Baobab Soul Kitchen & Bar is a vegetarian restaurant near Playa de San Juan in Alicante, with a menu of vegetarian and vegan dishes. It describes its cooking as "conscious" and sustainable, based on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The menu includes pad thai, katsu curry, gyozas, bao buns, baba ganoush and cannelloni, and visitors particularly recommend the Volcán de Pistacho dessert. According to reviews, the dining room is full of plants, and guests praise the presentation, the warm service and the gluten-free options. Reviews also say dogs are welcome, and Google lists the restaurant as wheelchair accessible.
A churros café in Alicante's Playa de San Juan district (PAU 5), specialising in freshly made churros and porras. Besides classic churros with hot chocolate, there are filled churros, including Nutella and dulce de leche versions — the dulce de leche churros come up especially often in reviews. The menu also has toasts, sandwiches, tortilla skewers and smoothies, so it works for a sweet or a savoury breakfast. There is a terrace, and visitors praise the friendly staff. The entrance and toilet are wheelchair accessible.
Carnal Burger House is a burger joint in Alicante's Benalúa district, serving smash burgers and classic burgers with homemade sauces. It has very high ratings in Google reviews, with guests praising the juicy meat, soft buns and homemade sauces. The menu also features a “burger of the month”, and among the sides reviews often mention the truffade potatoes; there are also fries and nachos. Desserts include lime pie, and reviewers also mention the lemon meringue tart and cheesecake. The interior combines industrial elements with warm touches, and according to reviews the staff are very friendly.
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Get in touchDolci Garipier is a popular brunch and specialty coffee spot in the Pau 5 area, a few minutes from Playa de San Juan. The focus is on homemade baking and desserts, and its signature is freshly baked, homemade stuffed focaccia. Reviews also frequently mention the pastrami sandwich, American pancakes, poached eggs, açaí bowls, cookies and matcha drinks. The menu has vegetarian and vegan options, there is a terrace, and dogs are welcome (one guest writes that they were allowed inside with their dog). Guests praise the presentation and the friendly staff, but the café does not take bookings and gets busy, so expect to wait for a table.
El Bistrot Italiano is an Italian trattoria by Playa de San Juan in Alicante, known for Roman-style pinsa — a thicker crust that is crispy yet light. The owner is Luca, an Italian; one visitor writes that he came straight out to greet them and was very knowledgeable about Italian food. Besides pinsa, reviews mention homemade pasta such as carbonara and ravioli, cheek lasagne, a cold cuts board and desserts like tiramisu and rum baba. Visitors praise the cosy dining room and friendly staff, and one review notes that it is not loud and that there is a children's menu. Gluten-free options also come up in reviews, and one of the reviews highlighted by Google advises booking a table in advance, as the place is small.
El Meu Foc is an intimate restaurant in Alicante specialising in Alicante-style rice dishes and meat and fish cooked over embers (a la brasa). The kitchen is led by Fernando Fernandes, a Venezuelan-born chef of Portuguese descent with more than 20 years' experience, who focuses on traditional Alicante cooking with a modern touch. The menu includes arròs del senyoret, black rice (arròs negre), oxtail rice with boletus mushrooms and fideuà, and there is also a menú arrocero with a choice of starter and a rice dish. Visitors praise the cosy atmosphere, attentive service and starters such as torreznos and ensaladilla rusa. Several reviewers point out that the restaurant is dog-friendly.
Scighera Milano is a small, family-run pizzeria in central Alicante, run by Italians. The speciality is pizza on a light Neapolitan-style dough, made to order, and the menu also has calzone, lasagne, pasta and boards of Italian cured meats and cheeses. Visitors praise the light, crispy bases, the warm welcome from the owners and the limoncello served at the end of the meal. There is an indoor dining room and tables outside on a quiet side street. One reviewer notes that it is a small business run by a couple, so a little patience is needed.
Camino de Sabores is a tapas bar and restaurant in the heart of Alicante's old town, on a lane that runs down from Santa Bárbara Castle towards the sea. The cooking is Mediterranean with an emphasis on fish and seafood: the dishes reviews mention most are the octopus, tuna steak, garlic prawns and fish soup, and among the meat dishes the ribs and pork neck. According to reviews, the portions are home-style and very generous; guests often mention the sangria, and there is also homemade lemonade. The staff speak Spanish, English and Polish, and one guest describes the restaurant as family-run. There are outdoor tables, and a few reviews also mention live music.
Cervecería Sento Rambla is a tiny, iconic tapas bar in central Alicante, just off the Rambla, famous for its montaditos – small bread rolls with a variety of toppings. Many snacks are cooked on the griddle (plancha), and the “lollipops” come up often in reviews – one guest describes unusual pairings such as duck with jam or chicken with peanut butter. Guests praise the friendly, lively staff and the local, buzzing atmosphere, washing the food down with beer, wine or sangria. The interior is tiny (one guest estimates it fits about ten people), so many end up eating at the street tables or standing. Reviewers point out that it is usually cash only, and that it can get crowded and loud.
Da Riccardo is a small Italian restaurant in Alicante's Ensanche Diputación district, close to the railway station. The heart of the kitchen is a wood-fired oven used for pizzas and baked pasta, and the menu also includes salads, focaccia and homemade desserts. Guests praise the crispy pizzas, pasta, lasagne, cheesy garlic bread, cheesecake and apple pie. According to reviews it has a relaxed, family-friendly trattoria feel and quick, friendly service, and it is often full, so guests advise booking a table. Tripadvisor lists high chairs and possible gluten-free options.
Falafelmania is a family-run vegetarian and vegan restaurant serving Middle Eastern (Syrian and Lebanese) food, set in a quiet residential part of Alicante, in the Benalúa district. Everything is made in-house: falafel in a wrap or on a plate, hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh and stuffed vine leaves. Many guests choose the tasting menu, where several tapas are followed by a falafel main and a dessert such as baklava or homemade cheesecake. Most of the menu is vegan, there are gluten-free options, and according to reviews the owners are happy to explain the dishes and make recommendations. Visitors praise the fresh, home-style flavours and the warm welcome, noting that the restaurant is well away from the tourist centre.
Luna de Alberdi Burger Bar is an Argentinian eatery near the Central Market and the bullring in Alicante. The owners aim to recreate the feel of Córdoba, Argentina, through the décor, music and food: the menu features lomitos (Argentinian sandwiches with beef or chicken), burgers, empanadas, milanesas and choripán. Desserts are Argentinian classics such as chocotorta, alfajores and bread pudding, and there is also a kids' menu and a vegetarian lomito. In reviews, guests praise the quality of the burger meat, the friendly service and the generous portions, and one reviewer compares the vibe to a diner from American films. Takeaway is available too, and there is a second branch in Elche.
Pelican is a fusion restaurant by Playa de San Juan in Alicante, combining flavours from around the world with Japanese touches. The menu includes nigiri, uramaki and other sushi rolls, ceviche, gyozas, tempura prawns, tuna tartare, oysters, as well as torrezno and wagyu. The chef is Pablo Berenguer Solbes, and according to reviews the dishes are carefully prepared and nicely presented. The venue has a modern interior, a terrace and a cocktail bar — the cocktails are among the things guests praise most. It belongs to Grupo Concerto, and later in the evening, with a DJ, the restaurant takes on a nightlife atmosphere.
Capri Blu is an Italian pizzeria and restaurant in the Playa de San Juan area, serving Neapolitan pizza and fresh pasta. The pizza has the high Neapolitan-style rim (cornicione), and the restaurant has a wood-fired oven. The menu also covers Italian classics such as parmigiana di melanzane and gnocchi alla sorrentina, and reviews often mention the carbonara and, for dessert, the tiramisu. Visitors praise the warm, homely atmosphere, and the décor of sea paintings and lemons nods to the island of Capri; in good weather you can sit on the terrace. One reviewer, however, found the pizza base slightly undercooked.
Circo is a signature burger restaurant in central Alicante, between the Teatro Principal and Plaza de Luceros; it is the first Circo location, opened in 2017. The burgers are made with aged Spanish beef (vaca vieja), either as a classic patty or smashed, served on brioche buns with homemade sauces. In 2023 the chain won the Best Chain (Mejor Cadena) award at the 3rd Spanish Burger Championship, and its La Aspirante burger took bronze for the Valencian Community. The menu also includes a vegetarian burger with organic mushrooms and a rotating “burger of the month”, reviews often mention the nachos and the gluten-free options, and one guest praises the cheesecake. The dining room is modern and tiled, and the venue is wheelchair accessible.
La Callaíta is a family-run gastrobar in central Alicante, mixing Mediterranean cooking with Asian touches and doubling as a cocktail bar. The menu covers starters, gourmet sandwiches (entrepanes), fish and meat — including torreznos with smoked vermouth sauce, oven-baked octopus leg, confit artichokes and roast chicken cannelloni with ceps. Reviewers praise the generous portions, careful presentation and warm service, and there is a menú del día at lunchtime. According to reviews, gluten-free diners are well looked after. The entrance, seating and toilet are wheelchair accessible, and there is a hearing loop.
La Tasca del Barrio is a cosy tavern on Labradores street in central Alicante, founded by Jesús and open for more than ten years. The cooking is built around homestyle tapas, traditional rice dishes and Mediterranean plates — the menu includes black rice (arroz negro), rice with Iberian secreto, mussels and octopus. Guests can sit in the dining room or on the terrace on a pedestrian street in the Barrio. Reviewers most often praise the paella, and tapas, sangria, croquettes and octopus also come up often, along with the friendly staff. The restaurant takes bookings through its website, and according to reviews walk-ins are seated first come, first served, so expect a queue, which one guest says moves fairly quickly.
Osteria San Gaudenzio is an Italian restaurant in Alicante's old town that calls itself “a corner of Italy in the heart of Alicante”. The kitchen sticks to classic Italian recipes: handmade fresh pasta, antipasti, salads, meat dishes and desserts. The pizzas are baked in a stone oven brought over from Italy and fired with olive wood, and the dough is made every day with organic semi-wholemeal flour. Tagliatelle come up most often in reviews, and guests also mention the truffle tagliatelle, the amatriciana pizza, the burrata salad, the crème brûlée, the cannoli and the aubergine parmigiana. Italian wines are on the list, reviews repeatedly mention the friendly service, and you can sit inside or on the terrace.
Pizzeria Alma Libre is a colourful pizzeria in Pau 5 at Playa de San Juan, in the Parque Mariola complex, a few minutes from the beach. It has a surf theme (its motto is “Surf Pizza Sleep Repeat”) and the dough is made by hand with fresh ingredients. Any pizza can be made with gluten-free dough and vegan cheese is available if requested when booking; the menu also has calzone, lasagne and the “Longboard”, a half-metre pizza with two flavours of your choice. Visitors praise the thin, crispy crust, the house Alma Libre pizza with black truffle and pistachio, and the homemade tiramisu. According to reviews, the vibe is relaxed and beachy, with friendly staff and good music.
Restaurante El Pont is a restaurant and tapas bar on Plaza del Puente in the Santa Cruz quarter of Alicante's old town. The staff are Polish and speak Polish, English and Spanish. The menu features fish and seafood from the Villajoyosa and Santa Pola fish markets, grilled meats, tapas and salads. Visitors most often praise the octopus, calamari, prawns, patatas bravas and the salmon and mango salad. Tables are set out on a small, quiet square with a view of Santa Bárbara Castle, and according to reviews some guests come back more than once during a single stay.
Restaurante Fetén is a small restaurant by Playa de San Juan in Alicante, run by its chef-owners Mario Amat and Carlos Tomás. It opened in 2023 and was added to the Michelin Guide's recommended restaurants in July 2026. The kitchen focuses on tapas, rice dishes and wine, reinterpreting classic dishes with contemporary techniques. Reviews keep mentioning the croquettes (including Iberian pork loin ones), oxtail lasagne, ensaladilla rusa, the "Donut Bravo" and torrija for dessert. Visitors praise the careful presentation and the service, and from October until the end of winter the kitchen makes traditional gazpacho with rabbit and seasonal mushrooms on Sundays.
Circo Pau 5 is a branch of the CIRCO burger chain in the PAU 5 district, near San Juan beach — according to the chain's website, its third restaurant in Alicante and a more intimate spot than the one in the centre. The chain has been going since 2017 and serves burgers made from aged Spanish beef (vaca vieja), either as a thick patty or smashed, with sauces and toppings made in-house. The menu also has starters such as nachos with homemade tortilla chips and guacamole, chicken wings and salads, plus a Kid Burger for children. Guests praise the nachos, the brioche-bun burgers and the wide gluten-free offer, although one review mentions a burger with raw meat inside. Tables can be booked online, and there is also takeaway and delivery.
Daikichi Beach is an intimate Japanese restaurant in PAU 5 by Playa de San Juan, specialising in kaiseki-style Japanese fine dining and an omakase tasting menu prepared in front of guests. According to Almanaque Gastronómico it is the sister of the casual Daikichi in central Alicante, and the kitchen applies Japanese techniques to local produce, including aged and smoked fish and Miyazaki wagyu beef. Guests praise the nigiri, sashimi, cold ramen and oysters, as well as the quality of the fish and seafood. The best seats are at the bar, where you can watch part of the chef's work, and the drinks list includes a selection of sake with tasting notes. Visitors recommend it for special occasions, although one review mentions a long wait for food.
El Bodegón is a tapas-and-rice house open since 2007 in the Zona Golf area by Playa de San Juan in Alicante. Its speciality is traditional rice — from the classic arroz con bogavante (with lobster) to seasonal creations — cooked to be creamy with a crisp caramelised base (socarrat). In the evening the menu turns to informal tapas: montaditos, patatas bravas, fried fish, ensaladilla rusa, octopus and marinated cazón (dogfish). The carefully chosen wine list also offers wines by the glass, and there is both an indoor dining room and a terrace. Reviewers particularly praise the rice dishes, such as the arroz a banda and the monkfish, mussel and prawn rice, as well as the homemade desserts and the friendly service.
GastroBar Restaurante Jorge is a modern gastrobar in Alicante focused on rice dishes and market cooking based on local produce. In 2021 its lobster “lollipop” with a cream made from lobster rice won the first edition of the city's “De tapas por Alicante” contest, and in 2024 it took second prize in the Tapas Cofrade competition. The kitchen is run by chef-owner Óscar Cerdá. Reviews most often praise the rice dishes, such as red prawn rice and rice with octopus and prawns, and individual guests also recommend the grilled cuttlefish and the artichoke with ham and honey.
Neapolitan pizza bar on Calle San Fernando in central Alicante with plenty of veggie options. It was founded by Raquel Perramón and Gonzalo Infante, who learned pizza-making in Naples under Franco Pepe; the dough is slow-fermented and toppings rely largely on seasonal produce from local suppliers. The pizzeria made the 50 Top Pizza Europe list in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Besides pizza, the menu has focaccia, aubergine parmigiana and starters, with tiramisu and gelato from its own Fraganti Gelato workshop for dessert; there is also a vegan pizza, and pizzas can be made with gluten-free dough (the restaurant notes it cannot guarantee a 100% gluten-free environment). Visitors praise the light dough and the tiramisu, and one review mentions a long queue on a Friday evening.
A sushi restaurant with fusion touches in Pau 5 at Playa de San Juan. It is known for its truffle tuna tartare, curry gyozas and ceviche, and guests also praise the cocktails and the service. The menu covers nigiri, sashimi, rolls, starters, noodle dishes and desserts, with fusion rolls alongside the classic sushi. According to reviews, the dining room is modern and cosy, and there are also outdoor tables. A few reviews mention slower service when ordering and paying the bill.
Tepuy Burger is a burger restaurant in central Alicante that combines craft burgers with Venezuelan food. The menu features grilled and smash burgers made with Spanish beef, house sauces, plus arepas, cachapas and tequeños. The brand has been going for around nine years and has three venues: on Calle Bazán in the centre, in the Garbinet district and in Benidorm. The city-centre venue is an indoor dining room with no terrace, with takeaway and delivery available; burgers come in a gluten-free bun on request and the arepas are naturally gluten-free. Reviews include praise for the beef burgers and the fries, but also comments about small portions and dry chicken burgers.
Amasable is a small artisan pizzeria in the Ensanche district of central Alicante with a health-conscious focus. Alongside pizzas made on its own dough, the menu offers burgers, fresh salads, vegetarian and vegan dishes and gluten-free options. It also serves breakfast and brunch, and reviews mention the toasts and the wide choice of teas and infusions. Guests often mention the hummus, the homemade feel of the food, the cosy room and the friendly staff, and some also the burrata salad. One reviewer notes that the darker flours give the base a different texture from a classic pizza.
American Humo y Fuego is an American-style smokehouse in central Alicante, operating within the Templo restaurant. Meats are smoked Southern-style over holm oak and apple wood, and the burgers are made from natural aged beef minced fresh every day. The restaurant's website lists brisket, pulled pork and ribs, and reviews also frequently mention pastrami, ribeye steak, nachos, corn on the cob, homemade fries and cheesecake. Some visitors praise the quality of the meat, especially in the burgers and pastrami. One review, however, mentions inconsistent cooking, and another a wait of almost 40 minutes for the food.
A Spanish-French restaurant on a street corner by Calle San Ildefonso in central Alicante. The kitchen stresses that everything is made in-house, and some dishes are designed for sharing; the menu includes corvina and scallop ceviche, reviewers also mention tartares, fish, seafood and oysters, and there are cocktails too. Reviewers praise the quality of the produce and the fresh oysters and fish, and one singles out the goat's cheese cheesecake with cherry sauce. There is a good choice of vegetarian dishes and gluten-free options, with tables outside as well. One review mentions a long wait before the order was taken.
Manero Mollá is a stylish tapas bar and delicatessen on Médico Manero Mollà street in central Alicante, listed in the MICHELIN Guide. The interior recreates an old-fashioned grocery store (ultramarinos), with wood accents and a decorative tiled floor. The menu features tapas, Iberian cured meats, salted fish, tinned delicacies and seafood — many products can be bought to take away. The dishes mentioned most often in reviews are the torrija for dessert, oysters, leek and truffled omelette, and guests also praise the croquettes and the choice of wines, cava and cocktails. It is a bustling place; some reviews mention loud music, and the photo booth is a popular touch.
Nou Manolín is a restaurant in central Alicante, open since 1971 and known for its tapas bar, seafood and rice dishes. The ground floor is a busy bar where you eat at the counter, while upstairs there is an elegant dining room with a distinctive designer ceiling — the menu is the same on both floors. The seafood display by the entrance, with shrimp, red prawns, crayfish and oysters, catches the eye straight away, and the market-driven menu includes some half portions and a small selection of rice dishes. Visitors most often praise the red prawns, red mullet, ensaladilla rusa, cod fritters, arròs a banda, steak tartare and morels stuffed with foie. It belongs to the same Gastronou group as Piripi and is listed in the MICHELIN Guide, which recommends the almond nougat soufflé with chocolate ice cream for dessert.
Vegan Bombon Sin Gluten is a fully vegan and gluten-free patisserie-café in central Alicante, open since 2016. Everything is made in its own bakery, certified gluten-free by the Valencian coeliac association ACECOVA, using rice and corn flours among others. The range covers cakes (red velvet, carrot cake, cheesecake and more), croissants, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls and cookies, as well as savoury empanadas, pizzas, plant-based kebab and burgers. Visitors praise the cinnamon rolls, the chocolate cakes and the coffee, and according to one review there is a small outdoor seating area plus an air-conditioned room inside. The bakery won awards in Easter mona and coca competitions in 2024 and 2025.
Churrería Foguerer is a third-generation family café in Alicante's Carolinas district, combining a churro shop, an ice cream parlour and a café. It serves churros and porras with chocolate, artisan ice cream, horchata and coffee, as well as breakfasts. Guests praise the family atmosphere and friendly service. One of them also notes the quick service, the cleanliness and a spacious terrace partly shaded by trees, but found the porras too dry and thin. Other guests praise the churros, breakfasts and ice cream, and the alicante10.es portal highlights the coffee and cosy atmosphere.
La Taberna del Gourmet is a tapas tavern on San Fernando street in central Alicante, listed in the MICHELIN Guide, which calls it almost a “tapas museum”. A large choice of tapas made from high-quality produce is on display at the bar, backed by an extensive list of Spanish wines. The cooking is built on produce from nearby fish markets and Alicante recipes — besides tapas there is seafood, rice dishes (including paella and arròs a banda) and grilled meat. The restaurant has several areas — the bar, a dining room, a snug corner and a terrace — and belongs to the María José San Román restaurant group. The paella and the torrija for dessert come up most often in reviews, and one guest particularly praises the fresh seafood; some note, however, that the waiters are very busy when the place is full.
Piripi is a tapas and rice restaurant in Alicante's Ensanche district, open since 1994 and listed in the MICHELIN Guide. The ground floor is a lively tapas bar where you can also eat at the counter, and upstairs there is a carefully kept dining room. The extensive menu covers signature dishes, a wide choice of rice dishes and daily specials, with fish and seafood brought in every day straight from the fish auctions in Dénia and Santa Pola. Reviews most often mention the red prawns, the arròs a banda and other rice dishes, the cod fritters, ensaladilla rusa, artichokes, croquettes and langoustines. It belongs to the Gastronou group, like Nou Manolín, and one guest notes that it is popular with Alicante locals as well as visitors.
Churrería Calderón is a small, local café and churro shop opposite the Central Market in Alicante. It serves crispy churros and thick porras with hot chocolate, plus coffee and simple breakfasts such as toast with olive oil or eggs. Guests praise the thick chocolate, the quick and friendly service and the local feel, with many residents at the tables. You can sit inside or outside, and according to reviews it is a good spot to watch life around the market. Some reviews note that the churros can be inconsistent, occasionally dry or undercooked.
Spiga is an Italian restaurant on Calle Mayor in Alicante's old quarter, whose owners draw on their Venetian roots and the traditional cooking of Venice. The menu is built around pasta and pizza, with starters, salads and desserts, including gluten-free, vegetarian and vegan options. There is a terrace on the busy lane and an indoor dining room spread over several floors. Visitors most often praise the pizzas and the desserts, especially the cheesecake and tiramisu. According to some reviews the pasta and the pace of service can be uneven, and at mealtimes you may have to wait for a table.
Brekker Brunch is a family-run brunch café in El Campello, located upstairs above the Mercadona supermarket. It is run by the Rox family, who focus on fresh ingredients and their own recipes: the menu includes eggs Benedict, shakshuka, chicken or salmon bowls, Dutch pancakes and homemade doughnuts. Guests rate it very highly, praising the careful presentation, good coffee and mimosas made with freshly squeezed orange juice. One guest writes that the staff did a good job setting up tables for a gathering of 10, and there is also a children's menu. Some visitors mention the sea view and the short walk to the beach.
Carmencita Brunch is a bright, spotless American-style brunch spot in Benidorm, two minutes from Levante beach. It is the Benidorm branch of a brand that has been serving brunch in Madrid since 2010. The menu includes eggs Benedict, huevos rancheros, pancakes, avocado toast, burgers, smoothies, freshly squeezed orange juice and mimosas, with sides such as sweet potato fries or hash browns. Guests praise the healthy breakfasts and lunches, generous portions, homemade cakes (especially the carrot cake) and friendly staff, and gluten-free options also come up in reviews. The entrance is wheelchair accessible.
DAILY Coffee is a cosy two-floor café in central Santa Pola, open from early morning. According to its website, it combines a Colombian bakery with Spanish pastry-making. Alongside single-origin coffee it serves freshly baked bread, empanadas, cheese pastries and Colombian specialities such as pandebono and papa rellena. The menu also offers homemade pastries and healthy options for breakfast and brunch. In reviews, guests praise the food, the atmosphere and the very friendly staff, and one visitor recommends it as a place for Colombian products.
A small gastrobar near the old town and one of the highest-rated in Calpe. It was opened by two founders — a bartender and a chef — who describe their cooking as fusion: Spanish tapas reworked in a gourmet style. Go for the tasting menu of six tapas and a dessert — creative tapas, superb octopus and staff who explain every dish; a vegan version is available too. The menu includes salmon tataki and Iberian pork cheeks, the bar serves signature cocktails, and reviews also mention the beef ribs and the homemade vermouth. Seating is limited, and one reviewer complains about the noise.
MammaMia Ristorante & Pizzeria is a small Italian restaurant in Benidorm's old town, on a quiet side street just off the busiest streets. Its speciality is Neapolitan pizza from a wood-fired oven — reviewers praise the light dough and puffy crust, and some compare it to pizza in Naples. Reviews also mention southern Italian dishes: carbonara, scialatielli, prawn risotto, lasagne, parmigiana and the “Amalfi” fried seafood. To finish, visitors recommend the homemade tiramisu and limoncello, and describe the service as warm and attentive. The intimate dining room and outdoor tables make it a good choice for a date night.
Mar y Monte Gastrobar is a gastrobar on the seafront Sant Vicent street in El Campello, with a terrace overlooking the sea and the beach. The kitchen gives traditional recipes a modern twist using local produce — the menu includes homemade tapas, charcuterie boards, rice dishes, fresh fish and meat. The venue has several areas: a bar for vermouth, a casual counter, a dining room and the terrace. Reviewers praise the fresh seafood and mention dishes such as fried octopus, croquettes, scallops, garlic prawns and grilled fish. Reviews consistently highlight very warm service, with English spoken.
Restaurante Porthus by El Charro Negro is a meat-focused restaurant in central Torrevieja and the sister venue of El Charro Negro, a Mexican restaurant that has been running in the town for over 25 years. The speciality is carefully selected grilled meat with a choice of sides and sauces, and the menu also features fresh fish and signature dishes. The kitchen is led by chef Pedro Correa, and the dining room has a green wall covered with plants, round wooden tables and woven chairs. Visitors praise the steaks, octopus, lamb shoulder, beef cheeks, cheesecake and local apple pie, as well as the presentation of the dishes. Reviews often mention staff who help choose the steak and wine, and the restaurant has a very high Google rating.
Torreón Tapas Bar is a small tapas bar in Santa Pola, a few minutes' walk from the beach, which opened in May 2026. The cooking is Mediterranean tradition with a contemporary touch, with dishes such as an octopus and garlic prawn cazuela and goat's cheese with paprika and caramelised tomato. Visitors praise the careful presentation, good portions and friendly owner, and single out the octopus, salmon, gambas al ajillo and the white sangria. The staff speak English, and there are tables both inside and outside. Guests also note how clean the dining room and toilets are; a set menu of the day is available on request.
Atípico Lounge & Bar is a gastrobar in Gran Alacant serving creative tapas and cocktails. The menu blends Spanish and Mediterranean cooking with Asian touches – besides the "lingote bravo", the house take on patatas bravas, you'll find bao, gyozas and prawns with mango. Visitors praise the balanced flavours, careful presentation, cocktails and warm service, including with young children. There is seating in a stylish interior and outdoors, and as it fills up quickly, booking is recommended. The entrance, seating and toilet are wheelchair accessible.
Café Fleur by Maison Rêve is a breakfast and brunch café in Gran Alacant (municipality of Santa Pola). The interior is decorated in shades of pink, and guests mention the good music and calm, relaxing atmosphere. Cakes, arepas and smoothies come up often in reviews, and guests also praise the French toast, Nordic eggs, cinnamon rolls and good coffee. The staff speak English and, according to reviews, are especially welcoming to families with children. The café is dog-friendly, has outdoor seating and takes reservations.
Callaíto is a restaurant in Santa Pola serving modern Mediterranean food with international influences, under the motto “Come, bebe y calla” (“Eat, drink and hush”). The menu includes bao, gyozas, red prawn croquettes, burrata salad with strawberries, poke bowls, cochinita pibil tacos and brioche buns filled with beef cheek or Peking duck. Many guests consider it one of the best places to eat in Santa Pola, and the star dish is the slow-cooked beef cheek on brioche. Visitors praise the atmospheric, carefully designed interior and the attentive service, and often recommend the French toast for dessert. Tables can be booked online, and food can also be ordered for delivery via Glovo.
El Rinconcito de Noa is a simple bar-restaurant on the Alkabir estate in El Campello, with no tablecloths or frills but with a paella many guests call the best they've had in Spain. Try the chicken and rabbit version or the octopus rice, with homemade meatballs (albóndigas) to start. Besides the rice dishes, reviews mention tapas such as croquettes, squid and garlic prawns. There is a terrace, and the place is popular with local residents. Reviewers praise the home-style cooking and friendly service, and one also mentions generous portions.
A cosy bistro in central El Campello with a wide menu mixing Mediterranean, Italian and Latin American cooking. It is run by the owners themselves, and according to its website the kitchen uses fresh produce from their own organic garden. The menu also features Uruguayan and Peruvian dishes — empanadas, chivito, milanesa napolitana, ceviche and tuna causa — alongside grilled fish of the day and vegetarian options. Regulars praise how consistent it is, the homemade ravioli and the desserts, especially the pistachio cheesecake. There is an indoor dining room and a terrace.
A small, family-run tapas bar on Calle Pedro Lorca in the centre of Torrevieja, where reviewers say you are treated like family. Tapas come with their own twist — like one big meatball on braised vegetables instead of a bowlful, or patatas bravas with the sauce on the side for dipping. Guests praise the tapas menu for two, which is plenty for dinner, as well as the empanadas, octopus, entrecôte to share and cheesecake. The sangria also gets good reviews (one guest notes it comes with plenty of fruit), as do the cocktails. One guest describes how a waiter helped him choose tapas at the counter, explaining them in English.
Maíto – Café y Brunch is a brunch café in the centre of Torrevieja. The menu features toasts (including avocado toast and French toast), croissants, cakes and fresh juices, with speciality coffee and matcha to drink. Visitors praise the careful presentation of the dishes, the thoughtful décor and the warm welcome from the staff. According to reviews, the outdoor tables look out over the harbour, and the calm interior also works well for remote work.
Monte Gastro Café is a brunch café on Carrer Major in Villajoyosa, close to the beach. It describes itself as “more than a café” and focuses on healthy, homemade food: breakfast, brunch and creative tapas to go with good coffee. Reviews most often mention the omelettes, the banana bread and the bruschetta (on the menu with aubergine cream and sautéed mushrooms), one guest praises the tofu and vegetable sandwich, and oat milk is available for coffee. According to reviews it is an easy choice for vegans and vegetarians, and the staff and owners are very welcoming. You can sit in the cosy interior or on the terrace, which one guest considers the nicest in the area.
Restaurante Argentino ILPI is an Argentine grill (parrilla) on the Villajoyosa seafront, with the beach on one side and the town's famous colourful houses on the other. It describes itself as the place “where fire meets the sea”, and the menu centres on grilled meat: skirt steak, tomahawk, entrecôte and a mixed grill to share. Visitors also often mention the empanadas, provoleta (grilled cheese), sweetbreads, milanesa and chocotorta for dessert. Some people travel here specifically for the steaks, and dogs are welcome both inside and on the terrace. According to one review, the place was full in the evening and walk-ins were turned away, so booking is a good idea.
Restaurante Asiático Sumire is a modern Asian restaurant in the Gran Alacant shopping centre, with a large dining room and a terrace. The menu mixes Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Korean cooking, from sushi and temaki to duck pancakes, Korean ribs and pad thai. Visitors praise the sushi, the mango chicken and the careful presentation, and one reviewer says most dishes can be made vegan. It is a favourite with families living in Gran Alacant: there are high chairs, and set menus for two or larger groups. Guests also mention the quick, polite service and the modern decor.
Restaurante MADE 100% No Gluten is a restaurant by the marina in Villajoyosa where the entire kitchen is gluten-free. It is certified by the Spanish coeliac association, and the staff are trained in procedures to prevent gluten cross-contamination. The cooking is Mediterranean with international influences and based on seasonal produce, and gluten-free bread is served with the meal. Visitors praise the creative, carefully plated dishes, the desserts and the service, noting that non-coeliac diners come here too. You can sit on the terrace overlooking the port or in the quiet dining room, and the wine list covers both local and international labels.
Sí o Qué is a small, family-run restaurant in El Campello, a few streets back from the seafront promenade. The cooking blends a Mediterranean base with Asian touches and local produce, with dishes such as prawn gyoza, croquettes, oxtail bao and almadraba bluefin tuna served as carpaccio, tartare or tataki. The plates are meant for sharing, and for dessert guests often recommend the pistachio coulant, one of them also the matcha tiramisu. Visitors single out the warm service, although reviews note that some portions are small. The restaurant offers gluten-free and vegetarian options, and on weekdays there is also a set menu.
Tapas de Beirut is a Lebanese restaurant with a terrace in Torrevieja. The concept pairs the flavours of Beirut with the Spanish habit of sharing small plates: the menu covers cold and hot mezze (hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, fattoush, falafel, batata harra and more), dishes from the grill and desserts such as baklava and knafeh. There are also tasting selections of 10 or 15 tapas and a kids' menu, and according to reviews there is a lunch menu with lentil soup. Visitors praise the bold, authentic flavours and the friendly, multilingual staff; one especially recommends the lamb chops with garlic sauce and the bacon-wrapped dates, and mentions the sea views. A few reviews mention slower service, for example when only one waitress was working.
Bar La Tasqueta is a local tapas bar in Villajoyosa, away from the tourist spots and frequented mainly by residents. It serves traditional Spanish home cooking, and at lunchtime a three-course menú del día with dishes such as paella, lentils, stew or grilled sardines. Among the tapas, visitors praise the croquettes, patatas bravas, octopus and Soria-style torrezno. Reviews repeatedly mention generous portions and friendly waiters, and one guest praises the family atmosphere. One Polish guest recalls the waiter showing their group the menu in Polish on his phone.
Bosco Cucina Italiana is an Italian restaurant on the church square (Plaça Església) in the historic centre of Villajoyosa. The menu features crisp-crust pizzas, pasta served in generous portions, Italian starters and a selection of wines. Lasagne comes up most often in reviews, burrata, provolone and vegan dishes are also mentioned, and one guest singles out the gnocchi and seafood pasta. Visitors praise the tables on the quiet square among the old town's colourful houses and the very friendly service. The restaurant takes reservations, and both the entrance and the seating are wheelchair accessible.
Cafeseamos is a large, bright specialty coffee café in Calpe, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. The menu is very extensive and based on fresh, natural ingredients: sweet and savoury breakfasts, poke bowls, salads and other specialities, as well as drinks with no added sugar and gluten-free options. Guests praise the coffee and the choice of breakfasts, and one reviewer mentions the very large slices of cake. There is outdoor seating and an air-conditioned interior, and the café has a kids' corner and a children's menu, which makes it popular with families. At the busiest times service can be slower, and some guests complain about the noise.
El Arco Restaurante is a restaurant on Plaça de la Villa in the heart of Calpe's old town, set in a century-old building, with a terrace overlooking the church square and the historic arch. Open since 2018, it belongs to the same family as Lapsus Bistró and serves Mediterranean cooking with Italian influences. The menu pairs local Calpe dishes with Italian specialities such as fresh pasta and pizza made with artisan dough given plenty of time to rest, and the signature dish is chateaubriand carved at the table on a hot stone. Reviews often mention the carpaccio, the beef tenderloin and the porcini croquettes, the bar serves signature cocktails, and one guest writes that the cooking could hold its own in any big city. The professional, warm service is praised especially often.
Gastrobar La Malmirá is a characterful spot in El Campello decorated in a Frida Kahlo theme, which one visitor describes as a quiet oasis on a busy street. In the morning it serves coffee and tostadas, and later tapas and Spanish dishes such as cachopo, croquettes, patatas bravas and torreznos. There is a wide selection of wines to go with the food, and bottles can also be bought to take away. The bar hosts wine tastings with food pairings and, according to reviews, stand-up comedy evenings too. Visitors praise the quality of the food, the homemade cakes and the warm service, including from the owners, Sonia and Luca.
A small Moroccan restaurant on the La Fossa beach promenade in Calpe, run – according to one review – by a French-English family. It serves traditional tagines (seafood, chicken, beef or fish), lamb couscous, kefta, pastilla and mint tea, with homemade harissa on the side. Reviewers praise the fragrant spicing, the tender meat and the friendly owner, who likes to chat with guests. There are vegetarian dishes too, such as the aubergine, and some evenings have live music. According to Google, the entrance, seating and toilet are wheelchair accessible.
Ohana GastroBar is an Argentine grill gastrobar in Gran Alacant; according to one review, the owner is Argentine. The interior is industrial in style, built from recycled materials, and the venue says its terrace looks out over the Bay of Alicante. The cooking centres on grilled meats; the tasting menu with empanada, provoleta and meats is the way to go, alongside cocktails and wine from the list. Visitors particularly praise the skirt steak, ribeye, tomahawk and ribs (which some call the best in Gran Alacant), and one describes an asado platter for two that could feed three. Reviews also often mention the friendly, attentive service, and guests name tiramisu and apple tart among the desserts.
Restaurante Brisa del Mar is a modern, cosy restaurant with a terrace in Gran Alacant, in the Masa Square complex. The menu combines fish and seafood with meat dishes, and according to reviews it also features Polish dishes such as breaded pork cutlet and stuffed cabbage rolls. Visitors praise the fresh fish, mussels in tomato sauce, grilled octopus, duck and lamb, as well as the friendly service, and one reviewer singles out the whole team as the restaurant's greatest asset. The restaurant hosts live music evenings, including Polish performers. A few reviews mention very long waits for food, so don't come here in a hurry.
Restaurante Calentura Bistro is a slightly hidden bistro in Calpe serving Mediterranean and fusion cooking for brunch, lunch and dinner. Its set menu (menú del día) gets the most praise: three starters to share, a main of your choice and a homemade dessert. Visitors single out the scallops, octopus, croquettes, oxtail, tuna tataki, fried fish and cheesecake. It is listed in Calpe's official restaurant guide with the “Peix de Calp” label, and some evenings feature live music. According to reviews, the staff are exceptionally warm; one guest writes that they were allowed to taste several wines before choosing a bottle, and another that they never felt rushed.
Restaurante DRoca is an intimate restaurant in Villajoyosa's old town, right next to the Church of the Assumption, with a terrace overlooking the town. Chef Leandro García López cooks signature Mediterranean food with local produce, and the menu changes with the seasons. The tasting menu is what reviewers mention most often; they also name the tuna tataki, oxtail brioche, lobster salad, octopus, cod and duck. According to reviews, it suits a romantic dinner or a special occasion, and the dishes are carefully presented. There are only a few tables, so book ahead, especially if you want to sit on the terrace.
Arrosseria El Niño is a traditional rice restaurant in Benidorm, set outside the centre and away from the hotels, best reached by car or taxi. Its speciality is Valencian paella and other rice dishes, and reviews especially praise the arroz a banda. Among the starters, reviews single out the calamari, the Padrón peppers and the ham croquettes. Guests describe it as a classic, traditional restaurant with excellent service and a sunny glass-walled dining room, and there is parking both in front and behind the building. It gets busy in summer, so according to reviews booking a table is a good idea.
Aupa Taberna Bar is a tapas tavern in Benidorm's old town, in the Tapas Alley area, with a nod to Basque cooking. It serves raciones, pintxos and classic tapas as well as paella, and reviews mention the paella, meatballs, croquettes, garlic prawns, baby squid and lacón most often. Many dishes come as full or half portions, so visitors suggest sharing several tapas instead of main courses, and staff are happy to adapt dishes on request. Tables are set outside on a busy lane, and the place is popular with Spanish diners too. Some guests mention uneven quality of food and service.
BuenÍSimo is a classic, no-frills Spanish restaurant in Santa Pola, with simple wooden tables and a menu built around tapas, paella and fish and seafood dishes. It is full of locals and stays open outside the summer season too, when many restaurants in town are closed. A rare bonus is that paella can be ordered for just one person, and reviews also often mention the arròs a banda, fideuà, croquettes, cuttlefish, anchovies and aioli. According to reviews the portions are generous and the staff very friendly, and the soufflé is the most frequently mentioned dessert. Guests say it gets crowded at Sunday lunchtime, so it is worth booking a table in advance.
Churrería Chocolatería San Juan is a traditional churro shop in Sant Joan d'Alacant, serving churros, porras and thick hot chocolate made from family recipes. One reviewer writes that the recipe has been passed down from father to son and that the churros are fried in olive oil. Besides churros, it also sells homemade crisps (patatas fritas), which come up often in reviews. Visitors praise the cleanliness and the friendly staff, and one review notes that the customers are mostly locals. Some guests mention a strong smell of frying oil inside; according to Google, the entrance and toilet are wheelchair accessible.
La Boca is a restaurant right on Los Locos beach in Torrevieja, with a dining room and a terrace offering a lovely sea view. It has been open for over 20 years, is popular and often fully booked. The cooking is Mediterranean: beautifully plated fish, octopus and steaks, with dishes such as beef carpaccio, tuna sashimi and seafood linguine, finished with a much-praised cheesecake with pistachio cream. Visitors often mention the menú del día, and the bar mixes both classic and house cocktails. Reviews regularly praise the presentation of the food, though some guests mention long waits for their dishes.
Maleante is a stylish restaurant by the promenade above Santa Pola's fishing port, with a first-floor balcony terrace overlooking the harbour. The cooking is Mediterranean with creative touches — reviews mention squid tentacle salad, marinated salmon, tuna tartare, croquettes, fideuà and cheesecake. Guests praise the inventive presentation and well-balanced portions, especially the Iberian secreto. One guest describes a clean, quiet interior with air conditioning and staff who speak good English. Reviews on Tripadvisor also mention gluten-free dishes, and there is a burger for children.
D-vora is a stylish restaurant in the Gastrohotel RH Canfali in Benidorm's old town, on Plaça de Sant Jaume right by the viewpoint, with a terrace overlooking the sea. It opened in 2018 and serves creative Mediterranean cooking with influences from other world cuisines, and reviews often mention its tasting menu. Guests most often mention the oysters, octopus, ceviche, croquettes and steaks, and TheFork also lists vegan and gluten-free options. It also serves classic and signature cocktails, which makes it a good choice for a birthday dinner or a group night out. According to reviews the staff are warm and attentive, although drinks can take a while when the room is full.
El Cantal is a rice restaurant in Calpe near the harbour, with large windows overlooking the bay, the port and the Peñón de Ifach rock. The cooking is Mediterranean and built around rice dishes and paellas (minimum two people), with more than ten varieties on the menu alongside fideuà, fish and seafood. The restaurant says it buys its produce at the local fish market (lonja), which can be seen from the dining room. The spacious, modern interior has enclosed fireplaces beside some tables, and there is a weekday lunch menu. Reviews most often mention the lobster rice, arròs del senyoret, anchovies and octopus carpaccio, as well as the view and the service.
A tiny pintxos bar right in Tapas Alley, in Benidorm's old town, packed with Spanish locals — an authentic alternative to the touristy places around it. According to its website, it is a Basque tavern that has been running since 1997. Pick your pintxos at the bar, they heat them up, and you eat at a shared table. Besides pintxos there are raciones and montaditos, such as cod al pil pil, txistorra, cod omelette and fried anchovies, plus wine by the glass. Visitors praise the quality of the ingredients but note that the narrow bar gets crowded, and some recent reviews complain about smaller portions and the service.
Pirrin Arroces is a rice restaurant (arrocería) in Torrevieja specialising in Valencian rice dishes and paella. The menu covers starters, salads and meat, rice dishes and paellas, plus desserts, and it works well for a family lunch. Visitors particularly praise the seafood paella, and besides the rice they recommend the tigres (stuffed mussels) and griddled squid. According to reviews, the staff are friendly and speak English. One guest mentions waiting about 25 minutes for a seafood paella, although the waiter warned them straight away.
Restaurante El Olivo is a family-run restaurant in the Gran Alacant shopping centre, open since August 2008, with a calm, refined atmosphere. The cooking is Mediterranean, built around rice dishes, grilled meat and fish from the Bay of Santa Pola, made with fresh market produce. Visitors recommend the artichokes, anchovies, tuna tartare and croquettes, and among the rice dishes the arròs a banda, fideuà and traditional rabbit-and-snail paella. Among the desserts, reviewers mention the turrón coulant. According to reviews, the staff are attentive and friendly without being intrusive, and the menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Restaurante Paco Baile is a family-run restaurant in Santa Pola, open since 1996 and specialising in rice dishes and paella. In September 2023 chef Tiel Baile won the award for the best paella of the Valencian Community at the 62nd International Valencian Paella Contest in Sueca. The Valencian paella is cooked in an aromatic broth with plenty of rosemary, and the menu also includes caldero and fresh fish and seafood. Visitors recommend starting with grilled red prawns and prawn croquettes and finishing with the homemade tiramisu. There are two dining rooms and a terrace, and reviews often mention the cosy, homely atmosphere and friendly service.
El Mesón de la Costa is a family restaurant in Torrevieja, run since 1989, with an atmospheric interior of stone walls and hundreds of Iberian hams hanging from the ceiling. The founders' daughter runs the kitchen, while their two sons, both sommeliers, look after a cellar of more than 500 wine labels, one of the widest lists in the area. Fish and shellfish from the bay are displayed at the entrance, and the house is known for salt-baked fish, grilled baby octopus and dry-aged beef you finish yourself on a hot stone. The menu also includes tapas, roast kid goat and suckling pig. According to reviews, desserts are served in the wine cellar, and one guest warns that the restaurant gets very busy on Sundays.
A tapas bar in an old rustic house on narrow Carrer Major in Calpe's old town, with colourful tables set out in the lane. The cooking is homemade and the menu fairly short: reviewers praise the pear with goat's cheese and walnuts, morcilla with chickpeas, bacon-wrapped dates, pork ribs with honey, lamb and bread with aioli. Portions are big and the witty waiters advise on how much to order — according to one review, four or five tapas are enough for a couple. According to reviews, dishes are served one at a time, so dinner moves at an easy pace and guests feel as if they were eating in someone's home. It is tucked away in a side street, away from the more touristy restaurants.
A bar & grill in Gran Alacant (Santa Pola municipality), serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is known for meat served on a hot stone, which you finish to your liking, and for skewers presented hanging from a rack; the menu also has tapas, burgers and a three-course menú del día at lunchtime. Besides the restaurant area there is a bar with a pool table and darts, and outdoor tables on several sides of the building, including a quieter back terrace. Reviewers praise the food and the friendly staff, though some mention inconsistent service. One review notes that it looks unremarkable from outside but has a pleasant atmosphere.
La Taberna del Puerto is a simple fishermen's bar in Santa Pola's fishing port, right next to the fish market auction hall. The interior is basic and the customers are mostly locals, including fishermen — one reviewer writes that some just drop in for a quick drink. The kitchen focuses on fish and seafood from the bay: visitors mention lobster stew, caldero, local prawns, fried squid and rice dishes. Reviews keep returning to the freshness of the produce, the family atmosphere and the friendly staff, and some guests note that the tables look out onto the auction conveyor belts. It is an authentic spot for breakfast or a seafood lunch, nothing like the restaurants on the promenade.
Restaurante La Cova is a classic harbourside restaurant in El Campello, right next to the La Illeta archaeological site. It has a terrace and a gallery overlooking the sea and the port, and guests say the view becomes especially romantic in the evening. The cooking is Mediterranean: fresh fish and seafood, rice dishes such as arròs a banda and lobster rice, and meat. On weekday lunchtimes there is a menú del día with several dishes to choose from, which reviewers often recommend. There is parking in front of the restaurant, and according to reviews tables fill up quickly.
Restaurante La Mejillonera is a restaurant in Benidorm's old town, on Paseo de la Carretera, open since 1981. The speciality is mussels, served in more than 15 versions with different flavour profiles, alongside paella, rice dishes, seafood and tapas. It is much loved by locals, so there is almost always a queue outside, though visitors say it moves quickly. Half portions come up often in reviews, guests praise the fast service, and one singles out the plant-based paella. There is a terrace, and according to the restaurant's own post its cones of fried fish and seafood are gluten-free.
Taverna Valenciana El Pòsit is a harbourside restaurant in Villajoyosa, open since 2011, with a beachfront terrace and sea views. It is one of the most popular places on the harbour, and Google describes it as a stylish, minimalist venue serving creative Valencian food. The kitchen focuses on local produce, fish and seafood from the bay and refined technique: the tapa is meant to be "an experience in a single bite", alongside rice dishes and meats. Reviews most often mention the chef's tasting menu of 5 or 8 tapas plus paella, as well as the original tapas, the arroz a banda and the terrace view. The venue is wheelchair accessible, and booking online is recommended.