Highlights
Fresh;y caught fish in a traditional paella
Dining in Alicante
Alicante is a place that appeals to all the senses. The views from atop the castle of Santa Barbra, the sounds of the waves breaking against the shore as you sit in the marina enjoying a cool drink, the feeling of the warm Mediterranean winds against your skin and the smell of the spectacular ‘monuments’ being burnt during the bonfires of St Johns all combine to make the place unforgettable.
But there’s one sense we’ve thus far overlooked, that of taste. Well, there are no shortage of fine eateries where you’ll be able to get a sample of the true flavour of Alicante.
The Darsena Restaurant is one of the best places in the city to experience dining on the marina, with beautiful views of the bay and the castle. The surroundings are only upstaged by the food on offer, which ranges from trademark seafood and fish dishes to over 100 different rice dishes. You certainly won’t be short of choice.
Nou Manolin has a reputation which reaches all over Spain, however, whilst Nou Manolin’s patrons may come from all over the world, the produce they use to create the fare featured on their daily menus most emphatically does not. They only cook using the freshest local market produce. The restaurant is located in a gorgeous historical building and, if desired, dinners can arrange to take their meal in one of four private rooms.
There is always a chance, however, that, just because you’ve found yourself in Alicante, you may not necessarily want to partake of the Spanish cuisine that the area is so famous for. Fair enough, after all it’s your holiday and there’s plenty of choice for those you are a tad squeamish about seafood and shudder at the very though of paella.
The range on offer includes Mexican fusion food, Italian dining and also Chinese food. Of course, if you are more than ready to embrace a Spanish dining experience, but are simply adverse to fish, there are a range of options for you to try. Perhaps the Parilla Libre all-you-can-eat, steak grill restaurant will appease your appetite.
All these restaurants are most easily accessed by car and you can sort out car hire in Alicante at the beginning of your trip, or arrange your car hire at Malaga airport if you’re landing there and coming down to Alicante later.