In the heart of this food obsessed city, Croquetas are one of the ever present and ultimate tapas dishes that can blend and twist the traditional along with innovation to captivate food enthusiasts from near and far.

Unravelling the Essence of Croquetas

What Are Croquetas?

Croquetas, originating from the French word “croquette,” are small, cylindrical rolls crafted from a mixture of a thick béchamel type sauce, jamon, chicken, vegetables or a variety of other flavours. The sauce is made the day before and chilled over night to firm up and it is then coated in breadcrumbs and fried to a golden colour and served immediately. The best croquetas boast a crispy exterior and a creamy, flavourful centre—a true delight for the senses. But just be careful when you take your first bite into the molten centre of a creamy croqueta.

Much softer, squishier, and downright tastier than the potato croquettes we’re used to in the UK—although it seems they’ve almost vanished from our plates lately. That said, I’ve dabbled in combining béchamel and mashed potato myself, and I can tell you, the results were more than satisfying!

Exploring the Croqueta Context

The Spanish obsession with croquetas is such that there is now a national Croqueta day every January 16th. Furthermore, the Spanish croqueta competition held annually in Madrid is a highly anticipated event in the culinary world. Hosted as part of the Madrid Fusion gastronomic conference since 2015, it attracts top chefs from across Spain who vie for the title of crafting the best Ibérico ham croqueta in the country. These chefs bring their unique interpretations and culinary skills to the table, each striving to impress the judges and claim the coveted crown.

The competition is fierce, with chefs presenting their croquetas to a panel of discerning judges who evaluate them based on criteria such as creaminess, lightness, and bold flavor. The winning recipe is not only a testament to the chef’s talent but also reflects the innovation and tradition deeply ingrained in Spanish cuisine.

Throughout the years, the competition has become a platform for showcasing the diversity and creativity of Spanish gastronomy, with each edition pushing the boundaries of culinary excellence.

Spanish croquetas are a hit in restaurants worldwide. José Andrés features them in many of his U.S. Restaurants whilst in London, José Pizarro serves up his take with Cinco Jotas ham. Where there’s Spanish food, there are croquetas.

Where to Find the Best Croquetas in Alicante

I’m certainly not going to claim to have found the “best Croqueta” in Alicante becasue that kind of claim is really quite subjective, I’m not even going to do a top 10 but what I will say is that the following places all provide really good Croquetas and a really good selection of other tapas.

There are tons of places to get good croquetas in Alicante and with this list below you can’t go wrong they are all excellent.

• Jacapaca
  Location: Mercado Barrio, Alicante
  Reviews: https://tinyurl.com/mr32xk9c
  Expect the unexpected. Jacapaca, just a few steps from the central market, entices with its very innovative  Croqueta, tantalizing taste buds with a symphony of flavours such as sweet potato, ham and artichoke.
• Tomate Algo
  Location: Mercado Barrio, Alicante
  Reviews: https://tinyurl.com/ycyp3zvw
  This relative newcomer, nestled in the top part of Mercado Barrio slightly up from Plaza Luceros, comprises a fairly basic bar but some very good home-made cuisine. Tomate Algo offers an eclectic array of Croqueta, blending tradition with culinary creativity. Try the sobrosada with goats cheese, oxtail or even Roquefort with walnuts.
• El Piripi
  Location: Ensanche Diputacion, Alicante
  Reviews: https://tinyurl.com/34mfcdpw
  Highly regarded locally for Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, El Piripi’s classic croqueta reflects the region’s rich culinary heritage. Eat at the bar downstairs or the restaurant upstairs.
• El Garaje Bar
  Location: El Centro, Alicante
  Reviews: https://tinyurl.com/5b95x497
  A hidden gem in Plaza Gabriel Miró. Trendy, post industrial environment, serving very healthy portions of tapas, sliders and beers. The croqueta is good but this place is more about the ambience and vibe.
• El Canto
  Location: Ensanche Diputacion, Alicante
  Reviews: https://tinyurl.com/4hsaeu8u
  El Canto elevates the humble Croquetas with seasonal ingredients and culinary finesse. The popularity of this small bar, founded in the 1980’s, is of legendary proportions. Locals literally queue outside everyday before it opens. El Canto has a reputation for picking the very best of local ingredients and preparing them simply. One of the best Croquetas de Bacalhau in Alicante
• Bar Manero
  Locations: El Centro & Plaza Doctor Balmis, Alicante
  Reviews: https://tinyurl.com/yc5z94nt
  Bar Manero exudes timeless elegance and sophistication. Its stylish ambiance draws a crowd, making reservations a wise choice.  Limited choice of the classic Jamon Ibérico Croqueta  or the Rabo de Toro (Oxtail). Of the two locations Balmis offers a slightly more romantic setting for tapas and cocktails.

Savouring the Flavours of Alicante

What do you think? Are croquetas the ultimate tapa experience? If so, what’s your favourite filling or even your favourite place to enjoy croquetas in Alicante?
If you’re going to be visiting Alicante make sure you try at least a few of the bars mentioned above and I guarantee you will be please with your tapas experience. Do please get in contact and let us know what your experience was like.

 And while you’re in Alicante why not find out more about our booming food scene, fast becoming one of Spain’s most talked-about culinary destinations. Join a guided food tour, led by a knowledgeable local. These tours provide a great opportunity to meet local people and taste your way around the city