People often ask: ‘where to get the best tapas in Alicante?’ Anyone visiting the beautiful city of Alicante will also be wanting to find the best food experiences available during their trip. So, where do you get the best tapas in Alicante?’
BLOG: Discover the best tapas crawl in Alicante in the Centre of Alicante (2024).
In a city that is known for exciting food and varied gastronomy, naming the best places to eat is usually going to be a subjective matter but at last, we can give an official answer.
…and the winner is …
Competition to find out where to get the best tapas in Alicante
According to professional judges the best tapa in Alicante in 2024 can be found in La Cervecería Carvi in playa de los Americas, In second place is Gastrobar Jorge in Altozano and in a respectable third place is the Merca Central Bar in the indoor market at Babel.
The Alicante City Council and the Provincial Association of Hospitality Entrepreneurs of Alicante recently held the awards ceremony for the V Lent Gastronomic Day 2024 contest. This event celebrates the best tapas offered by local establishments, drawing significant participation from both residents and visitors. The highlight of the event was the announcement of the winning tapas and the awarding of a gift voucher to Estefanía Reillo, the lucky participant of the contest draw.
Awards and Recognitions
La Cervecería Carvi emerged victorious, clinching the first place with 25% of the citizens’ votes.
Cervecería Carvi, located opposite Plaza América in Alicante, is a popular gathering spot for locals to enjoy beers and tapas. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere, it offers slow-cooked stews and leisurely after-dinner chats, reminiscent of home-cooked meals. The bar features daily home-made menus and weekend specials such as paellas, fideuás, gazpacho manchego, and cocido madrileño, all made with fresh, local ingredients. Their “Menu del Día” is highly recommended. Though it’s outside the main town centre, it’s worth the 45-minute walk or a short bus ride.
Understanding Tapas: A Culinary Tradition
Tapas are an integral part of Spanish cuisine, representing a variety of appetisers or snacks that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. They range from simple dishes such as olives or a slice of Serrano ham to more complex creations like stuffed peppers or seafood salads. Tapas can be served cold (like mixed olives and cheese) or hot (such as chorizo a la sidra or calamari).
In Alicante, tapas are more than just food; they are a social experience. It’s common for people to go out for tapas with friends or family, moving from one bar to another and sampling different dishes along the way. This tradition is known as “tapear” and is a beloved way to spend an evening.
BLOG: Discover the best tapas crawl in Alicante in the Centre of Alicante (2024).
How to Enjoy Tapas
When indulging in tapas, there are a few customs to keep in mind:
- Order a Variety: Part of the fun is trying a bit of everything. Order several small dishes to share.
- Pair with Drinks: Tapas are often accompanied by drinks like beer, wine, or sangria. Each tapa can have a complementary drink that enhances its flavour.
- Socialise: Tapas are meant to be enjoyed in a relaxed, social setting. Engage in conversation and savour the experience.
Popular Tapas in Alicante
Alicante offers a rich array of tapas, reflecting the region’s diverse culinary heritage.
Alicante’s tapas culture offers a wide array of flavours and textures that highlight the region’s culinary diversity. Some popular examples include:
- Cecina
- Description: Air-dried, cured beef, similar to ham but made from beef.
- Taste: Rich, smoky, and slightly salty with a firm texture.
- Ensaladilla Rusa
- Description: A Russian-style potato salad mixed with peas, carrots, tuna, and mayonnaise.
- Taste: Creamy and savoury with a blend of textures from the vegetables and tuna.
- Sardinas
- Description: Grilled sardines, often served with a sprinkle of sea salt and a dash of olive oil.
- Taste: Fresh, slightly briny, with a crispy skin and tender flesh.
- Pulpo a la Gallega
- Description: Galician-style octopus served on a bed of sliced potatoes, seasoned with paprika, olive oil, and sea salt.
- Taste: Tender octopus with a smoky, slightly spicy flavour from the paprika.
- Salazones
- Description: Salt-cured fish such as tuna, mackerel, and anchovies, typically served with olive oil and bread.
- Taste: Intensely savoury and slightly salty with a firm texture.
- Calamares a la Romana
- Description: Deep-fried squid rings, often served with a wedge of lemon.
- Taste: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with a light, savoury flavour.
- Gambas al Ajillo
- Description: Shrimp sautéed in garlic, olive oil, and chilli, served sizzling hot.
- Taste: Rich, garlicky, and slightly spicy, with the shrimp absorbing the flavourful oil.
- Patatas Bravas
- Description: Fried potato chunks served with a spicy tomato sauce and sometimes aioli.
- Taste: Crispy potatoes with a bold, spicy, and creamy topping.
BLOG: Discover the best tapas crawl in Alicante in the Centre of Alicante (2024).
The Significance of Tapas Contests
Contests like the V Lent Gastronomic Day serve multiple purposes. They not only celebrate and promote the culinary talents of local chefs but also encourage community engagement and tourism. By showcasing the best tapas in Alicante, these contests help to preserve and elevate traditional Spanish cuisine, attracting food enthusiasts from around the world.
Conclusion
The V Lent Gastronomic Day 2024 contest has once again highlighted the vibrant and dynamic tapas culture in Alicante. With the support of the Alicante City Council and the Provincial Association of Hospitality Entrepreneurs, this event has become a significant part of the city’s culinary calendar. Whether you are a local resident or a visitor, exploring the diverse and delicious tapas in Alicante is an experience not to be missed.
Read more about the central market https://thisisalicante.com/breakfast-like-an-alicantino/
