The city of Alicante houses a diverse selection of restaurants, ranging from typical fast food outlets, and international delicacies, to the traditional exquisite Spanish cuisine and lively Tapas bars.

The most renowned dish in Alicante, Spain, is the sea-food favourite, Paella, and if not all, the majority of the Mediterranean themed restaurants offer this delicious dish.

As well as different varieties of cuisines offered in the city, the range of prices also differ across the province of Alicante. There are of course the more expensive restaurants, with a lot of them being located by the port (El Puerto) as it is a popular tourist attraction. However, there are also a lot of reasonably priced restaurants which still provide excellent food and service. Especially if you branch out into the quieter neighbourhoods, there are a significant amount of low budget restaurants which are very much enjoyed by the locals, and therefore must be worth visiting.

Another Spanish favourite is ‘snacking’ from a variety of different small dishes, or in other words the ‘Tapas way’ which indeed has become a popular way to dine all over the world. A lot of locals prefer to indulge in Spanish Tapas in a bar, as it is a great way to socialise and it is also a less expensive way to dine.

Azahar

This traditional restaurant is quite small, although this does not hinder its brilliance. The interior is decorated elegantly which is complimented by a welcoming atmosphere making one feel very comfortable. The food is also very tasty, with a wide range of local cuisine offered such as grilled vegetables and rice dishes. The speciality of this splendid restaurant is its extraordinary Paella, ‘arroz con costra’ which is made with black sausage baked in the oven with a layer of beaten eggs on the top which becomes crust.

Tel: +34 96 5121348

Katagorri

La Darsena

This restaurant is famous for rice and sea food dishes and offers over 100 different varieties of rice dishes. Since it is very popular with the locals and tourists, during mid-day it gets over-crowded. The typical Alicantino rice or local seafood, arroz con magro y verduras (pork and vegetables) are definitely recommended recipes to try. Delicious desserts like "helado de turrón" are specialities of Darsena. Located in the Port complex, this restaurant is a little overpriced but that is compensated by the excellent food and amazing views of the harbour.

La Macana

Nou Manolin

When established in 1972, the founder of this local Spanish restaurant named it after an almost forgotten neighborhood bar. The Menu includes fish cooked in a salt crust, delectable paella, several kinds of stew, fresh shellfish, and a wide selection of Iberian wines. Although the menu specialises in a choice of Paella dishes the restaurant is also well known to serve a top variety of over 50 Tapas dishes offering the very best of Spanish cuisine.

Entretapas y Vinos

Entre Tapas y Vinos is a modern Spanish restaurant. It offers a variety of Spanish food for breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner. Sit and relax for a while, in this air-conditioned restaurant and enjoy the food.

Andalucia

La Bambola

La Piazzetta

Restaurante El Jumillano

Restaurante El Jumillano was a humble wine bar when it opened in 1936 near the old city and has changed a little. However, the food is a lot better now. The specialties include a "festival of canapés," slices of cured ham served with fresh melon and shellfish soup with mussels.

Address: César Elguezábal, 64, 03001 Alicante

Tel: +34 965 212 964, +34 965 630 486

Campanari

Campanari Pizzeria is reputed to be one of the finest on the Costa Blanca. With over 20 different pizzas and plenty of delicious pasta dishes on the menu this is always one of the popular restaurants from Alicante.

Address: Calle Campanario, 18-20 03710 Calpe Alicante

Tel: +34 965 833 231

Popular International Restaurants in the city of Alicante:

New Delhi

Located in the city centre of Alicante, this restaurant will satisfy your cravings for a good Indian meal. It offers a wide range of delightful Asian dishes and attracts many of the locals which indicates it must be worth trying. On the weekends it can get quite busy and therefore booking a reservation is advised.

Tel: +34 96 5631976

Botanero

If it is Mexican you are after then this restaurant will not disappoint. It serves up some of the best Fajitas in the city. With its central location it can get very busy and therefore booking a table in advance is advised. The atmosphere is extremely friendly and the service is also ranked highly.

Tel: +34 96 5202376

Marrakech

This is another favourable restaurant located in the city centre of Alicante. The Arabic cuisine is admired by many who visit and there are many regulars that keep coming back for more. The food is delicious and the prices are very reasonable.

Tel: + 34 96 5213763

Sushi Sakura

This is a Japanese restaurant located in the city centre of Alicante. The sushi is exquisite and it is a great place if you want a break from the Spanish cuisine. The prices can be a little expensive but it is well worth the service and tasteful decor.

Tel: +34 96 5209280

Boomerang Steak House

Type: American / Steak House

This is the most popular steak house of Alicante. The Boomerang Steaks have been voted No.1 by an independent consumer panel and received honourable mentions from top critics in newspapers and magazines over the years. A full bar service is also available.

Address: Boomerang Steak House, Calpe, Alicante

Tel: +34 965 836 034 .