The Best Restaurants in 12 Costa Blanca Cities: A Food Lover’s Guide
The Costa Blanca isn’t just a haven for sunseekers—it’s also a top destination for food lovers. From Michelin-starred experiences to hidden local gems by the sea, the region offers a rich tapestry of flavors and dining experiences. Whether you’re planning a road trip along the coast or staying in one city, this guide will take you to the best restaurants in each of 12 Costa Blanca cities.
Let’s dive into the ultimate culinary journey.
1. Altea – Oustau
In Altea’s charming old town, Oustau blends French-Mediterranean cuisine with artistic flair. Surrounded by cobblestone streets and whitewashed buildings, this restaurant offers an elegant ambiance perfect for a romantic evening. Favorites include duck confit and sea bass with saffron sauce, beautifully plated and packed with flavor.
Why visit: Fine dining with a cozy atmosphere
Location: Calle Mayor, Altea Old Town
Perfect for: Romantic dinners, special occasions
2. Benidorm – Belvedere Restaurant
High above the city in the Madeira Centro Hotel, Belvedere delivers both exquisite cuisine and sweeping views of Benidorm’s skyline. The gourmet tasting menu highlights Mediterranean ingredients with creative flair. It’s an elevated experience—literally and figuratively.
Why visit: Best views in town with modern Mediterranean cuisine
Location: Av. de Martínez Alejos, Benidorm
Perfect for: Sunset dinners, upscale dining
3. Calpe (Calp) – Beat Restaurant
A Michelin-starred destination, Beat is a refined experience housed within The Cook Book Gastro Boutique Hotel. Chef José Manuel Miguel fuses French techniques with Spanish ingredients, crafting tasting menus that are as elegant as they are memorable.
Why visit: Michelin-level dining in a relaxed luxury setting
Location: Av. Masnou, Calpe
Perfect for: Foodies, anniversary celebrations
4. Cabo Roig – The Nautilus
Located right on the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean, The Nautilus is a longtime favorite among locals and visitors. Their fresh seafood—especially the octopus and paella—is served with unbeatable ocean views.
Why visit: Iconic location, great seafood
Location: Paseo del Mar, Cabo Roig
Perfect for: Lunch with a view, casual elegance
5. Dénia (Dénia) – Quique Dacosta
The pinnacle of fine dining on the Costa Blanca, Quique Dacosta is a three-Michelin-starred restaurant offering a multi-sensory journey. Chef Dacosta’s avant-garde dishes explore tradition, creativity, and storytelling in every bite.
Why visit: One of Spain’s top restaurants
Location: Calle Rascassa, Dénia
Perfect for: Serious food lovers, bucket list meals
6. El Campello – La Cova
Built into the cliffside with dramatic views of the bay, La Cova offers fresh seafood with a traditional Spanish twist. Arroz a banda and grilled squid are among the highlights. The setting is as stunning as the food.
Why visit: Cliffside dining with coastal charm
Location: Carrer la Illeta, El Campello
Perfect for: Scenic dinners, traditional flavors
7. Guardamar del Segura – Restaurante Le Bleu
With sleek, modern interiors and a beachfront location, Le Bleu brings a fresh take on Mediterranean cuisine. Try the black rice with cuttlefish or garlic prawns with aioli foam. The menu is innovative yet approachable.
Why visit: Contemporary food with style
Location: Avenida de Europa, Guardamar
Perfect for: Trendy beach lunch, couples’ night out
8. Jávea (Xàbia) – BonAmb
This two-Michelin-starred restaurant in the countryside outside Jávea is both serene and sensational. BonAmb offers seasonal tasting menus inspired by the region’s produce, seafood, and history. Each plate is a visual and culinary masterpiece.
Why visit: World-class fine dining in a peaceful setting
Location: Carretera Benitachell, Jávea
Perfect for: Gastronomic getaways, luxury seekers
9. Moraira – Le Dauphin
Overlooking El Portet Bay, Le Dauphin is a French-Mediterranean restaurant known for elegant presentations and superior ingredients. Lobster ravioli and chateaubriand are house specialties. The sunsets here are unbeatable.
Why visit: Romantic seafront elegance
Location: Playa El Portet, Moraira
Perfect for: Date nights, special celebrations
10. Santa Pola – Restaurante Varadero
Set right on the sand, Varadero serves classic Spanish cuisine with a focus on paella and grilled fish. Their relaxed vibe and excellent service make it one of the most beloved beachside eateries in Santa Pola.
Why visit: Traditional paella by the sea
Location: Playa Varadero, Santa Pola
Perfect for: Family meals, relaxed afternoons
11. Torrevieja – Restaurante Vela Beach
Sleek, stylish, and close to the marina, Vela Beach specializes in fresh seafood and rice dishes. Their red prawn carpaccio and arroz meloso with lobster are highlights. It’s a great spot for modern Mediterranean flavors in an upscale setting.
Why visit: Trendy yet relaxed waterfront dining
Location: Playa de Los Náufragos, Torrevieja
Perfect for: Long lunches, chic dinners
12. Villajoyosa (La Vila Joiosa) – Restaurante Hogar del Pescador
No-frills, all-flavor. Hogar del Pescador is a long-standing seafood favorite located near the harbor. Daily fresh catches are grilled or fried to perfection. It’s authentic, affordable, and filled with locals—which says it all.
Why visit: Freshest fish in a cozy, down-to-earth spot
Location: Calle Arsenal, Villajoyosa Port
Perfect for: Authentic local food, casual dining
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re following your taste buds across the coast or looking for the perfect spot in one city, this guide to the best restaurants in Costa Blanca offers something for every traveler. Bookmark it for your next trip—and make room in your itinerary (and your stomach) for these unforgettable meals.