Enjoying Tapas in Alicante City
Tapas are now served world wide, but did you know that their origins started in Alicante? Montaditos are little delicacies placed on a slice of crusty bread which were given free to travellers of old to accompany their wine or beer – a custom which still survives in some bars like the Meson de Labradores on the street of the same name, Calle Labradores.
Eventually these grew to become the Tapas we know and love and are a perfect way to sample local food; in their simplest form they can be a small, free offering with your drink, or you can order a number of dishes to share. Raciones are larger versions of Tapas and it's very easy, with bread, to make a main meal out of them.
You will find Tapas served everywhere, but a good place to start your gastronomic tour is the area around the Town Hall Square and the Plaza de Montaceta. As a pointer, In the street named Rafeal Altimira you can find the stylish tapas bar of Senzone - very modern in design it offers a wide selection that can be eaten inside or out. The displays of food are a definite must see!
Whilst close by, a smaller place that along with tapas also offers a menu of the day (usually a three-course meal at a special low price). Called La Rambla Bar it's situated on the Portal de Elche square, where you'll also find a small tourist information kiosk. This little café bar is perfect for everything from breakfasts to evening meals, all at a very good price.
Finally why not try the Lizarran Taberna, just a stroll along La Rambla. Here you order your drink and help yourself to the montaditos. Available cold from the counter, you can also keep an eye out for the fresh hot dishes leaving the kitchen. Each has a toothpick anchoring the delicacy (fish, meat, egg etc) to the slice of bread…..but don't throw them away, this is how you pay! When you've eaten enough just take your toothpicks to the waiter who will count them up, add the price to your drinks and there you have it! Generally they cost about 50 cents each - so a very reasonable way to enjoy a snacky selection.
|
Map ref. |
Lively tapas bar on Alicante's main street.
Location Alicante City Centre
La Rambla
Yes it's one of Spain's most successful franchises because of its winning formula. Combine ochre walls and warm coloured woods with the best wines of Green Spain, add literally hundreds of different 'pintxos' (tapas on sticks) at low, low prices and it all equals thousands of happy customers and a lively atmosphere.
|
|
Map ref. |
Modern, elegant all day eatery
Location Alicante City Centre
|
 |
Click on the small images |
Portal del Elche
Another of Spain's popular franchise chains, Entre Tapas y Vinos is a modern version of the all-day Spanish eatery. Open for breakfasts, brunches, lunches and all the other meals to take us to supper, the cool air-conditioned interior is a relaxing respite from the heat of summer days.
|
|
Map ref. |
Ultra modern tapas bar with style and panache
Location Alicante City Centre
Calle Rafeal Altamira
The most stylish of all Alicante's tapas bars, the Senzone is a relaxing fusion of modern décor, traditional cuisine and surprisingly affordable prices. Eat at the bar, outside in the covered courtyard or more formally in the restaurant in this converted convent building
|
|
Map ref. |
Informal tapas bar with Basque cuisine
Location Alicante City Centre
|
 |
Click on the small images |
Calle San Fernando
Like many Basque style tapas bars, eating in the Barra Igeldo is an informal relaxed affair. Specialising in fish and seafoods 'para picar' to pick, diners only have to point at the little dishes or pintxos (tapas on cocktail sticks) and voila, they're on the plate. The bar is a great place to eat and meet and particularly good for solo travellers.
|
|
Map ref. |
A Spanish family favourite with tapas made to orde
Location Alicante City Centre
|
 |
Click on the small images |
Calle Major
As typically tapas as it gets. This friendly little place is just so Spanish, so just draw up a chair and join the many families dining here on gazpacho, squid, black rice and tapas which are made freshly to order. For a giant meal at a mini-price try the €9 menu of the day which also includes wine.
|
|
Map ref. |
Simple food at affordable prices
Location Alicante City Centre
 Calle Labradores
Small, busy and with typical Spanish décor, tiles, wrought iron and hanging lamps from the old days. The name of this tapas place means 'labourers bar' and its aim is to satisfy the heartiest appetite with good simple food at a price we all can afford. It's a taste of the real Spain and an authentic atmosphere to boot!
|
|
Map ref. |
Relaxing cafe bar in a great location
Location Alicante City Centre
 Esplanada de Espana
This little café bar is the perfect place to sit and watch the mass exodus from the beach on a summer's evening when a range of fish tapas is offered from around 3 euros. Also open during the day, it’s great for a mid morning coffee whilst you watch the hustle and bustle of the Esplanada.
|
|
Map ref. |
A cafe bar that's a must see for boxing fans
Location Alicante City Centre
Plaza Del Gabriel Miro
A friendly bar and a must for boxing fans. The owner is the son of the great Marcel Cerdon (who the bar is named after) who was the World Champion when he defended his title against Jack Lamotta in Madison Square Garden in 1948. Unfortunately he lost in the 10th round and on his way to try and regain his title in 1949 - his plane crashed.
During the day there's a well-priced 3-course meal or you can snack on a platter of French pate and cheese. Sit inside and look at the boxing paraphernalia or outside on the sunny square
|
|
Map ref. |
Stylish bar on the Marina
Location Alicante City Centre
 Marina, summer only.
A very stylish bar that offers snacks and drinks throughout the day. Sit inside the glass walls or outside on the sunny terrace, either way you will get a fabulous view of the marina. The bar is particularly popular in the early evenings with people stopping by for an aperitif before eating in the numerous fish restaurants on the marina complex.
|
|
Map ref. |
A favourite with the yachting set
Location Alicante City Centre
 Panoramis Complex
This is Alicante's exclusive & private sailing club. However in the public restaurant you can enjoy tapas and main meals, or alternatively order coffee and take in the nautical comings and goings
|
Where am I? Home 
Restaurants Tapas Special!
More about Restaurants
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
