—where locals drive for Sunday lunch
Nou Manolín on Calle Villegas has been serving Alicante cuisine since 1971. This isn't a trendy spot—it's an institution. Multiple awards line the walls, but more importantly, the dining room fills with Spanish families celebrating birthdays and business lunches alike. Their arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish stock, served with alioli) is definitive.
For a more casual setting, La Fábrica at Plaza de Quijano delivers consistently excellent Mediterranean cooking. The 4.7 rating from over 2,000 reviews speaks to both quality and value. The terrace fills quickly on warm evenings.
If you're exploring the local food scene more broadly, understanding these rice traditions helps you appreciate what makes Alicante's cuisine distinct from the rest of Spain.
Where Locals Actually Eat
Beyond the well-known names, Alicante has dozens of neighbourhood restaurants where the food is excellent and prices stay reasonable. The test is simple: if the menu is only in Spanish and the tables are full at 2pm on a Tuesday, you've found the right place.
El Buen Comer on Calle Mayor offers exactly what its name promises—good eating. This relaxed spot serves Spanish classics without pretension. The €20-30 price range gets you a substantial meal with wine. It's the kind of place where regulars have their usual table.
Casablanca at Plaza de Quijano specialises in tapas and paellas, with over 5,000 reviews maintaining a 4.6 average. The terrace location makes it ideal for long summer evenings. Their paella mixta feeds two generously and arrives in the pan, as it should.
For something more refined, El Portal Alicante holds Michelin recognition and a Krug Ambassade designation—serious credentials for serious diners. This is where you go for a special occasion, not a casual Tuesday.
Finding These Restaurants
Most of Alicante's best Spanish restaurants cluster in two areas: the old town (Casco Antiguo) around Calle San Fernando and Calle Mayor, and the Plaza de Quijano area. Both are walkable from the waterfront but feel distinctly more local.
The Mercado Central area also rewards exploration. Restaurants here source directly from the market stalls, and the quality shows. Arrive hungry—portions in Alicante tend toward generous.
A note on timing: Spanish restaurants rarely open for dinner before 8pm, and peak dining happens between 9pm and 11pm. Arriving at 7pm will find you alone in an empty dining room. Embrace the local rhythm—have a drink first, then eat when the city does.
Tipping in Spain remains optional, not obligatory. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for exceptional service, but don't feel pressured. Servers earn proper wages here, and the American tipping culture hasn't taken hold.
For more on adapting to Spanish dining culture, our guide covers everything from meal times to ordering etiquette.
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