Alicante - Eating
Alicante’s most famous dishes contain rice. There are more than a hundred different rice recipes in the region, and they are all delicious! At an “arrocería,” or rice restaurant, you’ll find one of the Spanish national dishes, “paella”, saffron rice mixed with local ingredients such as shellfish and vegetables among other dishes.
Fish and shellfish are fresh every day while sausage and meat is produced in the mountains near Alicante. Salads are served with salted accompaniments and olives. The tasty and unusual local drink made with tiger nuts, “horchata,” is very popular and served in many bars and “horchaterías,” which you will find nearly everywhere in the city—you will love it!
Another local delicacy is “turrón,” a dessert made with whole almonds, honey, sugar and egg whites that is served everywhere. Apart from buying bars of “turrón,” you can try “turrón” flavoured ice-cream.
Alicante offers a wide range of restaurants of every category from elegant to fashionable, from exclusive to snack-bars. Meal times are usually somewhat later than in the rest of Europe: breakfast from 7.30-10.00. The main meal or lunch is served in restaurants from 14.00 and 15.30 and dinner is from 21.00-22.30.
Restaurante La Ereta
Situated on La Ereta park, on the side on Mount Benacantil, by Santa Barbara Castle. It enjoys wonderful views of the coastline, the Castle and the city centre—in other words, set in the loveliest of surroundings. They specialise in very elaborate cuisine.
Restaurante Dársena
One of the oldest restaurants in Alicante. It is located in the sports marina and it offers spectacular views of the seafront. They specialise in “paella” and Mediterranean food.
Restaurante Nou Manolín
It is located in one of the pedestrian streets of Alicante city centre. It has a very good and varied à la carte menu and it is also considered to serve the best tapas in all of Spain.
Restaurante El Cantó
It is one of the most authentic tapas bar in Alicante. They don’t take bookings, but it is surely worth waiting for a table and enjoying their culinary delights!
Bar Guillermo
It is a traditional tapas bar located in the centre of Alicante. Very popular due to their homemade meals and their “montaditos,” little sandwiches with varied fillings.
