Alicante, located in the Valencia region of Spain, is a beautiful city that is well known for its stunning beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture. Alongside these attractions, Alicante also boasts a fantastic food scene that is popular among locals and tourists alike.

The food scene in Alicante is a fusion of traditional Spanish dishes, Mediterranean cuisine, and international flavors, all coming together to create a culinary experience that is unique to the region. Whether you’re looking for authentic Spanish cuisine or want to try something new and exciting, Alicante’s food scene has something for everyone.

Traditional Spanish cuisine is a staple in Alicante’s food scene, and one of the most popular dishes is paella. Paella is a rice dish that is cooked with a variety of ingredients, including seafood, chicken, rabbit, and vegetables. The dish is traditionally cooked in a large, shallow pan and is seasoned with saffron, which gives it its distinct yellow color and unique flavor.

If you’re looking for an authentic paella experience, then Restaurante El Raco del Pla is a must-visit. This restaurant has been serving up delicious paella for over 30 years and is considered one of the best paella restaurants in Alicante. With a wide range of paella dishes on offer, including seafood, chicken, and vegetable options, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Another traditional Spanish dish that is popular in Alicante is arroz a banda. This dish is similar to paella but is made with fish broth and is typically served with fish and shellfish. If you’re looking to try arroz a banda, then Restaurante Casa Julio is the perfect place to do so. This restaurant is known for its delicious arroz a banda and has been a favorite among locals for many years.

Alongside traditional Spanish cuisine, Alicante’s food scene also features a range of Mediterranean dishes. One of the most popular Mediterranean dishes in Alicante is fideua. Fideua is a noodle dish that is similar to paella, but instead of rice, it is made with short, thin noodles. This dish is typically cooked with seafood, but can also be made with chicken or vegetables.

If you’re looking to try fideua, then Restaurante La Taberna del Gourmet is the place to go. This restaurant is known for its delicious fideua, which is cooked to perfection and served with a range of fresh seafood.

In addition to traditional Spanish and Mediterranean dishes, Alicante’s food scene also features international flavors. One of the most popular international cuisines in Alicante is Japanese food. If you’re a fan of sushi and other Japanese dishes, then Restaurante Matsuri is a must-visit. This restaurant serves up delicious sushi, sashimi, and other Japanese specialties in a stylish and modern setting.

If you’re looking for something a little different, then Restaurante Nou Manolin is the perfect place to go. This restaurant serves up a fusion of Spanish and Asian cuisine, with dishes such as tempura prawns and pork belly with a soy glaze.

Alicante’s food scene also features a range of street food options, which are perfect for those on the go or looking for a quick bite to eat. One of the most popular street food options in Alicante is the bocadillo de calamares, which is a sandwich filled with fried squid rings. If you’re looking to try this tasty street food, then head to the Mercado Central de Alicante, where you’ll find a range of vendors selling bocadillo de calamares.

Alongside the delicious food, Alicante’s food scene is also known for its excellent wine. The Valencia region is home to a range of vineyards, and many of the restaurants in Alicante offer a selection of local wines, which pair perfectly with the region’s cuisine. One of the best places to try local wines is Bodega Enrique Mendoza. This winery, located just outside Alicante, produces a range of award-winning wines, including reds, whites, and rosés. Visitors can take a tour of the winery and vineyards, and enjoy a tasting of their wines.

Moving outside of the city, the wider Alicante region is home to a range of culinary delights. One of the most popular destinations for foodies is the town of Denia, located about an hour’s drive from Alicante. Denia is known for its seafood, and there are plenty of restaurants serving up fresh, locally caught fish and shellfish.

One of the best seafood restaurants in Denia is Restaurante El Raset. This restaurant offers stunning views of the harbor and serves up a range of delicious seafood dishes, including grilled octopus and seafood paella.

Another popular culinary destination in the Alicante region is the town of Torrevieja, located about an hour’s drive south of Alicante. Torrevieja is known for its salt lakes, which produce some of the best salt in the world. This salt is used in many local dishes, including the famous Arroz de la Vega.

If you’re looking to try Arroz de la Vega, then Restaurante El Huertano is the perfect place to do so. This restaurant, located in the heart of Torrevieja, serves up delicious rice dishes, including Arroz de la Vega, which is made with rice, beans, and locally grown vegetables.

Another popular dish in Torrevieja is the caldero, a fish soup that is traditionally made by fishermen while out at sea. If you’re looking to try this delicious dish, then Restaurante El Caldero is a must-visit. This restaurant serves up a range of caldero dishes, including the traditional version made with fish, potatoes, and rice.

Overall, Alicante’s food scene offers a unique and diverse culinary experience that is sure to satisfy any food lover. From traditional Spanish dishes to international flavours and local wines, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re exploring the city of Alicante or venturing out into the wider region, be sure to indulge in the delicious food and drink on offer.

Here are some additional recommendations for places to visit in Alicante’s food scene, along with some links to their websites.

For those looking for a fine dining experience, Restaurante Monastrell is a must-visit. This Michelin-starred restaurant, located in the heart of Alicante, offers a tasting menu that showcases the best of the region’s cuisine, with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their wine list is also impressive, with a selection of over 500 wines from around the world.

Website: https://monastrell.com/

If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, La Taberna del Gourmet is a great choice. This tapas bar, located in the historic center of Alicante, offers a range of small plates that are perfect for sharing. Their menu includes a mix of traditional Spanish dishes and creative interpretations, with an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients.

Website: https://www.latabernadelgourmet.com/

For those with a sweet tooth, Alicante’s food scene also offers a range of delicious desserts. One of the most popular desserts in the region is turrón, a nougat made with almonds and honey. The best place to try turrón is at one of the many shops in Jijona, a town located about 25km from Alicante. One of the most popular turrón shops in Jijona is Turrones Picó, which has been producing turrón for over 150 years.

Website: https://www.turronespico.com/

Moving on to Torrevieja, one of the best places to visit for a traditional Spanish breakfast is Cafetería El Parque. This café, located in the town’s central park, offers a range of breakfast options, including churros with hot chocolate, tostadas (toasted bread with toppings), and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Website: https://www.facebook.com/cafeteriaelparque/

If you’re looking for a more upscale dining experience in Torrevieja, Restaurante La Bella Lola is a great choice. This seafood restaurant offers stunning views of the sea and serves up a range of delicious dishes, including grilled lobster and paella.

Website: https://www.restaurantelabellalola.es/

Finally, for those looking to experience the local nightlife scene, El Barrio is a must-visit. This area, located in the historic center of Alicante, is home to a range of bars and restaurants that come alive after dark. From live music to craft cocktails, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Overall, Alicante’s food scene offers a diverse range of culinary experiences that are sure to delight any food lover. Whether you’re in the city center or exploring the wider region, be sure to indulge in the delicious food and drink on offer.