The Best Tapas in Alicante: The Ultimate Guide to Tasting the City

The essence of this Mediterranean city is reflected in every corner, and its gastronomy inevitably looks toward the sea. In Alicante, going out for tapas is almost a way of life, and the best way to discover the city’s culinary soul is to sample, bite by bite, the creations served at the most renowned bars.

An Essential City Walk

No traveler visiting Alicante fails to climb Santa Bárbara Castle, stroll through the charming Santa Cruz neighborhood, walk along the famous Explanada de España with its wave-patterned mosaic, visit the MARQ museum and other cultural gems, or end the day in its bustling marina. A city that lives in sync with the sea’s rhythm offers a complete experience, enhanced by exploring its bars and immersing yourself in the tapas culture—a tradition elevated here by the sea breeze and Mediterranean ingredients.

La Barra del Nou

On Calle Castaños you’ll find Nou Manolín (grupogastronou.com), an establishment with over 50 years of history and a must-stop for both locals and tourists. Its bar, named by Forbes magazine as one of the ten best in Spain, has also been praised by renowned chefs such as Ferran Adrià, Quique Dacosta, and Joël Robuchon. Here, the fresh, raw ingredients—especially fish and shellfish from the auctions in Santa Pola and Dénia—are the unrivaled stars of the show. Beyond the bar, the restaurant has hosted celebrities like Penélope Cruz and Pau Gasol and is part of the GastroNou group, which also includes Piripi and Pópuli Bistró. From their showcases come delicate tapas like anchovies in vinegar, patatas bravas, the famous “Pincho Picasso,” “swarovski” with Russian salad and anchovies, calamari rings, and red mullet—all unforgettable flavor experiences.

Probar el Buen Bar

More relaxed, with a restless, innovative spirit, Probar el Buen Bar (probarelbuenbar.com) is a place that constantly renews its menu. They continually add new suggestions to the board, such as Russian salad with smoked eel, “inverted” croquettes, omelet with butifarra de Perol and tomato, or squid fritters in what they call the “brutesca” style. The prestigious “Solete” from the Repsol Guide confirms Carl Borg and his team’s commitment to reinventing the classic bar with refreshing creativity. You’ll find familiar flavors here, but presented in a modern and surprising way.

Manero – A Journey Back in Time

Bar Manero (barmanero.es) offers a unique experience: once you step through the door, you’re transported back to the late 19th century. Inspired by a luxurious grocery store, this bar-shop serves gourmet tapas among elegant displays of delicacies. On the menu, you’ll find croquettes with oxtail, mushrooms, or Iberian ham, “gildas,” a seafood salad with small crystal shrimp, as well as a potato omelet with truffle. Everything is enjoyed in a sophisticated environment that also functions as a cocktail bar, bistro, and wine bar, hosting the Dom Pérignon club. Its success in Alicante has even led to a branch in Madrid.

Cervecería Sento

Located at Calle Girona 1, Cervecería Sento (somossento.es) is yet another unmissable stop on Alicante’s tapas route, offering an enticing selection of pintxos, small dishes, and “montaditos” (mini sandwiches). They have several locations in the province, and among their offerings the “Iván” montadito stands out—a winner at the Tapeate festival—made with sirloin steak, foie gras, nougat, Maldon salt, arugula, and walnuts. Don’t miss their “marinera” (Russian salad on a crispy bread ring), the chicken pintxo, or their special potatoes with melted cheese and bacon.

La Taberna del Gourmet

The story of La Taberna del Gourmet (latabernadelgourmet.com) began in 1979, when the Perramón-San Román family opened this establishment next to their first business venture. Today, it’s part of a culinary collection that also includes the renowned Monastrell restaurant by María José San Román, along with other spots in Grupo Gourmet. Sustainability and local produce are their hallmarks: vegetables come from their own Terramón farm in Mutxamel, the meat is organic, the fish is fresh, and the bread is baked in their own bakery. Besides montaditos, organic eggs, sea appetizers, fresh shellfish, and a wide variety of tapas, they also offer a special tapas menu for €36.

Barra Central at the Market

To feel the pulse of Alicante, there’s nothing better than a visit to the Mercado Central from 1911, a building with Modernist flair that houses stalls selling fresh Mediterranean fish, shellfish, and fruits and vegetables from nearby fields. Here you’ll find Barra Central, the perfect spot to take a break and sample classic dishes. Specialties include slow-cooked pacenta, sardine fillets in ceviche, or a veal sandwich with raisin and chive sauce. The area around Plaza del Mercado and Calle Castaños is also the ideal place to experience the famous “tardeo”: enjoying a beer on an outdoor terrace as the afternoon winds down.

Rice and Ice Cream – The Perfect Finishing Touch

You can’t leave Alicante without trying a delicious rice dish. The city is officially known as the “City of Rice,” and rice is prepared in many ways: a banda, alicantino, black rice, baked, or “with crust,” always accompanied by garlic mayonnaise (alioli). Discover this list of the 10 best restaurants in Alicante where you can enjoy the best paellas in Alicante. Restaurants like Monastrell (monastrell.com), Nou Manolín, or Pópuli Bistró from the GastroNou group (grupogastronou.com) are reliable choices, and paired with a wine from DOP Alicante, they create a perfect meal.

Finally, nothing tops off a gastronomic journey better than good ice cream. In Alicante, the ice cream shops Laneu (laneuhelados.es) and Livanti (livanti.es) are known for their handcrafted ice creams, adding the sweet finishing touch to an unforgettable taste experience.