Seafood Restaurants Costa Blanca: Freshest Fish and Seafood
The Costa Blanca is one of the few places in Europe where cuisine is shaped literally at the doorstep of the restaurants. Every morning, fishermen return to the shores of Alicante, Santa Pola, Benidorm, Villajoyosa, Denia, and Altea, unloading fresh catches: palometa, dorado, sea bass, octopus, shrimp (especially the famous red shrimp from Denia and Santa Pola), squid, mussels, oysters, and many other seafood delicacies.
The region’s gastronomic culture is closely connected to the sea: from the famous rice dishes with seafood to traditional grilling and creative culinary approaches. Each coastal town has its own specialties: Santa Pola is renowned for one of the best fish markets in Spain, Denia is famous for its red king prawns, Benidorm offers a variety of marisquerías, and Alicante hosts culinary schools and restaurants that have shaped the region’s reputation for decades.
This selection includes seven of the best seafood restaurants on the Costa Blanca—those that consistently maintain high quality, work with the freshest catch, have a solid reputation, and offer an experience that cannot be found in tourist-oriented “for everyone” venues. Each restaurant is chosen based on several criteria:
- quality and freshness of seafood;
- reputation stability (not “starry newcomers” but reliable establishments);
- type of cuisine: traditional, creative, or mixed;
- menu accessibility and variety of seafood dishes;
- atmosphere reflecting the Mediterranean spirit;
- current operation, genuine reviews, and consistent quality.
This guide will be your reference if you want to try authentic Costa Blanca seafood—not frozen, not touristy, but the kind locals truly enjoy. Below you will find establishments that rightfully rank among the region’s best.
1. Dársena (Alicante) – Sea Gastronomy at the Marina of the Costa Blanca Capital
Dársena is one of Alicante’s most acclaimed restaurants, operating since 1961 and considered a “school” of Alicante-style rice dishes and seafood cuisine. Located directly in the marina, the restaurant offers stunning views of yachts, the sea, and the evening lights of the promenade. Yet it is not the atmosphere that makes it great—its excellence comes from the quality of the seafood and outstanding recipes.
Specialties: seafood rice, grilled fish, catch of the day, classic Mediterranean dishes. You may find dorado, sea bass, squid, octopus, langoustines, fish meatballs, palometa, tuna fillet, as well as the legendary paella “A la Contina”—a local interpretation of the rice dish.
Special attention should be paid to arroz a banda, one of Alicante’s most famous rice dishes. Dársena is considered the place where it is served in the traditional style, without adaptations, preserving the original taste. Many dishes depend on the morning catch: waiters often invite guests to see the fish display, after which the guest chooses the preparation method—grilled, fried, baked, or cooked in salt.
The interior is modern, stylish, with panoramic windows. Families, business guests, and tourists seeking authentic quality often dine here. The average check is above average but fully justified by the ingredient quality.
- Address: Marina Deportiva, Muelle Levante 6, 03001 Alicante
- Phone: +34 965 20 20 33
- Website: darsena.com
- Google Maps: view on map
2. Batiste (Santa Pola) – Red King Prawns and Traditional Seafood Cuisine
Batiste is a legendary Santa Pola restaurant, recognized as one of the best places along the coast to taste the freshest seafood, including the famous gamba roja de Santa Pola—red king prawns considered a delicacy of international level. Thanks to its proximity to one of the region’s most productive fish markets, the restaurant receives the catch immediately after sorting.
The atmosphere exudes authenticity: the interior is simple and maritime, without unnecessary frills, focusing entirely on the fish. The menu revolves around freshness. Among the best dishes are:
- red shrimp, steamed or grilled;
- sea dorado, tuna, and hake;
- mussels and razor clams;
- Galician-style octopus;
- traditional arroz meloso con marisco (creamy seafood rice);
- paella marinera – seafood paella with clean Mediterranean flavors.
Locals, families, and regular visitors come here specifically for the seafood. Evening and weekend reservations are essential, as the restaurant is almost always full.
- Address: Av, Calle Fernando Pérez Ojeda, 6, 03130 Santa Pola, Alicante, Spain
- Phone: +34 965 41 14 85
- Google Maps: view on map
3. La Mar de Bien – Modern Seafood Restaurant in Torrevieja
La Mar de Bien is one of the most interesting seafood restaurants in Torrevieja, located near the marina and salt lagoons of the city. The restaurant emphasizes maximally fresh fish and seafood supplied by local providers and combines Mediterranean traditions with contemporary culinary presentation.
The menu features grilled catch of the day, shrimp, squid, octopus, mussels, and seasonal seafood. Special attention is given to simple and honest preparation methods: fish is baked whole, cooked on a plancha or charcoal, preserving the natural flavor without heavy sauces.
La Mar de Bien is appreciated for balancing a cozy atmosphere with a gastronomic approach. The interior is bright, with maritime accents, and the service is oriented toward a calm, unhurried dining experience. It is an excellent spot for a romantic evening or for exploring Costa Blanca seafood in a modern interpretation.
- Address: Plaza Embarcadero de la Sal 2, 03188 Torrevieja, Alicante, Spain
- Phone: +34 621 23 97 07
- Website: restaurantelamardebien.com
- Google Maps: view on map
4. La Mejillonera (Benidorm) – Iconic Spot for Mussels, Shellfish, and Oysters
La Mejillonera is not just a restaurant but one of Benidorm’s most famous marisquerías. Here you will find a wide selection of mussels, shellfish, oysters, and other mollusks prepared in various ways. The atmosphere is lively, democratic, and very “Spanish”—noisy, vibrant, with constant movement and the aromas of fresh sea air.
The restaurant is ideal for those who enjoy seafood in its pure form: minimal sauces, maximum natural flavor. Portions are generous, prices are very affordable, and quality remains consistently high thanks to daily deliveries from local markets.
Most popular dishes include:
- steamed mussels, cooked in broth, or in spicy sauce;
- oysters from different regions, including Galician;
- grilled razor clams;
- fried or grilled squid;
- assorted shellfish platters for groups.
Gourmets traveling across Spain specifically for shellfish often recommend La Mejillonera as one of the best places on the Costa Blanca. It is perfect for informal lunches or a hearty dinner after a day at the beach.
- Address: Pg. de la Carretera, 16, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain
- Phone: +34 628 24 21 99
- Website: lamejillonera.com
- Google Maps: view on map
5. Casa Elordi (Villajoyosa) – traditional coastal cuisine and fish cooked with soul
Casa Elordi is one of the most authentic and warm establishments in Villajoyosa, where special attention is paid to traditional recipes and a family approach to cuisine. This restaurant perfectly reflects the character of the small coastal towns of Costa Blanca: you are welcomed as if at home, and the dishes are prepared as if you were visiting local residents.
The interior is simple, with maritime elements and a focus on comfort. The main emphasis here is not luxury, but honest cuisine and the freshness of every ingredient. The chefs work directly with the fishermen of Villajoyosa, so it is often possible to find unique items that do not always appear in larger restaurants.
Recommended dishes:
- fish of the day baked in salt – the purest taste of the Mediterranean;
- cabañal – a traditional fish dish of the region;
- octopus baked in the oven according to local recipe;
- fritada of small fish, popular among fishermen;
- seafood rice prepared in homemade broth.
Casa Elordi is a restaurant where every guest feels that the food is prepared with heart. It is perfect for those who are looking for not just tasty fish, but a real immersion in local culture.
- Address: Av. Joan Carles I, 3, 03570 La Vila Joiosa, Alicante, Spain
- Phone: +34 966 85 26 63
- Website: elordi.es
- Google Maps: view on map
6. Oustau de Altea (Altea) – elegant signature cuisine with a focus on fish
Oustau de Altea is one of the most refined restaurants of northern Costa Blanca. It is located in the old town of Altea, on narrow cobbled streets where white houses reflect the sea light, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the southern French coast. This place is for those seeking not only fresh fish but also signature interpretations, modern gastronomic techniques, and elegant presentation.
The interior is designed in Mediterranean style: stone walls, candles, soft lighting, and a romantic atmosphere. Oustau is perfect for dinners, especially for couples and those who appreciate fine cuisine. The menu changes seasonally but is always based on fresh seafood delivered from the ports of Altea and Calpe.
The restaurant’s best dishes:
- sea bass fillet with citrus sauce;
- creamy seafood risotto with saffron;
- tuna carpaccio with truffle oil;
- shrimp in a signature citrus marinade;
- grilled octopus with sweet potato puree.
The presentation is haute cuisine without excessive pretension. Oustau’s chefs know how to emphasize the natural taste of fish and seafood, combining them with delicate textures and fresh aromas. It is one of the best places for a gastronomic evening along the entire coast.
- Address: Carrer Major, 5, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
- Phone: +34 965 84 20 78
- Website: oustau.es
- Google Maps: view on map
7. Quique Dacosta Restaurante – gastronomic pinnacle of Dénia
Quique Dacosta Restaurante is one of the most famous and awarded restaurants not only on Costa Blanca but in all of Spain. Located in Dénia, in the heart of the gastronomic region Marina Alta, the restaurant has become a symbol of modern Mediterranean cuisine, based on local products, sea traditions, and the chef Quique Dacosta’s signature approach.
The restaurant’s concept revolves around the idea of territory and memory of flavor. The focus is on Mediterranean fish and seafood, rice, seaweed, herbs, and coastal products. Dishes are served in tasting menus, where each item is a gastronomic story about Costa Blanca, the sea, and the region’s culture.
Quique Dacosta Restaurante is known not for classic fish presentation but for its reinterpretation: textures, temperatures, and forms change, but the taste of the sea remains the main protagonist. This is a destination for gastronomic travelers from around the world who visit Dénia specifically for this experience.
- Address: C/ Rascassa, 1. 03700 Dénia, Spain
- Phone: +34 965 78 41 79
- Website: quiquedacosta.es
- Google Maps: view on map
Conclusion
Costa Blanca is a region where the sea speaks through cuisine. From Alicante to Dénia, seafood restaurants continue centuries-old traditions: using local products, respecting the taste of the Mediterranean, and creating dishes that become part of the coastal cultural heritage. Each of the seven establishments presented in this review has its own individuality: some specialize in pure tradition, others in modern signature cuisine, and others in authentic home-style atmosphere.
But they are all united by one thing – freshness. It is the freshness of fish and seafood that makes Costa Blanca a unique gastronomic destination on the map of Europe. Here, you can taste dishes prepared from the morning catch, experience the natural flavors of the sea, and connect with a culture that has developed for centuries in coastal towns.
If you want to discover Costa Blanca more deeply, start with its cuisine. The region’s seafood restaurants are a journey that begins with the sea and ends on your plate, leaving impressions you will want to return to again and again.
Frequently Asked Questions about Costa Blanca Seafood Restaurants
1. Where can I find the best seafood restaurants on Costa Blanca?
The best seafood restaurants are located along the entire Costa Blanca coast. In Alicante, visit Dársena, where fresh fish and seafood are delivered daily from fishing boats. In Santa Pola, we recommend Batiste, famous for its royal red shrimp and traditional seafood cuisine. In Torrevieja, La Mar de Bien is notable for its modern approach to seafood, while in Benidorm, the iconic La Mejillonera specializes in mussels, shellfish, and oysters. In Villajoyosa, try Casa Elordi, and in Altea, Oustau de Altea offers elegant signature cuisine. For true gourmets, Quique Dacosta Restaurante in Dénia provides gastronomic delicacies and tasting menus.
2. Which dishes should I try in these restaurants?
Be sure to try seafood paella prepared with fresh fish stock and including mussels, shrimp, and octopus. At Dársena, oysters and grilled sea bass are recommended; at Batiste, royal shrimp and grilled squid; at La Mar de Bien, tasting sets with langoustines and sea scallops; La Mejillonera is famous for mussels and shellfish in various sauces. At Casa Elordi and Oustau de Altea, the focus is on seasonal fish and signature sauces, while Quique Dacosta Restaurante offers unique gastronomic combinations of rare fish and seafood.
3. Which fish is the freshest on Costa Blanca?
The freshest fish is local, including sea bass, dorado, sardines, anchovies, and cuttlefish. Fish is brought in the morning from fishing boats to markets and immediately to restaurants. It is cooked on the grill, steamed, or in paella to preserve its natural taste and texture. Summer is best for sea bass and dorado, autumn for squid and octopus, and winter for langoustines and sea scallops.
4. Are there restaurants with outdoor terraces?
Yes, almost all coastal restaurants offer terrace tables with sea views. For example, Dársena in Alicante and Batiste in Santa Pola. In summer, they are excellent for lunch or dinner outdoors, and in the evening, a romantic atmosphere is created with soft lighting and sunset views.
5. How should I book a table at popular restaurants?
It is recommended to book in advance, especially in the high season (June–September). Many restaurants, including La Mar de Bien and Quique Dacosta Restaurante, offer online or phone reservations. For sea-view terraces, it is best to reserve at least a few days in advance.
6. Which drinks pair well with seafood?
White wines such as Verdejo and Albariño perfectly enhance the taste of seafood. Sparkling wines and light rosé are also suitable. For non-alcoholic options, mineral water with lemon, citrus juices, or sparkling water with herbs work well. Red wines are generally not recommended, except with dishes with rich sauces.
7. How much do seafood dishes cost on Costa Blanca?
The average price of a main course is 15–35 euros. Paella for two or tasting sets can cost 50–70 euros per person. Prices depend on the type of fish, freshness of the product, restaurant location, and popularity.
8. Can seafood be delivered to my home?
Yes, in major cities such as Alicante, Benidorm, and Torrevieja, many restaurants offer home delivery of fresh fish and seafood. Delivery usually includes instructions for serving and reheating to maintain quality.
9. Can I choose the fish myself?
Some restaurants, like Dársena and Casa Elordi, offer displays or aquariums with fish. Guests can select a specific specimen, and chefs will prepare it according to preference—grilled, steamed, or in paella.
10. Which restaurants are best for seafood tasting?
For tasting, La Mar de Bien, Oustau de Altea, and Quique Dacosta Restaurante are recommended. They offer tasting menus of 5–10 dishes including oysters, mussels, squid, octopus, shrimp, and seasonal delicacies, allowing you to try a variety of fresh fish and experience signature cuisine.
11. Which restaurants are suitable for a romantic dinner?
It is ideal to choose coastal restaurants with sunset views: Dársena in Alicante, Batiste in Santa Pola, and Oustau de Altea in Altea. They serve fresh fish and seafood in a cozy atmosphere with soft lighting, gentle music, and sea views.
12. Are there restaurants with a family-friendly atmosphere?
Yes, many coastal restaurants offer children’s menus, spacious halls, terraces, and paella cooking workshops for kids. For example, La Mejillonera and Casa Elordi focus on comfort and safety for families with children.
13. Which types of fish are seasonal?
In spring, sardines and anchovies are popular; in summer, sea bass and dorado; in autumn, squid and octopus; in winter, langoustines and sea scallops. Restaurants adapt their menus to seasonal supplies for maximum freshness and flavor.
14. Are there restaurants with signature cuisine?
Yes, Oustau de Altea and Quique Dacosta Restaurante offer signature dishes of fresh fish and seafood with unique sauces and accompaniments. These establishments are suitable for special occasions and gastronomic discoveries.
15. Which dishes are most popular among tourists?
The most commonly chosen are sea bass, dorado, squid, octopus, and shrimp. Popular dishes include seafood paella, grilled dishes, and tasting menus, allowing visitors to try several types of fish and seafood in one sitting.
