Alicante, perched on the sun-kissed Mediterranean coast, is a city that takes its food seriously.
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With a culinary tradition shaped by the sea, agriculture, and centuries of history, the food scene here is rich, diverse, and absolutely mouthwatering.
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From fresh seafood dishes to sweet treats unique to the region, Alicante’s gastronomy is an adventure in itself.
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Whether you're a foodie looking to indulge or a traveler seeking to taste something truly local, this Alicante food guide will take you through the must-try dishes and the best places to savor them.
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Plus, I’ll share a few insider tips to make sure your food experience is as authentic as it gets:
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🍽️ Arroz a Banda: The Heart of Alicante’s Culinary Soul
When it comes to traditional Alicante cuisine, Arroz a Banda is a must-try. This iconic rice dish features seafood, such as cuttlefish, prawns, and sometimes monkfish, served with flavorful broth and a side of aioli. Its name translates to "rice apart," referring to the rice being cooked separately from the seafood, allowing the seafood’s rich flavor to infuse the rice.
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Where to Try It:
Head to Restaurante Dársena near the marina, a local favorite serving up incredible Arroz a Banda alongside stunning waterfront views. Another great spot is El Buen Comer, a tucked-away gem known for its perfectly executed rice dishes.
Travel Hack: Alicante locals often recommend ordering this dish in the early afternoon for the freshest catch of the day.
Don’t forget to pair it with a glass of Jumilla, a local wine that complements the seafood beautifully.
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🍽️ D'Tablas
If you're in Alicante and want to experience tapas like a local, D'Tablas is a must-visit! 🍻🍢 This lively spot is famous for its unique way of serving tapas—each delicious bite arrives on small wooden boards (tablas), and the best part? The prices are super affordable!
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🔥 What to try? Everything! From juicy chorizo, crispy croquetas, and fresh gambas to their flavorful montaditos (small sandwiches), every tapa is a treat. Pair it with a cold beer or a glass of local vino for the full experience.
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💡 Travel tip: Arrive early! This place is popular among locals, and it fills up fast. Expect a fun, bustling atmosphere where you’ll want to stay longer than planned.
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🍽️ Seafood: Fresh Catch from the Mediterranean
Alicante’s proximity to the Mediterranean means that seafood plays a central role in local cuisine.
Whether it's grilled fish, delicate seafood stews, or marinated octopus, there’s no shortage of fresh and flavorful options to enjoy.
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Where to Try It:
📍 Rincón Huertano – Traditional Flavors in a Rustic Setting 🍷🦀
For a unique dining experience, Rincón Huertano is a great choice. This restaurant combines rustic charm with delicious seafood specialties. Known for its paellas and rice dishes, it’s the perfect spot to taste Alicante’s most traditional seafood meals. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, making it ideal for a long, relaxed lunch or dinner.
🍚 Must-try: Arroz caldoso con bogavante (lobster rice stew), grilled sea bass, and steamed mussels.
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📍 El Tapeíto – A Hidden Gem Loved by Locals 🍽🦐
Tucked away in a cozy corner of the city, El Tapeíto is a true hidden gem where locals go to enjoy affordable yet delicious seafood tapas. The portions are generous, and the dishes are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. It’s the perfect place for a casual seafood feast without breaking the bank.
🐠 Must-try: Pulpo a la gallega (Galician-style octopus), grilled sardines, clams in white wine sauce and chipirones (small squid).
📍 Location: Off the main tourist streets, making it a true local’s favorite.
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📍 Los Porrones – A True Local Treasure 🏡🦞
If you're looking for authentic Alicante-style seafood, Los Porrones is a must-visit.
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This charming, family-run spot serves freshly caught seafood, perfectly grilled octopus, and classic rice dishes. It’s a favorite among locals who appreciate high-quality seafood at fair prices. Pair your meal with a cold glass of white wine and enjoy the laid-back, welcoming atmosphere.
🦑 Must-try: Grilled squid, seafood paella, and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp).
📍 Location: Near Alicante’s city center.
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Travel Hack: Make sure to ask for the “catch of the day,” which changes based on what’s freshly landed from the Mediterranean.
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📍 Pesca Al Peso
Pesca al Peso is a must-visit seafood spot in Alicante, offering a unique dining experience where you choose fresh seafood by weight before it's expertly cooked to order. This casual yet high-quality eatery is loved by both locals and visitors for its market-style concept, ensuring the freshest flavors. They also offer a tasting menu with four different options, perfect for trying a variety of seafood specialties in one meal.
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Don’t miss their grilled prawns, octopus, or mixed seafood platter!
Pair your meal with a glass of local white wine for the perfect Mediterranean feast. 🍽️🐟
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🍽️ Turrón: Sweet Delights from Alicante
Alicante is home to one of Spain’s most famous sweet treats: turrón. This nougat-like candy, traditionally made from almonds and honey, has been made in the region for centuries and comes in various forms, from crunchy to smooth. The Turrón de Jijona (soft) and Turrón de Alicante (hard) are the two most famous varieties.
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Where to Try It:
For an authentic taste, visit Turrones El Lobo in the heart of the city. This family-run shop has been making turrón for generations, and their assortment of turrón varieties is a true delight.
Travel Hack: Pick up a box of turrón to take home as a sweet souvenir. It’s packed in decorative boxes and perfect for gifts (or indulging on your journey!).
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🍽️ Travel Hack - Tasting Menus in Alicante – The Best Way to Try It All!
One of the best ways to experience Alicante’s incredible food scene is by opting for a tasting menu (menú degustación).
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Many restaurants offer this option, allowing you to try a variety of traditional and modern Spanish dishes in one meal. It’s perfect for food lovers who want to taste Alicante’s flavors without having to choose just one dish!
Where to Try a Great Tasting Menu?
reccomend 📍 30 Y TANTOS RESTO-BAR
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🥘 What’s included? Expect a carefully curated multi-course meal featuring some of the best local flavors, such as:
- Fresh seafood (red prawns, calamari, or octopus)
- Traditional rice dishes like Alicante-style arroz
- Local meats and cheeses
- Innovative tapas with a creative twist
💡 Tip: Reserve in advance to secure a spot, as tasting menus are popular and often fully booked!
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If you’re visiting Alicante and want to discover the best local flavors in one meal, a degustación menu is a must-try experience! 🍷🍽️✨
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🍽️ Ice Cream to Go – A Sweet Treat While Exploring Alicante! 🍦☀️
Alicante’s warm, sunny weather makes it the perfect place to enjoy a delicious ice cream while strolling through the city. Whether you're walking along Explanada de España, exploring the Old Town, or heading to the beach, a refreshing helado to-go is a must-try experience!
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Where to Get the Best Ice Cream in Alicante?
🍦 Livanti Gelato di Sicilia – Authentic Italian gelato with creamy textures and rich flavors. Try their pistachio or turrón (nougat) ice cream!
🍦 Heladería Borgonesse – A local favorite with traditional Spanish ice cream flavors like horchata and chocolate a la taza.
🍦 La Ibense Bornay – One of the oldest ice cream brands in Spain, known for its natural ingredients and local flavors.
💡 Tip: Many ice cream shops in Alicante offer takeaway cups or cones, so you can enjoy your treat while wandering around! Pair your ice cream with a walk by the marina, beach, or castle views for the ultimate experience. 🍨✨
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🍽️ Sangria and Local Wine: Alicante’s Signature Drinks
No meal in Alicante is complete without a refreshing drink to accompany it. While sangria is always a popular choice, don’t overlook the local wines from the Alicante region, such as Mourvèdre and Monastrell, which have rich flavors that perfectly complement the Mediterranean diet.
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Where to Try It:
Alicante’s wine bars are the best places to sip on local wines and sangria. Bodegas 13 offers a superb selection of Alicante wines and tapas in a rustic setting, perfect for an afternoon or evening out.
Travel Hack: Take a wine tour if you have time! Several wineries around Alicante offer tours and tastings where you can learn about the region’s winemaking traditions.
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Alicante is a food lover’s paradise, with so many unique flavors and dishes to savor. From traditional rice dishes and seafood feasts to sweet turrón and authentic tapas, there’s something for everyone here. Armed with this guide, you’ll be able to dive deep into Alicante’s culinary culture and enjoy a truly authentic experience—just like a local. Bon appétit!
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- A Google Map with Alicante’s must-see places, top & local dining spots, best photo locations, and hidden gems available here📍✨
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