25 Restaurants where you can enjoy the best paellas in Alicante
The enthusiasm Alicante has for rice is hard to match. From the coast to the inland areas, the province offers a culinary universe of dry rice dishes, creamy rice, soupy rice, calderos (rice casseroles), and oven-baked rice. The selection is so vast that everyone can find a personal favorite.
Alicante is the perfect symbiosis of sea and mountains, reflected in dishes that unite seafood delicacies such as shrimp, Norway lobster, red mullet, monkfish, or lobster with vegetables and meats from inland areas: rabbit, snails, chicken, lean pork, and juicy cuts of veal.
The City of Alicante (L’Alacantí)
Municipalities such as Alicante, El Campello, and San Juan form the coastal core, where the beaches create the ideal setting to enjoy paellas and seafood rice dishes. Among the classics are:
El Sevilla (El Campello)
Since 1971, this restaurant just steps from San Juan Beach (in the Muchavista area) has maintained exceptional quality at surprisingly reasonable prices. The menu is not large, but the rice dishes are remarkably well-prepared: the “Sevilla” rice (with lobster and peeled shrimp) is a must, as are those with rabbit and snails or the “Señor Vera” variety (sea bass, artichokes, spring onions, and clams).
Address: Avinguda d’Alacant, 6, 03560 El Campello, Alicante. Tel: +34 965 65 00 85.
Casa Julio (Alicante)
With over 80 years of history on San Juan Beach, this is a true icon in Alicante. Menus start at 30 euros, offering a wonderful view and an impressive selection of rice dishes: lobster, red shrimp, crusted rice, cuttlefish, artichokes… guaranteed to please.
Address: Av. de Niza, s/n, 03540 Alicante. Tel: +34 965 65 10 70.
Casa Filo (Alicante)
In the Albufereta district, this 70-year-old establishment provides an intimate experience, away from the most touristic spots. Their arroz a banda is legendary, but don’t miss varieties with cauliflower and cod, rabbit, or other seafood ingredients. Everything is cooked over a traditional fire.
Address: Calle Remo, 7, 03016 Alicante. Tel: +34 965 26 03 02.
La Taberna del Mar (San Juan de Alicante)
A bit away from the shoreline, you’ll find this cozy restaurant that stands out for its traditional cooking, homemade bread, “cocas,” and, of course, rice dishes. The selection isn’t extensive, but it’s enough: arroz a banda, senyoret, monkfish with clams, or shellfish paella, rarely over 10 euros per dish.
Address: Carrer Benimagrell, 28, 03550 Sant Joan d’Alacant. Tel: +34 678 93 91 36.
Dársena (Alicante)
A gastronomic icon in Alicante since 1961, located in the city’s marina. Here you’ll find memorable rice dishes: black rice with sepionets (small cuttlefish), rice with potato, garlic, and cod, or the one with red shrimp. A tribute to Alicante tradition in every bite.
Address: Marina Deportiva, Mlle. Levante, 6, 03001 Alicante. Tel: +34 965 20 73 99.
Marina Alta
Denia, Jávea, Calpe… these culinary hubs feature Michelin-starred chefs and fish auctions supplying top-quality red shrimp, Norway lobster, red mullet, and sea bass to the finest restaurants.
Casa Federico (Denia)
Forty years of history near the harbor. More than twenty different types of rice (both dry and soupy) plus excellent traditional tapas. A must-try is arroz a banda, seafood rice, and varieties with cod.
Address: Carrer Ausiàs March, 22, 03700 Dénia. Tel: +34 965 78 30 41.
Cala Bandida (Jávea)
With a view of the harbor, this is the place to see and be seen. While the view comes at a price, the restaurant compensates with innovative rice dishes: seafood, mountain-inspired, and a surprising variety featuring corbina (sea bass) and shrimp. A must on the Jávea coastline.
Address: Puerto de Jávea, Muelle Pesquero, s/n, 03730 Xàbia. Tel: +34 965 79 10 64.
La Perla de Jávea (Jávea)
A classic since 1984 on L’Arenal Beach. The second generation continues the same passion for rice. Highlights include rice with sepionet, monkfish and artichokes, as well as paella with chicken and rabbit.
Address: Av. de la Llibertat, 21, 03730 Xàbia. Tel: +34 966 47 07 72.
El Cantal (Calpe)
Bright and welcoming, with the Peñón de Ifach as a backdrop. A large selection of seafood rice dishes: lobster, Norway lobster, red and white shrimp, cuttlefish… all served in an elegant, airy setting.
Address: Calle Isla de Formentera, 16, 03710 Calp. Tel: +34 865 51 16 83.
Marina Baja
Benidorm, Altea, and Villajoyosa: major tourist draws that also offer gastronomic treasures including both seafood and inland rice dishes, calderos, and flavorful specialties.
La Capella (Altea)
A temple for oven-baked rice and crusted rice, right in the heart of town. A cozy terrace, Mediterranean cuisine, and a family-friendly ambiance. Rice with pork ribs and vegetables, soupy rice, or grilled fish complete the experience.
Address: Carrer Sant Pau, 1, 03590 Altea. Tel: +34 966 88 04 84.
Ca Marta (Villajoyosa)
In the hometown of caldero vilero, Ca Marta uses fresh products from the local fish auction to create rice dishes with monkfish, clams, Norway lobster, large shrimp, or lobster. They also feature variations with cod and cauliflower or duck with mushrooms and chickpeas.
Address: Avenida del Port, 37, 03570 Villajoyosa. Tel: +34 966 85 34 42.
Taverna El Pòsit (Villajoyosa)
Chef Toni Mayor combines Mediterranean tapas with surprising rice dishes, such as rice with squid and pumpkin (dry or creamy) or the “dirty” rice with cuttlefish and artichokes. The fideuà rossejat (fine noodles with cuttlefish and onion) is also not to be missed.
Address: Avenida del Port, 23, 03570 Villajoyosa. Tel: +34 966 85 15 19.
El Xinorlet (Monóvar)
In inland Alicante, an intersection of various gastronomies, burned or “socarrat” rice with rabbit and snails is favored, set in an environment of vineyards and traditional wood-fired stoves.
Casa Elías (El Xinorlet, Monóvar)
No fancy staging here, just great food. Famous for its rice with rabbit and snails, featuring a thin crust, perfect socarrat, and legendary flavor. Reservations are a must.
Address: Calle Rosales, 7, 03649 El Xinorlet. Tel: +34 966 97 95 17.
Medio Vinalopó
Elda, Novelda, Petrer, and the surrounding area are home to culinary gems with inland rice dishes featuring snails, rabbit, lean pork, mushrooms, and vegetables.
Paco Gandía (Pinoso)
A famous rice restaurant that serves only one dish: rice with rabbit and snails. Despite its simplicity, it’s worth the trip to Pinoso, in the heart of Medio Vinalopó.
Address: C. San Francisco, 2, 03650 Pinoso. Tel: +34 965 47 80 23.
Fayago (Elda)
Variety is key here: dry, creamy, or soupy rice, fideuàs… Try the soupy rice with pez limón (kingfish) and chanterelles, or the one with vegetables and kid goat. The “de señorito” rice in season is a real gem.
Address: Calle Colón, 19, 03600 Elda. Tel: +34 965 38 10 13.
La Sirena (Petrer)
It’s not just about rice here: fish, shellfish, and a wide variety of dishes fill the menu. Must-try options include arroz a banda (dry or creamy), rice with cod, piquillo peppers, and cauliflower, or the “memorable” rice dishes that change weekly.
Address: Avenida de Madrid, 14, 03610 Petrer. Tel: +34 965 37 17 18.
Casa Sanchiz (Casas de Sanchis, Monóvar)
A rural gem where wood-fired stoves, gazpacho manchego, and rice dishes go hand in hand. The rice with rabbit and snails is unmissable, but also try the surprising squid rice.
Address: Partida Cases Roges, 9, 03649 Cases de Sanchis. Tel: +34 617 33 71 41.
Bajo Vinalopó
Elche, Santa Pola, and Crevillente make up a region where the coast contributes marine ingredients and the inland areas offer hearty dishes. Santa Pola’s fish auction provides exceptional seafood.
Mesón El Granaíno (Elche)
A key spot since 1964. Today, chef Odón Martínez serves a few, but powerful options: creamy rice with red mullet, cuttlefish, and shrimp, crusted rice, and a rice with lean pork and vegetables that captures the essence of Elche.
Address: Carrer Josep Maria Buck, 40, 03201 Elche. Tel: +34 966 66 40 80.
Casa Rico (Santa Pola)
Shrimp from the local auction steal the show in calderos and calderetas. Standouts include scorpionfish (cabracho), shellfish varieties with lobster, and a perfect arroz a banda.
Address: Carrer Gabriel Miró, 41, 03130 Santa Pola. Tel: +34 965 41 47 06.
Restaurante Galicia (La Marina, Elche)
Right by Pinet Beach, you’ll find some of the best rice dishes in Bajo Vinalopó. Great prices, a relaxed vibe, and maritime recipes that will keep you coming back.
Address: Playa del Pinet, 67, 03194 La Marina, Elche. Tel: +34 965 41 91 82.
Alto Vinalopó
Villena is the center of this agricultural area. Here, rice stands out with products from the mountains: veal tripe, seasonal mushrooms, and comforting winter dishes.
La Despensa (Villena)
Operating since the 1980s with fish and varied rice dishes. The rice with veal tripe is a must, as is the creamy one with rabbit and mushrooms. Depending on the season, they offer surprises that delight guests.
Address: Calle de Cervantes, 27, 03400 Villena. Tel: +34 965 80 83 37.
Vega Baja del Segura
Orihuela, Guardamar, Torrevieja… a fertile area where many say crusted rice was invented. Land and sea come together here, resulting in numerous paellas, calderos, and traditional dishes.
Pirrín Arroces (Torrevieja)
Under the red awnings lies a true paradise for rice lovers. Arroz a banda, senyoret, black rice, and, by special request, calderos or rice with rabbit and snails. A summertime must.
Address: Calle Goleta, 34, 03182 Torrevieja. Tel: +34 865 67 87 81.
Mesón Las Jarras (Torrevieja)
A classic since 1976, known for caldero, two-part rice (a banda on one side and black on the other), or arroz de bancal loaded with vegetables. A pilgrimage site for both Alicante locals and tourists.
Address: Av. de los Europeos, 12, 03188 Torrevieja. Tel: +34 966 92 00 70.
Restaurante Punta Prima (Dehesa de Campoamor, Orihuela Costa)
On the border between Orihuela Costa and Torrevieja, Punta Prima unites seafood rice dishes (caldero, black, a banda) with meat, grilled items, and a touch of refinement. A reliable choice.
Address: Avenida Mar Punta Prima, 28, 03189 Orihuela. Tel: +34 965 32 81 06.
Hoya de Alcoy (l’Alcoià)
An inland region surrounded by mountains, with Alcoy as its focal point. Here you’ll find a mix of vegetable-based and seafood-based rice dishes, often featuring cauliflower, artichokes, spring onions, and cod.
El Caragol (Alcoy)
More than a dozen different rice dishes: from seafood to mountain-inspired. Rice with cauliflower, spring onions, and cod is a seasonal classic, along with one featuring pork ribs, chicken, and vegetables. Their black rice with cuttlefish is also worth a try.
Address: Carrer Capellà Belloch, 11, 03801 Alcoi. Tel: +34 634 70 40 41.