Altea: Cozy Restaurants and Local Flavors
Altea knows how to do the most important thing: slow down. The white houses of the old town, the blue-and-white church dome on the hill, narrow staircases, and balconies adorned with bougainvillea – all seem designed so that you don’t rush through a “must-see” list, but live in the moment. Gastronomy here works the same way: without haste, with respect for the ingredients and the sea, and with love for simple but precise combinations. Altea is not a metropolis with dozens of “concepts,” but a cozy resort with character: here, people equally value honest rice, good grill, fresh fish, and evening cocktails on a terrace where you can hear the distant sound of the surf below.
This article is a gastronomic guide to Altea: what to try first, where to find the atmosphere of the old town, where to go for sea views and the perfect paella, where to enjoy a glass of wine when you want “a little celebration,” and which places are best to book in advance. We have compiled a selection of restaurants and bars that let you read Altea through taste – from signature tapas and modern fusion to seaside cuisine and “places worth returning to.”
The Gastronomic Character of Altea: Why It Tastes So Good
Altea stands at the junction of two worlds: the old town on the hill thrives on leisurely walks and dinners in small squares, while the coastline offers beaches, a promenade, and restaurants with views of the horizon. This creates Altea’s typical “dual-mode” dining: during the day – sea air, rice, and fish; in the evening – lights of the old town, tapas, wine, and cocktails. It is also important that Altea is located in Alicante province, where the tradition of rice dishes is strong: they prepare them in various ways, but almost always respecting the texture and the “broth juices.”
It is easy to arrange a gastronomic day in Altea harmoniously: a late breakfast or light tapas in the old town, a seaside lunch (preferably with rice or fish), and an evening dinner in a more “dressy” place, where details matter: table setting, lighting, a good wine list. For couples, Altea is especially rewarding: many tables are placed at the edge of terraces so you sit literally “in the frame.” For families, look for places by the shore, comfortable for children, with familiar dishes.
What to Try in Altea: Local Flavors Without Extra Theory
Rice dishes (arroces). Coastal restaurants in Altea often offer rice with fish and seafood. For a first experience, choose classic options: rice in fish broth, seafood rice, or more intense “by the sea” versions where the flavor is built on shrimp/fish stock. If you like “dry” versions, check if they make arroz seco; if you prefer a juicier format, look for dishes closer to meloso.
Fish and seafood. Altea is not just about “tourist paella.” In good places, you will find simple but precise dishes: grilled fish, fried calamari, shrimp, shellfish, fresh salads with sea accents. The “pure” taste is valued – salt, olive oil, and fire do half the work.
Tapas and “wine bites.” In the old town, it is pleasant to move from one small dish to another: tortilla, anchovies, mini-cokes, croquettes, seasonal vegetables, cheeses, something bright and creative – always with a glass of white wine or vermouth. Altea enjoys the format of “sitting long and tasting a little at a time.”
Sweet treats and the final touch. If you don’t want dessert “just for dessert,” choose places where desserts are part of the cuisine, not just a showcase. Often these are homemade: cheesecake, citrus-based items, light creamy textures. And remember: in Altea, dessert is also an excuse to linger 15 more minutes on the terrace.
Where and When to Eat: Simple Rules to Save Nerves
- Plan seaside lunch at “Spanish” times. In many places, the kitchen is busiest at lunch (approximately 13:00–16:00). Rice sometimes takes time – that’s normal, don’t rush.
- Best terraces require reservations. Especially in high season and on weekends. If you want a specific view, booking is essential.
- The old town comes alive in the evening. Here, not only the dishes matter, but also lighting, music, and details. It is the perfect scenario to “go stylish.”
- If you are coming to Altea from nearby towns. Have your main meal in Altea, and a “second” somewhere along your route. The seaside lunch and old town dinner work best in Altea.
Altea Restaurants and Bars Worth Knowing
1) Xef Pirata – Signature Tapas in the Old Town
This place captures Altea’s cinematic mood: white walls, narrow streets, soft lighting, and a feeling that you’ve found a cozy gastro-bar “for insiders.” They focus on signature tapas and cocktails, making Xef Pirata ideal for an evening when you want to taste interestingly – a few dishes, a couple of bold combinations, a glass of wine, and one perfectly crafted cocktail.
Contact Details:
Address: C/ de l’Àngel, 22, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
Google Maps: View on map
2) Rumors Altea – Fusion and Cocktails Near the Old Town
Rumors reflects a modern rhythm within a very “Altea” shell: terrace, cocktails, friendly service, and a menu featuring fusion with Latin American accents. Perfect for a mood dinner – not too formal, but lively enough to make the evening memorable. Great for couples and groups who like sharing dishes and trying new things.
What to Order: Pick several starters for two or three people, then one main dish – and definitely a cocktail. Rumors excels because the kitchen and bar work together: many dishes feel designed to complement the drinks.
Contact Details:
Address: Carrer Calvari, 1, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
Google Maps: View on map
3) El Castell – Cozy Dinner in the Old Town with Altea Views
El Castell is one of those spots worth climbing to Altea’s old town. A small restaurant with a terrace, warm atmosphere, and city views is ideal for a quiet evening after wandering the white streets. No seaside bustle here – just soft lighting, conversations at neighboring tables, and a feeling that time slows down.
The cuisine at El Castell centers on Mediterranean traditions: fish, seafood, meat, seasonal vegetables, and careful presentation without excess complexity. Perfect as an evening finale when you want reliable flavors and a beautiful setting.
Contact Details:
Address: Old Town Casco Antiguo, Plaza Tonico Ferrer Nº14, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
Google Maps: View on map
4) Ca Joan – Charcoal-Grilled Meats and Serious Seaside Dining
Ca Joan is for those seeking a substantial meal: good grill, respect for meat, generous portions, and restaurant service without pretension. Ideal when you are tired of “tapas and cocktails” and want a quality dinner emphasizing fire, patience, and proper doneness. Altea appreciates this mood too: the sea is great, but sometimes the soul craves fire.
What to Order: Focus on meat dishes (often the heart of the menu), add seasonal sides, something light to start, and don’t forget wine. Ca Joan offers a “straightforward but very tasty” dinner, without unnecessary complexity.
Contact Details:
Address: Partida L’Olla, 146, 03590 Altea (Alicante), Spain
Google Maps: View on map
5) L’Olleta – Mediterranean Cuisine with Sea Views
L’Olleta is the ultimate “postcard lunch” scenario: a table by the water, perfect lighting, sea air, and cuisine that feels clean and confident. Ideal to try fish, seafood, and rice dishes – everything that requires proper broth, salt balance, and timing. At L’Olleta, the focus is on “slow joy”: not a 40-minute visit, but a good portion of the day.
What to order: start with light appetizers, then choose a dish that reveals the Mediterranean character – fish, rice, seasonal vegetables. If you enjoy a “quiet cuisine,” where the product and technique speak for themselves, this is the place for you. And if you prefer a slightly more informal setting, they also have a bar format where you can snack and have a drink in a more relaxed way.
Contact Information:
Address: Partida la Olla, 25, 03590 Villa Gadea urbanizacion, Alicante, Spain
Google Maps: view on the map
6) Restobar Casa del Mar – an alternative to the beach format: sea nearby, straightforward cuisine, relaxed atmosphere
If you were looking in Altea for a “by the water and without pretension” format (similar to beach chiringuitos) but want a place convenient year-round, Restobar Casa del Mar is a great choice. It’s pleasant to stop here after a walk along Passeig del Mediterrani: relaxed seating near the sea, an easy-to-understand menu, and a format that works equally well for late breakfast, lunch, and a light dinner.
Best approach: come here when you want “simple joy” without complex concepts: start with shared appetizers, then choose fish or something Mediterranean, finishing with a cocktail or coffee. This place works well for both family scenarios and couples: you can simply “sit by the sea” without tying your meal to a strict schedule.
Contact Information:
Address: Passeig del Mediterrani, 52, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
Google Maps: view on the map
7) Giungla – vibrant interior, show format, and an evening with a “wow” effect
Giungla is Altea “for going out”: music, lights, unusual interior, and the feeling that you’ve come not just to have dinner, but to spend an evening. People often choose the “sit long” scenario: order something, chat, soak in the atmosphere, stay for another drink. This place suits those who enjoy a modern format and don’t want a too “classic” presentation.
What to order: select dishes that work well for sharing, and don’t forget drinks—they are an important part of the experience here. If you’re traveling with a group, Giungla is a convenient gathering point: there’s already plenty to talk about from the interior, and the evening flows naturally from there.
Contact Information:
Address: Av. del Puerto, 24, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
Google Maps: view on the map
8) Oustau de Altea – French inspiration and dinner “as an event”
Oustau is for those who want a more “grown-up” evening: a restaurant with history, French influence, precise service, and the feeling that you’ve come to celebrate—even without a reason. It’s a good choice if you are marking a date, want a beautiful finale to the day in Altea, or simply enjoy places where everything relies on attention to detail.
What to order: focus on dishes that feel like a “culinary story”: signature combinations, interesting sauces, precise work with textures. Here it’s important to take your time and allow the dinner to unfold like a performance: aperitif, starters, main course, dessert. And yes—booking in advance is recommended.
Contact Information:
Address: Calle Major, 5, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
Google Maps: view on the map
1-Day Route: how to tastefully experience Altea
Morning. Start with a walk through the old town: climb the streets, pause at viewpoints, and step into places with open terraces. Altea is especially beautiful in the morning—you’ll easily catch the mood of a “small Mediterranean wonder.”
Lunch. Head down to the sea. If you want the “true Mediterranean,” choose a restaurant with a view and order fish or rice. If you prefer a completely relaxed format, go to a beach chiringuito and eat “by the sea.”
Evening. Return to the old town for tapas and cocktails—or choose a place where dinner becomes an event. Altea works best this way: during the day—sea, in the evening—hill and lights.
Tips: how to choose a table and avoid mistakes
- If you want a view, request a “terrace table” when booking. In Altea, it really changes the experience.
- Allow time for rice and “slow” dishes. Good rice is not made in a hurry.
- If unsure, go for the “many small dishes” format. Tapas and appetizers often tell more about a place than a single large dish.
- Consider the context. In the old town, atmosphere and evening matter; by the sea, light and air matter during the day.
Restaurants in Altea, Spain on the map
- Xef Pirata – Signature Tapas in the Old Town
- Rumors Altea – Fusion and Cocktails Near the Old Town
- El Castell – Cozy Dinner with Views
- Ca Joan – Charcoal-Grilled Meats by the Sea
- L’Olleta – Mediterranean Cuisine with Sea Views
- Restobar Casa del Mar – Relaxed Seaside Dining
- Giungla – Show Format and Wow Effect
- Oustau de Altea – French Cuisine as an Experience
Restaurants in Altea, Spain – FAQ
1. What types of cuisine can you find in restaurants in Altea?
2. Are there good seafood restaurants in Altea?
3. Where are the best restaurants located in Altea?
4. Do restaurants in Altea offer vegetarian or vegan options?
5. Is it necessary to book restaurants in advance in Altea?
6. What is the average price of restaurants in Altea?
7. Are there family-friendly restaurants in Altea?
8. Do restaurants in Altea have sea views?
9. What are typical local dishes served in Altea restaurants?
10. Are restaurants in Altea open all year round?
Conclusion
Altea is about flavor that doesn’t shout. You can easily find both a “beautiful evening” and a simple beach lunch, signature tapas in narrow streets, and a dinner that is remembered as an event. The best part: you don’t have to choose “just one.” Altea’s gastronomy is structured so that you can live the day in layers – from a light start to a strong finale – and each layer has its own character, its own light, and its own flavor.
