Restaurants, Food and Dining in Alicante
Eating out in Alicante is a real pleasure and won't break the bank either. The food scene here is top-notch, and you absolutely have to try the local grilled fish and paella, they're the stars of the show.
The best spots for dining are the newer part of the city center, the old town, and the marina area. These neighborhoods are packed with streets lined with restaurants, so you're spoiled for choice. Honestly, you can just wander around central Alicante and stumble upon great places to eat without even trying.
Lunchtime is when you'll get the best deals and the widest variety of options. Come evening, Alicante's dining culture is wonderfully laid-back, and thanks to the fantastic weather, you can enjoy al fresco dining pretty much year-round.
The Best Foodie Neighborhoods in Alicante
When it comes to dining out in Alicante, three areas really steal the show: the city center, the old town, and the harbor district. If you're after atmosphere and charm, the old town and harbor area are your best bets, though be prepared to pay a bit more at the waterfront spots. The newer part of downtown, especially along the Esplanada de España and around La Zona, is packed with quality restaurants. So really, it's all about picking your vibe, whether you want historic charm, seaside views, or modern buzz, and matching it to your budget.
The Modern Downtown Area
The newer side of Alicante's center is buzzing with life and amazing food spots. The main commercial heart sits between the central train station and Rambla Méndez Núñez (locals just call it "La Rambla"), and the area around the central market is particularly rich with quality restaurants and their inviting terraces. If you're hunting for Alicante's most famous dining spots, head to La Zona near the harbor. Check out C/ Castaños street [on map], which has year-round outdoor seating. This is also where you'll find the renowned Michelin restaurant Nou Manolin, famous for its local ingredients and solid value, though "value" is relative when we're talking Michelin prices!
The modern downtown has plenty more fantastic foodie streets to explore. San Fernando, the shopping street Girona, El Cid, and San Francisco are all lined with tempting options. Bailen street also punches above its weight restaurant-wise. If you're more in the mood for quick bites, head to the corner of Explanada de España and La Rambla. The Esplanada, a beloved tree-lined promenade, offers the perfect setting for al fresco dining, especially during those warm summer evenings.
Old Town
Alicante's old town, known as El Barrio, is a charming neighborhood packed with fantastic dining options. You'll find tons of great restaurants along the main drag, C/ Mayor. This area serves up affordable lunch deals, and as evening rolls around, the atmosphere becomes wonderfully lively and perfect for a night out. Keep in mind that restaurants here tend to be on the smaller side, so if you're traveling with a big group, you might want to check out the harbor area instead.
C/ Mayor is lined with all sorts of places to eat and drink, from cozy pubs and coffee shops to full-service restaurants. The Italian restaurant Spiga is a local favorite that gets rave reviews, definitely book ahead if you're planning to dine there in the evening. Right across from Spiga, you'll find El Buen Comer, which serves traditional Spanish cuisine in a buzzing, energetic setting come nighttime. Both places do amazing fish and meat dishes.
Santisima Faz square [on map] is an ideal spot to grab a table outside and really feel the pulse of the old town. Just a short stroll away (about 100 meters), you'll hit another square, Abad Penalva [on map]. This area comes alive in the evening with bars and nightlife spots. The cafés and ice cream parlors stay busy well into the night. Labradores street [on map], which runs from San Cristobal square to Abad Penalva, has earned a reputation for its quality restaurants. Along this street, you'll discover places like the Thai restaurant Thai Corner, among others.
The Harbor
Alicante's Puerto area, literally "the port", is a tourist hotspot right by the sandy beach. There's tons to see and do here. You can grab a coffee along the beachfront promenade or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants near Puerto del Mar square [on map].
The marina district is home to even more top-notch restaurants. One of the most highly rated is Dársena, which is perfect for celebrating special occasions. They serve delicious meat and seafood dishes plus paellas, and you'll get stunning views of the harbor and castle. Another great spot is El Chipirón, famous for its grilled fish and gorgeous views.
More restaurants
Looking for more dining options and reviews? Check out Alicante's restaurant scene on TripAdvisor for the full scoop.
What to Eat in Local Restaurants
In Alicante, you'll find yourself spoiled for choice with the diverse cuisine typical of Spain's Mediterranean coast. The food scene here offers everything from fresh seafood and grilled meats to tourist favorites like fast food and kebabs. The city boasts plenty of excellent Italian restaurants, plus a great selection of Asian options, think Japanese sushi bars, Chinese restaurants, and Thai eateries. Being such an international city, Alicante also serves up tasty Mexican food if you're craving something spicy.
The star of the show here is paella, originally from Valencia, which is typically served for two people to share. You'll often find it included in the affordable Menu del dia lunch deals, and it's absolutely divine when made with fresh seafood. Rice features heavily in the local cuisine, there are literally hundreds of different rice dishes to try. Given Alicante's coastal location, fish and shellfish are always a solid choice. Want to dive into the local specialties? Just head to any traditional Spanish restaurant and let your taste buds explore.
Vegetarian Food
Spain generally has decent options for vegetarians. The Spanish omelette, or "tortilla española," is a filling vegetarian dish made with eggs and potatoes, perfect if you're lacto-ovo vegetarian. The daily menu del día lunches usually include some veggie options, though the selection might not be extensive enough to keep strict vegetarians completely happy. Just a heads up: the basic "ensalada mixta" almost always comes with tuna and might not be the freshest or most exciting thing on the menu.
If you're into Indian vegetarian cuisine, you'll want to check out Alicante's Indian restaurants. The excellent Namaste restaurant is great for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
As a vegetarian, you might want to consider staying somewhere with kitchen facilities so you can cook your own meals. The shops and food markets have fantastic fresh ingredients for whipping up diverse veggie meals with authentic local flair.
The city also has restaurants that specifically cater to plant-based diners.
Since the restaurant scene is always changing, check out HappyCow for an up-to-date list of Alicante's vegetarian restaurants.
Prices, Tipping, Payment Methods and Dining Times
Restaurant prices in Alicante can vary wildly depending on where you are and how popular the spot is. If you're watching your budget, tapas are your best friend, those small plates won't break the bank. Another wallet-friendly option is tortilla, which is basically a Spanish-style omelet. At lunchtime, many restaurants offer great value set menus that include a main course, side dish, dessert, and a drink. Come evening, expect to pay more for steak or fish dishes. The priciest restaurants tend to cluster around the prettiest streets and squares in the historic center, as well as down by the harbor.
Good news for your wallet: tipping isn't really a thing in Spain. At most, you might leave your loose change on the table at a fancier restaurant. While most places accept credit cards, it's smart to carry some cash, especially small bills and coins, just to be safe.
Breakfast here is typically a café affair, and those lunch deals usually run until mid-afternoon. Dinner is fashionably late, locals often don't head out until after 9 PM. In that gap between lunch and dinner, it's common to grab some tapas with wine or beer. Pro tip: if you prefer a quieter dining experience, aim for dinner before 9 PM. Keep in mind that many restaurants in the old town only serve lunch and dinner, they're closed during the in-between hours.