Must-try Dishes
Desayuno Alicantino - Alicante Breakfast (savory toast) - Thick slices of bread topped with mashed tomato, olive oil, and sometimes strips of cured ham. Locals usually enjoy this hearty breakfast at roadside cafes, often paired with a fresh orange juice (just don’t go asking for coffee with it; that’s not the custom!).
Fartón - Valencia Fartón (sweet bread) - A soft, elongated pastry that is perfect for dipping into horchata, a local tiger nut drink. You can find these in bakeries throughout the city, best enjoyed as a snack in the late morning with friends.
Arroz a Banda - Rice on the Side (seafood paella) - This dish features rice cooked in seafood broth, often served with pieces of fish on the side. Lunch is the prime time for enjoying Arroz a Banda in seaside restaurants, where the flavors transport you to the Mediterranean coast.
Calçots - Grilled Green Onions (seasonal delicacy) - Charred green onions served with a tangy romesco sauce. Typically eaten in winter during local festivals, they’re a beloved dish that locals often gather around to enjoy, dipping and chatting.
Bocadillo de Calamares - Squid Sandwich (street food) - A crispy fried calamari sandwich served in a fresh bun, often with a squeeze of lemon. Popular at food stalls near the waterfront, it’s the perfect grab-and-go treat after a day of exploring.
La Tapa - Tapas Style (traditional small plates) - While tapas are common, what sets Alicante apart is their hearty toppings like octopus or Iberian ham piled high. It's common to split a variety of these dishes among friends as a late-night meal after a long day.
Gazpacho - Andalusian Gazpacho (chilled soup) - A refreshing blend of tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, typically enjoyed in the hot summer months. Locals sip this cooling soup at any meal, especially during lunchtime for a light, tasty touch— it’s like summer in a bowl!
Arnadí - Pumpkin Cream (local specialty) - A smooth blend of pumpkin, almond, and spices, typically baked as a tart. This dish shines during autumn, enjoyed at family gatherings to celebrate the harvest season and reflect the region’s culinary traditions.
Desserts & Drinks
Horchata - Horchata de Chufa (refreshing nut drink) - A creamy drink made from tiger nuts, water, and sugar, often served chilled. Locals enjoy it as a sweet refreshment during the warm afternoons, especially after a long beach day.
Ein Diario - Café con Leche (milky coffee)** - A strong espresso topped with hearty steamed milk, creating a wonderfully rich flavor. It’s customary to enjoy it as a leisurely breakfast or mid-morning treat in a local café, and ordering it too late in the day might raise some eyebrows!
Snorting - Mistela (sweet wine)** - A delightful aperitif made from a blend of sweet Muscat grapes and liquor, served ice-cold. Perfect for toasting during summer nights at family gatherings or local fiestas, this wine has a unique homemade touch often lost in mass-produced options.
Pastel de Bonbon - Tarta de Santiago (almond cake)** - A moist almond cake dusted with powdered sugar and often marked with the cross of Saint James, perfect for festive occasions. It’s commonly found during local celebrations but holds a special place during the Fiestas de San Juan.
Granizado - Granizado de Limón (frozen lemonade)** - This icy treat is made from crushed ice mixed with freshly squeezed lemon juice and sugar, providing a perfect cooldown on hot summer days. Vendors commonly sell it on beachside promenades, and locals never miss a chance to indulge after afternoon lunches.
