★★★ Michelin€€€€mediterranean
For a more conceptual approach to gastronomy, look no further than chef Quique Dacosta, who transcends the boundaries of cuisine to lead us through an artistic experience that, as he himself describes, is a form of communication with his guests in keeping with his desire for “culinary beauty”. His innovative cuisine, which changes almost completely every year, constantly pushes the limits of the tasting experience. Through the Octavo (Eighth) tasting menu (with a name that unashamedly pushes back against the seven established fine arts: namely, painting, sculpture, architecture, music, dance,
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 101 reviews
Quique Dacosta (Mediterranean, Denia) holds an average rating of 4.1/5 across 80 reviews. Positive feedback highlights service (33 mentions), food quality (31), and atmosphere (26), with guests praising the creative tasting menus and attentive staff. Negative aspects include concerns over food quality (15) and service (13), alongside value (7). While many describe the experience as exceptional and memorable, some find it underwhelming relative to expectations. The restaurant offers a refined, structured dining environment suitable for special occasions, though consistency in innovation varies.
Suitable for diners valuing service details and creative cuisine, planning for special occasions.
★★ Michelin€€€€Creative
A unique restaurant, where each season finds inspiration in a different theme. Occupying a restored country house in beautifully landscaped surroundings, the setting is as appealing as the menu. The latter comes courtesy of Alberto Ferruz, who also runs the Michelin-starred Casa Pepa in Ondara. This is a chef who always turns to the Mediterranean and Alicante's Marina Alta for his magnificent fish and seafood, which take centre stage alongside produce from his bountiful vegetable gardens, and herbs from the Montgó mountains. On the new Memorabilia dining experience here, the chef tells us: “we
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.9/5 · 100 reviews
BonAmb in Jávea offers creative cuisine set against a garden terrace with sunset views. Many guests praise the ingredient-focused dishes, extensive multi-course menus (9-18 items), and wine pairings, noting good value. However, negative reviews highlight inconsistent service, including slow responses and perceived rudeness. Some diners reported issues with food quality, such as tough meat, overly salty sauces, and indistinct flavors, alongside pacing problems. While the ambiance is stylish, experiences vary significantly between exceptional culinary journeys and disappointing service or execution.
Suitable for diners seeking creative long menus and views who can tolerate service inconsistencies.
★★ Michelin€€€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Contemporary
In this attractive villa on the slopes of Montcabrer (the “magic mountain”), diners get a real sense of the evolution of a family restaurant that has been in business for over 40 years. Here, the culinary memories that shape this restaurant are drawn upon to convey concepts, emotions and stories through its dishes. Eschewing unnecessary frills, chef Kiko Moya complements his à la carte with two tasting menus (Sabor and Saboer) which celebrate the terroir by using the best local and seasonal produce and by drawing on tradition – but this does not mean his cuisine is in any way lacking in creati
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 100 reviews
L'Escaleta in Cocentaina offers contemporary Mediterranean cuisine. Reviews highlight creative dishes, quality local ingredients, and expert wine pairings within a cozy atmosphere. However, experiences vary significantly. While many praise the artistic presentation and attentive service, others criticize bland flavors, repetitive menus, and occasional issues with fish quality. Some guests feel the experience does not justify the high expectations associated with its Michelin status. Overall, the restaurant delivers a sophisticated dining experience for those appreciating subtlety and creativity, though it may disappoint those seeking bold flavors or traditional variety.
Suitable for diners appreciating creative cuisine and wine pairings, but travelers expecting bold flavors or traditional menus should proceed with caution.
★ Michelin€€€Creative
The writer and philosopher Miguel de Unamuno once said that you need to adapt in order to move forward (hence the expression “adapt or perish”); history proves that this is often the case. This former farmhouse, an iconic address in the Marina Alta area when it was managed by chef Pepa Romans, has had a new lease of life under the umbrella of the BonAmb group. It now has a promising future ahead of it with Emmanuelle Baron in the kitchen and the stewardship of award-winning chef Alberto Ferruz, from the two-Michelin-star BonAmb. Following a makeover, it now features an attractive terrace (with
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.1/5 · 100 reviews
Located centrally in Torremolinos, Casa Pepa offers a relaxed atmosphere with mixed feedback on its culinary offerings. While some guests praised the breakfast and fish omelette, others criticized the Tapas for being bland, overly breaded, or dry, with specific complaints about the Paella tasting reheated. Service is inconsistent; staff members like Antonio, Gaby, Ana, and Sara received high marks for attentiveness, yet general issues included slow order taking, disjointed meal pacing, and delayed billing. Although the central location is convenient and value is noted positively by some, the significant wait times and uneven food quality remain notable drawbacks. This venue suits travelers prioritizing location over consistent dining experiences.
Suitable for travelers prioritizing location over consistent dining experiences.
★ Michelin€€€€spanish
Many are of the opinion that without tradition there is no modernity and Peix & Brases is no exception. Working from this basic premise, it builds its philosophy around both, as well as a focus on top-notch local ingredients.Located almost in front of the port, with the sound of seagulls as a backdrop, Peix & Brases has two distinct ambiences: the gastro-bar on the ground floor serving more informal fusion-style dishes that it calls Mediterrasian, and its gastronomic dining room on the first floor, with access to an attractive rooftop terrace. Here, you find a small à la carte, which stands ou
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 100 reviews
Peix & Brases in Dénia offers Mediterranean seafood cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and skilled preparation. Reviews frequently praise the high-quality salt-crusted fish, varied tuna dishes, and elegant presentation, alongside a memorable apple pie. Service is generally described as attentive, professional, and welcoming. The restaurant features a calm atmosphere with stunning views of the marina and the Mediterranean Sea. However, value for money is a mixed point; while some find the tasting menu reasonable, others consider it expensive relative to portions or quality. A minority of negative reviews cite issues with cooking execution, such as overcooked swordfish, or staff knowledge gaps. It is best suited for diners prioritizing premium seafood and scenic ambiance over budget constraints.
Suitable for diners prioritizing premium seafood, artistic presentation, and scenic ambiance over budget considerations.
🕐 Tu-Su 13:00-15:30,20:00-23:00
★ Michelin€€€Mediterranean Cuisine, Modern Cuisine
If everyone is talking up a restaurant, it must be doing something right!In this unpretentious eatery in the immediate surroundings of Arenal beach, couple Borja Susilla and Clara Puig offer guests enticing modern dishes with the essence of the Mediterranean with a northern flair (mainly Asturian and Basque) in which their training in leading restaurants (they met while working with chef Quique Dacosta) is clearly evident. Choose between an array of market-inspired specials (fresh fish, in particular) that you won’t find on the menu as well as a seven-course tasting menu and many dishes design
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 100 reviews
Located in Jávea, Tula offers modern Mediterranean cuisine recognized with a Michelin star. Guests frequently praise the high quality of ingredients and exquisite preparation, particularly highlighting the tasting menu and specific dishes like pork with eel. However, experiences vary significantly. While many appreciate the warm atmosphere and friendly service, others report issues with meal pacing, noting courses arrived too quickly despite requests to slow down. Ambiance receives mixed reviews, with some describing the building as unattractive compared to its prestige. Value is debated; although food quality is generally high, some find the experience overpriced or the flavors unbalanced. Reservations are essential and can be difficult to secure.
Suitable for diners seeking refined modern Mediterranean cuisine who can adapt to variable pacing.
★ Michelin€€€€italian
A nice place in the Marina Alta? Make a note of this restaurant, as it is certainly an establishment where you are made to feel special; in fact, it is run by a very talented chef from Rimini (Ferdinando Bernardi) and defines itself as ‘that place where italianità (true Italian hospitality) meets the environment’. The establishment, in an elevated residential area and next to the road, is committed to a modern-day Italian cuisine that meticulously prepares pasta ‘al dente’ and tasty Mediterranean dishes (we really liked their cuttlefish Lasagna and their Spaghetti Carbonara on a base of mantis
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 72 reviews
Casa Bernardi in Benissa offers modern Italian cuisine with scenic views. Reviews highlight high food quality, enthusiastic service, and a pleasant atmosphere, often noting the chef's personal engagement. However, some guests report service inconsistencies, including perceived arrogance or lack of enthusiasm from staff, alongside issues with meal pacing. Value is mixed; while the food is praised, several reviewers feel the pricing is high relative to the overall experience. It is a solid choice for food enthusiasts, though diners should be aware of potential service variability.
Ideal for diners prioritizing innovative cuisine and ambiance, with attention to service consistency.
★ Michelin€€€€Italian Contemporary
At Orobianco, spectacular views of Calp and its impressive Peñón de Ifach rock are complemented by Italian-inspired cuisine full of culinary nuances under the tutelage of award-winning chef Paolo Casagrande that will undoubtedly leaving a lasting impression! Elegance is an obvious thread here and is clearly in evidence in dishes available on two set menus (Short and Long). The restaurant’s culinary essence is a fusion of Italian cooking and local ingredients that showcase Spain and the Mediterranean through dishes such as cuttlefish tagliatelle, watercress risotto with red prawns, and spaghett
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 100 reviews
Orobianco, situated on the heights of Calpe, offers a modern setting with breathtaking sea views. Reviews highlight its contemporary Italian cuisine, which creatively blends local, Italian, and even Norwegian ingredients under Chef Andrea Drago. Service is frequently praised for being attentive, professional, and accommodating to dietary needs. However, opinions diverge on value; some guests feel the price does not match the quality or Michelin expectations, citing average tastes or pacing issues. Occasional complaints mention language barriers with staff. While the ambiance and presentation are consistently lauded, the culinary experience varies, with some finding it exceptional and others merely adequate for the cost.
Suitable for special occasions prioritizing scenic ambiance and creative cuisine over strict value-for-money expectations.
★ Michelin€€€€Creative, Regional Cuisine
This bright, fresh and elegant gastronomic jewel, which takes its name from Audrey Hepburn, the legendary star of the film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, is the fiefdom of chef Rafa Soler. Here, he conjures up highly developed and creative cuisine both in terms of technique and presentation, but which retains a strong connection with the soil, the past and seasonal ingredients. In the words of the chef himself, “we have access here to the full expression of Valencia’s culinary bounty”. Through his tasting menus (Roots, Origin and Farm), the latter vegetarian, discover dishes that exude personality
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 101 reviews
Audrey's in Casas de Torrat offers creative regional cuisine with a Michelin star. Reviews frequently praise high-quality ingredients, imaginative plating, and intense flavors, particularly in the Roots menu. Service is generally attentive and warm, with Chef Rafa Soler often engaging personally. The atmosphere is elegant and welcoming. However, some critics note dishes lack texture, portions are small, and pacing can be inconsistent. A minority of experiences were severely disappointing, with complaints about value and food quality leading to early departures.
Suitable for diners seeking refined creative cuisine and attentive service, with realistic expectations regarding portion size and texture.
★ Michelin€€€€International, French Contemporary
(Temporarily closed for refurbishment) Beat reflects the "culinary pulse " of The Cookbook hotel right from the outset, quickening the heartbeat from the very first bite of your appetisers.This bright restaurant, with its dominant white decor, reflects the true essence of the Mediterranean, providing the backdrop for what promises to be a stunning dining experience, marked by faultless ingredients and a harmony that sees flavours working together to their mutual benefit. Valencia-born chef José Manuel Miguel, the only chef to have been awarded a Michelin star in both France and Spain, continue
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 99 reviews
Located in Calpe, Beat by Jose Manuel Miguel offers International French Contemporary cuisine. Reviews highlight exceptional food quality, professional service, and a refined atmosphere, with praise for the synergy between Chef José Manuel Miguel and Sommelier Miguel Terol. Some guests enjoyed the ÉTOILE menu. Conversely, negative feedback cites issues with meal pacing, inconsistent food quality (e.g., poorly prepared meat), and unpleasant ambient smells. While the overall rating is high, some visitors felt the value was questionable due to long waits and service lapses.
Suitable for special occasions seeking refined French cuisine and attentive service, though diners should verify pacing expectations.
★ Michelin€€€regional
A 5th-generation family business with more than a century of history within its walls, since what in 1915 was a modest winery became a tapas bar and then the most prestigious restaurant in the Marina Baixa, that place where they say that ‘customers enter and friends leave.’Chef Cristina Figueira, well supported by her daughter Esperança (in the kitchen) and her husband Francisco Cano (in the dining room and wine cellar), began her training behind the stoves of El Xato under the guidance of her mother-in-law, Esperanza Fuster, and has shown a tireless spirit to become one of the leading cooks i
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 99 reviews
El Xato in Polop specializes in regional cuisine and local wines. Reviews frequently praise the high food quality, attentive service, and cool, comfortable atmosphere. Diners appreciate the innovative presentation and authentic flavors. However, some negative feedback highlights issues with meal pacing, inconsistent service professionalism, and dissatisfaction regarding value, such as extra charges for water or perceived reductions in menu portions. While parking can be difficult, the restaurant remains a notable destination for those seeking genuine regional gastronomy.
Suitable for diners seeking authentic regional flavors and a comfortable environment, with advance booking recommended.
★ Michelin€€€Contemporary
After a long career working in restaurants in Spain and around the world (Austria, UK, Singapore, Mexico etc), chef Àlex Vidal has returned to his roots to open his own restaurant, which is contemporary in feel and boasts a glass-fronted kitchen on one side of the bright dining room. On the menu, the goal is to showcase honest Valencian cooking, particularly from the Carcaixent area, and to provide a modern vision of traditional dishes and stews which are always prepared with organic and locally sourced ingredients. The supremely delicate broths and sauces warrant special attention thanks to t
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.7/5 · 100 reviews
Origen in Palma offers contemporary Spanish-Asian fusion cuisine. Food quality is generally praised, with steaks, ribs, and squid highlighted, though some guests reported cooking errors or ingredient issues. Service is mostly described as friendly and attentive, but a few reviews mention unwelcoming staff or pressure to consume quickly. The atmosphere is stylish and energetic, featuring neon green lighting, which some find lively while others consider it noisy or distracting. Value is mixed; while the wine list is extensive, several diners felt the prices did not always justify the experience. Overall, it provides a unique dining concept with consistent highs and occasional operational inconsistencies.
Suitable for diners seeking modern fusion cuisine who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies.