When it comes to writing a blog post about typical Alicante dishes, one cannot overlook the rich tapestry of factors that make up its culinary scene. From its sun-drenched shores to the fertile inland regions, Alicante offers a bounty of gastronomic delights that reflect its history, geography, and cultural influences. In this post, we’ll explore some of the most typical Alicante dishes that every visitor should try. Whether you’re a seasoned “foodie” (I still hate that word!) or a curious traveller, these dishes provide a delicious gateway to the heart of the Costa Blanca.

The Essence of Alicante’s Cuisine

Alicante’s cuisine is a reflection of its Mediterranean roots, characterised by an abundance of fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, and aromatic herbs. The region’s history of trade and conquest has also left its mark, introducing flavours and techniques from across the globe. What truly sets typical Alicante dishes apart is their simplicity and focus on high-quality, local ingredients and not necessarily overly complex cooking. Let’s dive into some of these quintessential dishes.

1. Arroz a Banda

Arroz a Banda is perhaps the most iconic of all typical Alicante dishes. This rice dish, often compared to paella (but in fact is quite different), is cooked in a rich fish broth and served with aioli, a garlicky mayonnaise that adds an extra layer of flavour. The key to a perfect Arroz a Banda lies in the broth, often made from rockfish and other seafood, which infuses the rice with a deep, umami flavour. Traditionally, the fish used to make the broth is served separately, but modern interpretations often incorporate it into the rice itself.

Where to Try It:

• Nou Manolín (Central Alicante): Renowned for its seafood dishes and vibrant atmosphere. Website
• La Taberna del Gourmet (Central Alicante): Famous for its traditional rice dishes and produce from their own huerta (Smallholding). Website
• El Rincón de Antonio: A very traditional setting in the heart of the old town. nothing is rushed in this place, so relax and enjoy a couple of glasses of wine while you wait for your rice.

Note: Rice dishes like this are usually for a minimum of two people.

Drink Pairing: A crisp, dry white wine like Galician Albariño pairs beautifully with the seafood flavours of Arroz a Banda.

2. Caldero

Caldero translates as cauldron and is a typical dish slightly to the south of Alicante in the Mar Menor and from the island of Tabarca. Caldero, as you might guess it cooked in a cauldron and is another must-try amongst typical Alicante dishes. A hearty fisherman’s stew, this dish is made with fish, usually red mullet or grouper (but it could be anything that’s left at the end of the market), cooked in a broth with tomatoes, garlic, and nora peppers. The fish is served with a side of rice, which has been cooked in the same flavourful broth. The origins, as with a lot of the dishes in this area lay in the need to use up left over small fish that haven’t sold.

Where to Try It:

• El Caldero by David (Ravel Roig Barrio): Specialises in traditional fish stews and rice dishes. Here you can also try Caldero de Gallina (Hen) Website
• Restaurante Casa Julio (San Juan Playa): Known for its authentic local cuisine and beautiful sea views. Website

Drink Pairing: A robust rosé like those from the nearby Murcia region complements the rich flavours of Caldero.

3. Esgarraet

For those looking for a lighter option amongst typical Alicante dishes, the Valencian dish of Esgarraet is a delightful summer salad made from roasted red peppers, salted cod, and olives, all drizzled with olive oil. The peppers and cured code are torn into strips, hence the name Esgarraet, which means “torn. This dish showcases the vibrant flavours of the Mediterranean and is a common tapa in Alicante’s restaurants and bars. In Alicante you will sometimes find Mojama in the recipe.

Where to Try It:

• Cervecería Sento (Central Alicante): A popular spot for tapas and traditional dishes.
• Taberna El Chapeau (Central Alicante): Known for traditional interior and friendly staff .

Drink Pairing: A dry, slightly acidic white wine like Verdejo enhances the salad’s fresh, salty flavours.

4. Turrón

Alicante is also famous for its sweet treats, and of all the typical Alicante dishes we can speak of, probably none is more renowned than Turrón. This traditional nougat is made from almonds, honey, sugar, and egg whites, and comes in two main varieties: Turrón de Alicante (hard) and Turrón de Jijona (soft). Both types are delicious and offer a taste of Alicante’s rich culinary heritage.

Where to Try It:

• Turrones Espí (Central Alicante): A shop dedicated to the finest turrón. Website
• Turrón 1880 (Explanada de España): Another iconic turrón producer. Website

Drink Pairing: A sweet dessert wine like Moscatel pairs perfectly with the rich, nutty flavours of Turrón or, if you are really pushing the boat out, ask for a glass of Alicante Fondillon (a very special and historic sweet wine).

5. Pericana

Pericana is another of the very traditional typical Alicante dishes (particularly in the area of Alcoy) that brings together dried choricero peppers, salted cod, and garlic. It’s also known as Pelicana or Carasses in Elche The ingredients are crushed and mixed with olive oil to create a paste that is typically spread on bread or to accompany vegetables. It’s often served as a starter on Christmas Eve.

Where to Try It:

• Bar Manero (Central Alicante): Offers a range of traditional tapas including pericana. Website
• El Portal Taberna & Wines (Central Alicante): Known for its extensive wine list and traditional dishes. Website

Note: Both venues are recognised in the Michelin Guide for their exceptional offerings. Bar Manero’s location, just a few doors away from El Portal, makes it convenient to explore both spots in one outing

Drink Pairing: A robust red wine like Monastrell balances the intense flavours of Pericana.

6. Cocas

The term “Coca” seems to cover a multitude of different things in Alicante.

Sweet cocas, like the Coca Boba are traditional sponge cakes often enjoyed as an afternoon pick-me-up snack. This cake is made from eggs, flour, milk, oil, sugar, a raising agent, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Variants include coca de yogur, which uses a yogurt pot to measure ingredients, and coca de almendra , an almond-flavoured version also known as tortà.

Savoury Valencian cocas resemble mini-pastry pizzas and are popular as snacks or appetisers. The dough typically includes yeast, with some versions like coca de cerveza using beer. Coca de tomate features a topping of tomatoes, while coca de verduras uses various vegetables. Coca de Alicante or coca de Sant Joan is a stuffed version with fillings like onion, pine nuts, and tuna.

Cocas de Mollitas (very popular in Alicante) can be likened to a salty crispy pastry topped with fatty floury crumbs that stick your mouth together (jury’s out on that one!).

The most famous Coca in Alicante is generally only served once a year, during the Hogueras festival and that is Coca amb tonyina. This is very much like an empanada with tuna, sweet onion, pine nuts, lemon and parsley and is eaten traditionally with figs

Where to Try It:

• PanaderíaPaco Tono (Central Market): Famous for its traditional pastries and cocas since 1940. Website
• Panadería Castell de San Blas (San Blas Barrio): Winner of the best Coca Amb Tonyina award 2024. Its a little bit of a walk from the centre of town but that’s not a bad thing is it? Facebook Page

Drink Pairing: A glass of Vermouth (Vermut) makes for a perfect accompaniment to both sweet and savoury cocas.

7. Gazpachos Manchego Alicantino

Next on our list of typical Alicante dishes is something that might confuse you on first reading: Gazpachos Manchego Alicante. While gazpacho is often associated with Andalusia, the Alicante version, known as Gazpachos Alicantino, has its own unique twist. It’s actually nothing like the refreshing cold soup of tomatoes, peppers, cucumber and olive oil. In fact the only similarity is in the name. Alicante Gazpacho (or Gazpachos manchego de la montaña de Alicante) is more like a thick broken ravioli soup. If that sounds unappetising, don’t worry, its actually delicious. Alicante Gazpacho is a warming comfort food. The “pasta” pieces that resemble lasagne pieces are actually biscuits/crackers (tortas) that are placed into the broth to absorb the flavour and provide body to the finished hearty and meaty soup.

Where to Try It:

• La Andaluza San Blas (San Blas Barrio): A great family run local restaurant. Gazpachos Manchego is served on Thursday lunchtimes. Facebook
• La Colina Buffet (Vistahermosa): This, all you can eat, buffet has a fantastic coal fired oven in one corner where, on Saturday lunchtimes, they knock out some great stews, rice dishes and Gazpachos Manchego Gazpacho Alicantino.

Drink Pairing: A chilled glass of white Rioja enhances the fresh, tangy flavours of the gazpacho.

8. Olleta Alicantina

Olleta Alicantina is a hearty stew made with beans, lentils, rice, pork, sausages, potatoes and vegetables. This spoon dish is particularly popular in the winter months. It is often served without meat too as a vegetarian option. The name Olleta comes from the pot it is cooked in. The cooking of this dish is low and slow. Every family/Bar has it’s own recipe but one thing’s for sure, if you’re eating this then you’re going to be eating well.

Where to Try It:

• Restaurante La Marmita (San Anton Barrio): Known for its traditional local dishes. Facebook
• Casa Riquelme (Calalinos Bajos Barrio): Just about a 15 minute walk from the Central market. Offers a cozy atmosphere and very authentic local cuisine. Website

Drink Pairing: A full-bodied red wine like Tempranillo complements the rich, hearty flavours of Olleta Alicantina.

9. Pescado a la Sal

Pescado a la Sal, another of the typical Alicante dishes, involves baking a whole fish, typically sea bass (lubina) or bream, in a crust of sea salt. The salt crust insulates the fish, slowing down the cooking time and ensuring an even cook, which keeps the fish moist and effectively steams it as it bakes. Once out of the oven, the salt crust is broken, and the fish is carefully removed, often drizzled with olive oil. This method results in fish that is tender, perfectly seasoned, and incredibly juicy.

Where to Try It:

• Dársena (Marina de Levante): Famous for its seafood and rice dishes. Website
• La Ponderosa (San Juan Playa): Known for its fresh seafood and beach front location. Website

Drink Pairing: A light, smooth Alicante white wine like Marina Alta highlights the delicate flavours of the fish.

10. Fideuà

Fideuà is a dish similar to paella but made with noodles instead of rice. There are quite a lot of people who say that Fideuà is beater than Paella (we tend to agree). Short, thin pasta strands called fideus are cooked in a good fish stock along with cuttlefish and shrimp. The best cooks will brown the noodles in the pan before adding the stock which then gives a slight nuttiness to the overall flavour. This is most definitely Spanish comfort food. Often served with aioli.

Where to Try It:

• Restaurante La Cuina de Nico (Central Alicante): Excellent cooking and extremely popular with the local Alicantino crowd (which is always a good sign). Facebook
• Restaurante Piripe (Central Alicante): Recognised by Michelin, this culinary Alicante landmark has been serving up high quality tapas and rice dishes for over 30 years. The Fideuà is excellent.

Drink Pairing: A glass of Cava adds a refreshing sparkle to the rich, seafood flavours of Fideuà.

11. Ensaladilla rusa

Ensaladilla Rusa is the ubiquitous star of every bar menu in Alicante, an indulgence that’s impossible to avoid. As one of the typical Alicante dishes, it features a hearty mix of potatoes, tuna, and vegetables, with hard-boiled eggs, all generously coated in a sea of mayonnaise. Served with hard breadsticks for that essential crunch, it’s a dish that dares you to embrace its creamy glory. Massively popular, trying Ensaladilla Rusa is practically a local rite of passage—because nothing says “authentic experience” quite like a salad that’s mostly mayo, right?

Where to Try It:

• Absolutely Everywhere!!

Summary

Alicante’s culinary landscape is a rich tapestry woven from its Mediterranean roots, historical influences, and contemporary innovations. The city’s cuisine is a testament to its coastal location and fertile hinterlands, offering a bounty of fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs. Historically, Alicante has been a melting pot of cultures, with each leaving an indelible mark on its food. From the Romans and Moors to more recent influences, typical Alicante dishes reflect a blend of traditions and tastes.

The essence of Alicante’s cuisine lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Typical Alicante dishes like Arroz a Banda and Caldero are celebrated for their robust flavours derived from fresh, locally sourced seafood and produce. These traditional recipes highlight the region’s reliance on the sea and its agricultural bounty. Moreover, the enduring popularity of dishes such as Esgarraet and Pericana underscores the local penchant for combining basic ingredients in ways that elevate their natural flavours.

Current Trends in Alicante’s Gastronomy

In recent years, Alicante’s food scene has embraced both its rich heritage and modern culinary trends. While traditional dishes remain beloved, there’s a growing trend of innovative reinterpretations. Chefs are exploring new techniques and flavour combinations, often incorporating global influences while staying true to local roots. This fusion is evident in modern takes on classics, where traditional ingredients are presented in novel ways, appealing to both locals and tourists seeking authentic yet contemporary dining experiences.

Restaurants like Nou Manolín and La Taberna del Gourmet exemplify this trend, offering traditional dishes with a modern twist in settings that celebrate Alicante’s culinary heritage. The rise of farm-to-table dining and the emphasis on sustainability have also shaped current gastronomic practices, ensuring that the region’s culinary legacy continues to thrive in a modern context. Whether through classic recipes or innovative new dishes, Alicante’s gastronomy remains a dynamic and integral part of its cultural identity.