€€Regional Cuisine
The use of the best locally sourced ingredients is strongly in evidence in contemporary-style dishes inspired by the Foia de Castalla area such as octopus with a potato parmentier, veal with wild mushrooms and truffles, and red tuna tartare. Located close to the centre of town, this restaurant with a contemporary atmosphere combines its attractive and high-quality cuisine with a fair pricing structure with the option of smaller media-ración dishes for sharing. The town’s ice cream-making tradition lives on in Erre que Erre’s superb desserts!
€€Seafood
Located next to the bus station, La Sirena’s highlights include an impressive bar-cum-display counter (featuring fish and seafood sourced from nearby fish auctions as well as from Galicia) and its reputation across the region for the quality of its aioli sauces. Its extensive à la carte is based around top-quality products, and is complemented by appetising daily specials, an array of seafood priced by weight, superb rice dishes (for a minimum of two people) and two menu options (Mediterráneo and Degustación). Before you start your meal, make sure you ask for a tasting of aiolis accompanied by
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Located on the coast of Benalmadena Costa, La Sirena specializes in seafood and traditional Spanish cuisine. Reviews frequently praise the fresh, delicious food, particularly the grilled fish, paella, and anchovies, noting generous portions and healthy vegetable sides. Service is generally described as friendly and professional, though some guests report slow pacing or cold dishes. The atmosphere is lively with many local patrons, reflecting a strong family tradition. Negative feedback highlights occasional issues with restroom hygiene, aggressive upselling of expensive ingredients like Malaga prawns, and inconsistent food quality. While highly rated for its authentic taste and seaside setting, visitors should be aware of potential service variances.
Suitable for travelers seeking authentic seaside seafood experiences who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies.
€€Farm to table
The couple at the helm, with Paco Castelló at the wheel in the kitchen and Gabri Tarín in charge of the dining room, declare themselves to be 100% Mediterranean, so that gastronomic culture is evident in every dish. In this small restaurant, located in a pedestrianised street in the old town (the area known as La Ciudad Ducal), you will find a proposal that revolves exclusively around surprise menus (Ona and Ona Cuina Oberta) that change daily, depending on the market and always giving a great deal of prominence to fish and vegetables. We have loved their tiger nut ajoblanco with cherry granit
€€Traditional Cuisine
In the hands of the same family since 1952, this classic and traditional restaurant boasts an impressive, regionally inspired ambience and decor that have contributed to its reputation over the decades. Choose between the bar section, with its tall tables for informal dining, and a variety of dining room and private spaces. The extensive regionally focused à la carte is complemented by several set menus.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Almansa, Mesón de Pincelín is renowned for traditional cuisine, particularly its Manchego gazpacho. Reviews frequently praise the fresh food quality, friendly service, and cozy, air-conditioned atmosphere, making it a popular stop for travelers. However, significant criticism focuses on value and pacing. Some guests reported small portions, slow service lasting up to three hours, and prices considered excessive relative to the offering. While the overall rating remains high, discrepancies in service efficiency and perceived value suggest that experiences may vary, warranting careful consideration regarding expectations for speed and portion size.
Suitable for diners seeking traditional flavors and comfort, but manage expectations regarding pacing and portion sizes.
€€Traditional Cuisine, Grills
A brasserie-restaurant with a friendly, informal feel and pleasant terrace. Here, the house speciality, gently influenced by Basque cuisine, are the grilled meats and T-bone steak, although plenty of other options are available, including tapas, flatbreads, seasonal vegetables and excellent fish dishes (make sure you ask about the fresh fish of the day). The à la carte is complemented by a tasting menu for a minimum of two people sharing.
€€Modern Cuisine
Located near the beach and under a name that at first makes you think of legendary tennis player Björn Borg, we find Swedish-Spanish chef Carl Borg Medina who was born in Madrid and, from a culinary perspective, trained in Barcelona. His restaurant, with à la carte service (which changes three times a year) and the option of three set menus (an economical one at lunchtime and two tasting menus: Raíces and Alas, with 7 and 10 courses, respectively), combines Mediterranean and regional flavours with his Nordic roots. Recommendations? Everything is well priced, so start with the Gravadlax, a salm
€€Traditional Cuisine
This elegant restaurant occupies an attractive villa surrounded by gardens that are popular for corporate events, private spaces for more intimate gatherings, and a terrace for summer dining that is often full. Choose from an extensive à la carte menu of traditional Mediterranean cuisine based around high-quality ingredients and featuring a small selection of rice dishes. We particularly recommended the delicious Santa Pola shrimp and the red tuna served four ways.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.7/5 · 80 reviews
Maestral in Alicante offers traditional cuisine set within a highly regarded garden, praised for its pleasant atmosphere and professional service. Reviews highlight its suitability for family gatherings and special occasions, with staff often commended for their attentiveness. Culinary opinions are mixed; while some diners enjoyed excellent seafood paella, squid noodles, and grilled fish, others reported bland flavors, poor presentation, and slow pacing. A few negative reviews mention pricing disputes and reservation issues, suggesting caution. Despite inconsistencies in food quality, the venue remains a notable option for those seeking a scenic dining experience in Alicante, provided expectations regarding service speed and menu consistency are managed.
Suitable for groups valuing garden ambiance, but diners prioritizing consistent food quality and prompt service should proceed with caution.
€€€€Creative, Modern Cuisine
If you’re looking for something truly out of the ordinary, this restaurant in Alicante is definitely the place to go.The dining experience is akin to a game that moves from one space to the next (Hi Line, Cocoon Lab and Geoda Verde), each of which features highly personalised decor and provides a backdrop of different visual effects and even specific aromas for your fine-dining experience. Chef Pablo Montoro’s fun and entertaining cuisine, including creative, travel-inspired dishes that showcase the Mediterranean (we loved the trompe l'oeil vegetable sausages and the onion royale, fermented on
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Espacio Montoro offers creative modern cuisine praised for high quality, originality, and artistic presentation. Guests often describe the dining experience as unique and adventurous, with attentive service from a young, professional staff. The ambiance features distinct atmospheres and privacy-enhancing elements like curtains. However, opinions on value are mixed; some find the portions small relative to the menu cost, while others appreciate the experience. Negative reviews highlight issues such as difficult reservations, occasional service errors, billing disputes, and meal pacing concerns. While many consider it a must-visit for its innovative approach, others feel the execution does not always match the hype. Travelers should be aware of potential logistical challenges and varying portion sizes.
Suitable for diners seeking innovative cuisine and unique ambiance; reserve early and manage portion expectations.
€€Traditional Cuisine
A longstanding family-run restaurant with relaxing sea views that began life as a “chiringuito” (beach bar) and has been gradually evolving ever since. Owner-chef Manuel Alonso offers guests an updated take on traditional cuisine, the aim of which is create a range of sensations and a return to the region’s origins via the à la carte (don’t miss the shrimp from Santa Pola, the iconic tripe, or the thin-noodled “fideuá” from Gandía) and an array of set menus (Calma, Miradas, Escapadas etc).
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.8/5 · 80 reviews
Casa Manolo in Daimuz offers traditional Valencian Mediterranean cuisine, holding an average rating of 3.8/5 from 80 reviews. Positive feedback highlights food quality, service, and atmosphere, with guests praising fresh seafood, chocolate desserts, and the quiet, spacious setting with sea views. Some note reasonable value. Negative comments cite slow or rude service, outdated or untidy interiors, and inconsistent food quality, such as overcooked cuttlefish. While many appreciate the flexible ordering and professional attention, experiences vary. The restaurant is open year-round.
Suitable for travelers seeking traditional flavors and sea views, though verifying service consistency is advised.
€€Modern Cuisine
Open boasts an eclectic look in keeping with its name. This similar liberal philosophy is also evident in its open-view kitchen and on the à la carte, with the option of creating your own half portion-style menu. The chefs here explain and serve their own contemporary dishes centred around market-fresh ingredients. One speciality that is definitely worth ordering is the Gilda Open, their interesting red tuna ‘catalana’ or the cuttlefish, guanciale and burrata gnocchi.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews
Located near Alicante's Central Market, Open offers modern cuisine in an open-kitchen setting. Reviews highlight fresh, seasonal local ingredients like oysters, razor clams, and Iberian pork, with creative execution praised by many. Service is mixed; while some find staff friendly and attentive, others report cold reception or hygiene issues. The atmosphere is bright but noisy due to poor soundproofing. Value is debated, with some noting reduced portion sizes and high prices relative to quantity. It suits diners seeking innovative, ingredient-focused dishes in a casual yet professional environment.
Ideal for diners seeking innovative, ingredient-driven modern cuisine who prioritize quality over quantity.
€€Contemporary, Regional European
In the heart of Alicante, a short hop from the lively Central Market, there is a place with a great deal of character and personality. They themselves say that they are ‘an intimate restaurant, where cooking is done calmly and time is savoured’.Behind the name Plëgat, a small tribute to the now defunct business in the nearby town of San Juan where the chef Nanín Pérez felt the unbreakable bond with the world of gastronomy, you will find an elongated establishment with few tables (just 5 and a reserved area), with the kitchen half-open so we can watch him work. Here you can order á la carte or
€€€international
A striking modern property on the ascent up to the Castillo de Santa Bárbara, hence its superb views of the city. Here, Alicante-born chef Dani Frías offers two Mediterranean-based, contemporary menus (Ereta and Degus) that focus on seafood. This is demonstrated by one dish we particularly enjoyed: his delicious version of red shrimp stew (“caldereta de gamba roja”).
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.0/5 · 80 reviews
Located below Santa Barbara Castle in Alicante, La Ereta offers stunning garden and sea views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Reviews highlight Michelin-quality, creative dishes with artistic presentation, supported by professional and friendly service. However, experiences vary significantly; some guests found flavor combinations bold but unharmonious, citing issues like tough duck or mediocre desserts. Negative feedback also mentions rigid service policies, such as forcing shorter menus, and maintenance flaws like broken restroom doors. While many praise the romantic ambiance and culinary adventure, others criticize the inconsistency in food quality and value. It suits adventurous diners seeking visual and gustatory novelty, but may disappoint those prioritizing traditional harmony and consistent execution.
Suitable for adventurous diners seeking creative cuisine and views, though flavor controversies may arise.
€€€Modern Cuisine
A gastronomic restaurant offering innovative international- and French-inspired cuisine which is always based around seasonal market ingredients. Tasting menus are the only option here, one of which is inspired by the period the chef spent working in the kitchen of the Hotel Ritz in Paris. Booking essential.
€€€Contemporary
A restaurant with a modern decor and gastro-bar ambience run by two chefs originally from the Netherlands, Danny van Vliet and Joris Bruurs. Here, the contemporary à la carte and menu options (daily and seasonal) change every two months. Their cuisine, with specials such as the delicious Stroopwafel (a reinterpretation of a Dutch dessert), combines Central European, French and Spanish influences. Sauces are a prominent presence, while many dishes are given a finishing touch on the grill.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 80 reviews
Distrikt41 in Alicante offers contemporary cuisine with a strong average rating of 4.7/5. Most reviewers highlight exceptional food quality, professional and personalized service, and a pleasant atmosphere. Dishes are described as creative, well-balanced, and paired excellently with wine. However, some negative feedback cites concerns over portion sizes, high prices, and perceived poor value for money. A few guests noted issues with meal pacing or specific seasoning. While generally praised for its high standards, the restaurant receives mixed opinions regarding cost-effectiveness. It suits diners seeking refined culinary experiences who prioritize quality over quantity.
Suitable for diners prioritizing culinary quality and service over portion size and price.
€€€Fusion
A life full of travel characterises Fernando and Olivia, a charming couple who have made their different culinary cultures (he is Mexican; she is Greek) the cornerstone of their joint gastronomic project. The name (Steki translates as a “meeting place”) of their simple restaurant, located in a pedestrian street in the city’s old quarter, also highlights this philosophy. Their cuisine is based around the cooking of the Mediterranean with understandable influences from Mexico and Greece. Although available à la carte, there is a minimum order of 5 dishes for two sharing.
TripAdvisor review sample · 5.0/5 · 80 reviews
Steki is a small fusion restaurant in Alicante with a capacity of only 12 diners, run by owners Olivia and Fernando. Based on 80 reviews averaging 5.0/5, guests consistently praise the high food quality, attentive service, and intimate atmosphere. Dishes are crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring surprising combinations and excellent wine pairings, with the tortilla receiving specific acclaim. Service is described as family-like and knowledgeable, with hosts sharing insights on regional ingredients. While a minority of reviews mentioned pacing or value concerns, the overwhelming consensus highlights an impeccable and memorable dining experience suitable for those seeking exclusivity.
Ideal for diners seeking an intimate, high-quality fusion experience with personalized service.
€€Mediterranean Cuisine
Koiné’s name refers to a variant of the Greek language once used in Ancient Greece. Here, the cuisine has returned to the origins and roots of Mediterranean cooking, working in tandem with the culinary traditions of Andalucia and with a style that has adapted to contemporary tastes. Chef Juanlu Parra has previously worked in the R&D department of the Dani García Group – a detail that is obvious on the menu. If you’re looking for a standout dish, try their award-winning aged picaña steak tartare, with creamy smoked eel on marrow and warm croissant.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Koiné in Alicante offers Mediterranean cuisine with an average TripAdvisor rating of 4.6/5 based on 80 reviews. Food quality is highly praised, particularly for exquisite dishes like bluefin tuna. The atmosphere is elegant, and service is generally excellent. However, negative feedback highlights issues with meal pacing, slow service, and delayed responses to complaints. While some note smaller portions or occasional inconsistencies, most visitors describe the experience as outstanding and highly recommend it for its culinary excellence and refined setting.
Ideal for diners seeking high-quality Mediterranean cuisine in an elegant setting; allow extra time for potential service delays.
€€€Farm to table, Regional Cuisine
As soon as you enter Nou Manolín, your gaze is immediately drawn to the superb array of shrimp, red prawn, crayfish, oysters etc in the seafood display. Whether you choose the bar on the ground floor or the dining room with a delightful designer-inspired ceiling upstairs, the market-inspired menu (featuring a few media-ración options and a small selection of rice dishes), is identical. To round off your meal in style, make sure you order the almond nougat soufflé with chocolate ice cream.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.8/5 · 80 reviews
Nou Manolín in Alicante focuses on regional, farm-to-table cuisine. Positive reviews highlight high food quality, professional service, and an elegant atmosphere, particularly praising seafood, tuna tartare, and beef. However, negative feedback cites small portions, insufficient seafood, and a noisy, crowded environment. While service is generally commended, meal pacing receives mixed comments. The restaurant polarizes diners, with loyal patrons appreciating the classic experience, while others find the value and flavor underwhelming.
Suitable for diners seeking classic Alicante flavors who can tolerate a lively atmosphere; verify portion sizes beforehand.
€Peruvian
This bright, stone-walled restaurant in the heart of Alacant is the dream come true of chef Javier Beltri, who named the restaurant after his father (Victor Beltri, known to his family as Vituco). After training at Le Cordon Bleu, the Basque Culinary Center and various prestigious restaurants, here he seeks to offer us an itinerant proposal that flutters between the Mediterranean and Peru (especially surprising in the rice dishes, seasoned with products from this South American country). Interesting dishes? The Ensaladilla with soy mayonnaise and aji amarillo, the Anticucho a la brasa, the Arr
€€€Rice Dishes
Standing along one of the city’s main avenues, Piripi is one of the best-known tapas venues in Alicante, featuring a busy tapas bar on the ground floor (you can also eat at the bar counter) and a meticulous dining room upstairs. The extensive à la carte showcases its signature dishes, superb rice options, and an array of daily specials (fish and seafood are sourced daily direct from the fish auctions in Dénia and Santa Pola).
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.6/5 · 80 reviews
Piripi in Alicante specializes in rice dishes and receives mixed feedback. Positive reviews highlight high food quality, cozy atmosphere, and attentive service, specifically praising dishes like morels with foie gras, cod fritters, and burrata. However, negative themes frequently cite poor value, citing small portions and high costs, alongside occasional billing errors. Service speed is another concern, with some diners experiencing slow pacing. The venue features a stylish, well-lit interior with both a popular informal bar and a formal dining room. While many find it a classic local gem worth visiting, others feel the experience does not justify the price. Travelers should expect excellent cuisine but remain cautious regarding portion sizes, service efficiency, and overall cost-effectiveness.
Suitable for diners prioritizing culinary flavor and ambiance, but advise booking ahead and monitoring service details.
€Regional Cuisine
This taverna could almost be described as a tapas museum! Huge choice of tapas on display, all prepared using high quality ingredients, as well as an extensive selection of wines.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.2/5 · 80 reviews
La Taberna del Gourmet in Alicante offers regional cuisine with mixed reviews. Food quality is polarized; while some praise the tapas, paella, burrata, and burgers, others report disappointing calamari, cold croquettes, missing sides, and poor pacing. Service varies significantly, ranging from attentive and friendly to unhelpful and stressed. The atmosphere is described as beautiful and well-kept, though some find it overly commercial. Value is a major point of contention; although local Monastrell wine is considered reasonably priced, many guests criticize the small portions relative to high prices, deeming it poor value.
Suitable for diners seeking specific regional flavors who can tolerate inconsistent service; verify dish details beforehand.
🕐 Mo-Su 12:30-24:00
€€€Contemporary
A super-cool gastro-bar with an attractive bar and a variety of tables serving tapas, salted meats, Iberian hams, seafood, caviar, and rice dishes. Cocktails and after-work drinks complete the picture! Our recommendations? In the El Portal classics section, you have to try El bocata de Sergio, an absolute smash hit, and an already iconic snack, its iPepito, a tribute to Steve Jobs.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.3/5 · 80 reviews
El Portal Alicante offers contemporary dining in a lavish, lively setting with active music. Experiences vary significantly: while some praise the refined food and welcoming atmosphere, others criticize the quality as mediocre or overly smoked. Service is inconsistent; though some staff are attentive, complaints cite rude attitudes, strict dress codes, and rushed seating. Value is frequently questioned due to high prices relative to portion sizes and overall satisfaction. The ambiance is captivating, but the dining experience can be stressful. Suitable for those seeking a vibrant, stylish venue, but less ideal for guests prioritizing consistent service or cost-effectiveness.
Suitable for diners seeking a vibrant, stylish atmosphere who are less concerned with consistent service or high value.
€€Traditional Cuisine
A unique restaurant that has recreated the ambience of a traditional grocery store, where you can enjoy delicate tapas, Iberian hams, salted dishes, high-quality tinned products and even seafood, many of which are packaged ready to take away.
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.7/5 · 80 reviews
Manero in Alicante offers traditional cuisine and refined tapas within a chic, cozy atmosphere enhanced by pleasant music. Guests frequently praise the attentive service, particularly staff recommendations for vegetarian options, and highlight dishes like lentils and oxtail croquettes. While the ambiance and food quality are generally well-received, service consistency varies, with some noting abrupt interactions or pacing issues. Value is a mixed point; although the setting is attractive, several reviewers criticize the portion sizes as small relative to the cost, suggesting that while the experience can be excellent, the pricing may not align with expectations for all diners.
Ideal for diners seeking refined traditional tapas and a stylish atmosphere, with advance booking recommended.
€€€Modern Cuisine
Next to the emblematic La Lonja del Pescado building, a jewel of historicist architecture that now serves as an exhibition hall, this restaurant offers cuisine centred around a highly natural base, with pure flavours and no dressing up, as here they always highlight local seasonal produce (many raw ingredients come from their own vegetable garden, called Terramón and located just 9 miles away). The menu, which takes Alicante's culinary tradition as a starting point and attempts to offer a contemporary interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine, takes shape through three menus: Alicante, Monastrel
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.9/5 · 80 reviews
Located on the Alicante port, Monastrell offers modern cuisine focusing on local products. Based on 80 reviews, it holds an average rating of 3.9/5. Positive feedback highlights food quality, atmosphere, and service, particularly praising Maria José’s hospitality and wine pairings, with some noting reasonable value. Negative comments cite issues with food temperature (cold starters, dry fish), service errors, and booking cancellations. Severe dissatisfaction was reported during Christmas, with complaints about unseasoned food and chaotic service. While generally well-regarded for its skillful preparation of local ingredients, diners should be cautious of potential service inconsistencies, especially during holidays.
Suitable for diners seeking modern local flavors who avoid holiday peaks.
€€Modern Cuisine
It is housed on the ground floor of the Nomad Hotel and, like the hotel itself, exudes a distinctly Mediterranean aesthetic. The restaurant offers contemporary and modern cuisine that makes full use of local produce. The menu, with dishes such as Ensalada del abuelo (Grandfather's Salad) - pink tomatoes from Altea, tomatoes in brine, semi-cured salted fish and pickled vegetables - is complemented by two tasting menus, one for lunchtime and one for dinner.
€€Traditional Cuisine
This restaurant delights guests thanks to its setting in an attractive farmhouse with a rustic yet elegant ambience and plenty of space for private events. Good traditional cuisine with a focus on high-quality ingredients, including an appetising choice of rice dishes. The impressive and extensive wine cellar is an added bonus.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 80 reviews
La Masía de Chencho in Vallongas offers traditional cuisine in an elegant, quiet setting. Reviews frequently praise the high food quality, highlighting dishes like rice with cod, fresh shrimp, and desserts, though some note issues with saltiness or oiliness. Service is generally professional and attentive, with specific staff members commended, yet complaints exist regarding slow pacing and indifferent reception. The atmosphere is cozy and suitable for families. While most visitors enjoy the experience, some find the value questionable due to portion sizes or service inconsistencies.
Suitable for families or couples seeking traditional flavors and a comfortable atmosphere, with advance notice on pacing recommended.
€€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Modern Cuisine
If you happen to find yourself in Pedreguer’s old town, this restaurant close to the market will definitely attract your attention thanks to its façade and its meticulous and contemporary interior design. Ausiàs Signes and Felicia Guerra, who met at Le Cordon Bleu Madrid, through their surprise menus (Valentina and Ausiàs March, both with the option of a wine pairing and adding a recommendation) offer a well-modernised Mediterranean-based cuisine, always built around local and regional products. Here the desserts usually turn heads, and one in particular really showcases their creativity, call
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.4/5 · 80 reviews
Ausiàs offers Mediterranean and modern cuisine in Barcelona with mixed reviews. Food quality is polarized; while some praise fresh pasta, thin-crust pizzas, and creative sauces, others report issues with ingredient freshness, temperature, and hygiene. Service is generally described as friendly and attentive, though delays and errors occur. The ambiance is considered beautiful and family-friendly, but cleanliness concerns regarding dust and cobwebs have been noted. Overall, the experience varies significantly depending on the specific visit and staff, indicating inconsistent standards in food preparation and maintenance.
Suitable for families or groups seeking creative Mediterranean dishes with moderate expectations for consistency.
€€€Modern Cuisine
Occupying an attractive old farmhouse by a crossroads, this restaurant has a name that recalls the cartwright trade of days gone by. It features a pleasant terrace for an aperitif or coffee, several attractively laid-out dining rooms (one with a fireplace), and a contemporary approach that places Mediterranean produce in the spotlight, offered to diners through various tasting menus. Among them, the Camí de Sabors (we especially liked the ‘Essence of Red Prawn’ dish), where Federico Guajardo reproduces the most iconic dishes of his career and some that reflect his Argentinian roots. They have
€€€Contemporary, Regional European
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