10 Best Local Restaurants in Alicante

D’Tablas Alicante attracts hordes of time-poor locals looking to fill up on tapas and caña (beer) at breakneck speed. Rather than faffing about with individual orders, the restaurant takes a more streamlined approach. An uber-efficient waitress wheels a cart full of tapas around the room while punters grab what they please.

Each tiny dish is served on a little wooden block, which the till staff count to calculate your bill. Not only is it quick, but the food is delicious and cost-effective. Miniature deep-fried meals come chock full of stuff like squid, fish, meat, and cheese. Oh, and the beer is a bargain, too.

El Garaje Bar Alicante plates up killer sliders and tapas in a hip, industrial-style setting. The trendy locale is a hit among the city’s bohemian community, thanks to rotating art exhibitions and ad-hoc DJ sets. Come late evening, and this cavernous venue adopts a distinctive party vibe. Eat early if you prefer a tranquil ambience.

You’ll find all your favorite American classics here, including wings, nachos, burgers, and onion rings. If you’d rather stick to the traditional stuff, order off the tapas menu instead. Whatever you choose, expect top-notch yet reasonably priced food in a vibrant, youthful locale.

Monumental Restaurant Alicante does refined Mediterranean fare in an elegant city centre locale. The restaurant’s interior is glamorous – think hanging lamps, white tablecloths, and plush velvet seats. Top-notch presentation and superb service keep the local clientele coming back for more.

Monumental Restaurant Alicante is affordable enough for a casual meal. The lunch special is outstanding value, as you get a 3-course feast with a glass of local wine. If you'd prefer to order off the menu, there’s a solid selection of rice dishes to try. The arroz de gambas (rice with shrimp) is a crowd favorite, chock full of green beans, cherry tomatoes, and hen bouillon.

La Esencia del Nonno is a modern, urban-inspired restaurant in the nearby town of Sant Joan d’Alacant. Travelers exploring east Alicante could stop at this chic little eatery for lunch as part of an extended sightseeing tour.

The amicable owner, Carlo, began the venture after running his parent’s cevicheria (seafood restaurant) for many years. His passion for top-quality Spanish cuisine shines on the a la carte menu – think tapas, Iberian ham, and classic montaditos (little sandwiches). Carlo’s Italian heritage means you can choose from a range of pasta, paninis, and Sicilian-style fish dishes as well. 

Hit La Crispeta for delicious home-style dishes and decadent desserts in Alicante. The relaxed restaurant offers an airy, laidback vibe in which to dine on the usual Spanish favorites. Crafty cocktails and great big jars of sangria add fun to every meal.

The 3-course menu del dia (menu of the day) is a safe bet and comes with a complimentary glass of beer or wine. If you want to order off the menu (or you’re dining at night), the place does excellent tapas, from light squid bites to quesadillas and ham-stuffed montaditos (open-faced mini sandwiches). As for dessert? The homemade apple pie is a winner.

La Tasca Del Barrio is a charming neighbourhood haunt that serves a smorgasbord of Mediterranean fare. Set in a lovely old residence outside the city centre, the buzzing little restaurant lures a steady stream of locals each day.

While the tapas are a tad pricier than other local restaurants in Alicante, these heavenly bite-sized morsels are worth the splurge – try the cured ham croquette and you'll see. Grab the paella or arroz negro (black rice with prawns) if you want to try a traditional Alicante rice dish.

La Piazza serves divine Spanish delicacies on a sidewalk patio overlooking Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Despite the atmospheric setting and high-quality cuisine, this perennially popular restaurant remains reasonably priced. Excellent English-speaking waitstaff and people-watching opportunities enhance the appeal.

The charming a la carte restaurant does a mean mussel appetiser and fantastic paellas chock full of artichoke and squid. If you’re not big on seafood, order the succulent cochinilio (suckling pig) instead. Pro tip: both dishes go down well with locally sourced sangria or red wine. 

Alma del Sur is a beach-themed Andalusian restaurant specializing in deep-fried fish dishes. The tiny, hole-in-the-wall locale exudes a carefree ambience thanks to the super friendly waitstaff. Sit outside on the street-front patio to people-watch while you wait.

Choose from a broad range of deep-fried fish, including gamba rojas and sardines. Each freshly caught specimen comes covered in batter. Opt for the eggplants or salmorejo (a traditional Andalusian soup) if you’re looking for something light.

Cervecería Layton is a must-visit for tasty tapas and frothy homebrewed beer in Alicante. The popular budget-friendly establishment serves top-notch Spanish dishes in a no-frills venue – the locals don't flock here for the décor. Accompany your meal with an artisanal beer produced onsite at their tiny microbrewery.

Most punters order the menu del dia (menu of the day), which is filling, delicious, economical, and comes with a free beer. The tapas are another excellent choice, and you can’t go wrong with the hearty paella. Travelers on a budget should note this joint offers some of the best value food in town.

Ibericos Luceros is an ultra-authentic Spanish restaurant specializing in deli meats, paella, and steaks. The venue emits a homey traditional ambience, complete with rich dark wood furnishings, taverna-style décor, and colorful bullfighting photos. When the weather’s nice, most punters prefer to dine on the outdoor terrace.

Lunchtime visitors should opt for the rotating menu del dia (menu of the day), a hearty feast that’s both filling and reasonably priced. If you’re feeling adventurous, ask for the crispy pig’s ear or cheek instead. Other great a la carte options include the patata bravas (spicy fried potatos) or the rabo de toro (oxtail stew).