If you come to Alicante just for the sun and the beach, you’re in for a surprise. Here, eating well isn’t a luxury – it’s a way of life. And I’m not only talking about sitting down in a nice restaurant, but about everything that happens before: the morning trip to the market, the smell of freshly caught fish, chatting with the greengrocer who tells you what’s best that day.
In Alicante, gastronomy isn’t something you “see”; it’s something you experience. And it’s hard to truly understand the city without sitting at its table.
Rice, more than a dish – it’s a tradition
Yes, paella is famous, but in Alicante rice comes in many different forms, each deeply connected to its surroundings.
Arroz a banda, for example, was born on fishermen’s boats. With the smaller or less showy fish, they made a concentrated broth to cook the rice, serving it separately from the fish. Today, you’ll find it in trusted restaurants, still carrying that deep flavour of the sea.
Then there’s arroz con costra, originally from Elche but loved throughout the province. It’s baked with beaten egg on top, forming a golden crust that smells like Sunday at home. And if you’re after something with a mountain touch, arroz con conejo y caracoles (rice with rabbit and snails) comes perfumed with fresh rosemary from the hills.
The sea on your plate
Living by the Mediterranean means fish and seafood need little more than heat and care. At Alicante’s Central Market, you’ll see boxes of red prawns, bay squid, cuttlefish or octopus arriving fresh, ready to be served just hours later.
Often, a hot grill and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil are all it takes. Or perhaps a traditional fisherman’s stew like caldero, where the broth concentrates all the essence of the fish. Eating this way shows why, here, freshness is more important than complicated recipes.
Tapas you find while wandering
Part of Alicante’s charm is walking through its streets and stepping into bars where the staff know everyone’s name. A well-made ensaladilla rusa (Spanish potato salad), cured fish like mojama or hueva, homemade croquettes, anchovies in vinegar… every counter has its specialties.
Many visitors don’t realise the province produces its own wines under the Alicante Protected Designation of Origin. From young, fresh whites for an aperitif to fuller-bodied reds for meat or rice, there’s always a good match. And if you prefer beer, a cold caña is the perfect companion.
A sweet ending
If you love dessert, you’re in the right place. Soft Jijona nougat made with ground almonds and honey, and hard Alicante nougat with whole almonds, are part of the local identity – and eaten year-round, not just at Christmas.
Other treats like toña (a sweet brioche), coca boba or rollos de anís (aniseed biscuits) are weekend and festive favourites in many homes. And if you have the time, head to Villajoyosa, famous for its long-standing chocolate-making tradition.
Living the Mediterranean diet
The Mediterranean diet isn’t just a list of healthy ingredients. In Alicante, it means buying seasonal produce, cooking with olive oil, sharing the table and taking time over meals.
If you’re used to eating quickly or in front of a screen, you’ll notice the difference. Here, meals are moments to be present: to talk, to taste, to enjoy. Even on weekdays, there’s always time for a coffee on a terrace or a tapa after work.
Places that tell stories
Some places in Alicante are both about eating and learning. The Central Market isn’t just for shopping – it’s a snapshot of the whole province under one roof: fruit and vegetables from the fields, fresh fish from the port, cured meats, spices… all in a lively, authentic atmosphere.
In the Santa Cruz neighbourhood, one of the city’s most picturesque spots, you’ll find small bars where time seems to stand still. Down by the Port, there are terraces where you can watch the sunset with a glass of local wine and a plate of seafood tapas.
Experiences to take a piece of Alicante home
If you want to go beyond simply sitting down to eat, there are ways to live this gastronomy like a local:
- Guided market tours to learn about and taste the best products.
- Cooking workshops to prepare a traditional rice dish from scratch.
- Tapas tours combining history, culture and great food in one walk.
- Winery visits in the inland areas, with wine tastings and artisan products.
You don’t have to do it all in one day – Alicante’s pace makes you want to come back.
Host’s tips
If you’re coming, here are a few pointers:
- Rice dishes are usually for a minimum of two people and cooked to order, so book ahead and allow time.
- Ask about the daily special – it’s often a homemade stew not listed on the menu.
- To find authentic bars, look for places full of locals rather than tourists.
A place you’ll want to return to
Alicante isn’t just a summer destination. It’s where food tells the story of the sea and the land, and every dish is linked to how people live here.
When you leave, you might not remember every street name, but you’ll remember the taste of the rice, the smell of freshly grilled fish, or the nougat you tucked into your suitcase. And that, more than any postcard, is what makes you want to come back.