Restaurants on the Southern Costa Blanca: Our favorite places to eat and drink

One of the biggest advantages of living or vacationing on the Southern Costa Blanca is perhaps the vast selection of restaurants. Whether you’re in the mood for a hearty Spanish lunch, a good cut of meat, fresh fish, tapas by the sea, or a relaxing cocktail at sunset, you’ll find it all in this region.

From authentic Spanish village restaurants to modern beach clubs and international cuisines, the Southern Costa Blanca has become a true paradise for food lovers. Thanks to its international community, you’ll find not only traditional Spanish cuisine but also excellent Italian, Belgian, Argentine, Asian, Indian, and Scandinavian restaurants.

Since we’ve lived in this region for years, we’re asked almost every day:

"Where should we really go for dinner?"

In this overview, we’ll share our personal favorites.

Spanish food culture

Anyone visiting Spain for the first time will quickly notice that eating here is much more than just a meal. Spaniards take plenty of time to eat together. Lunch is often the most important meal of the day and is usually eaten between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Dinner also starts considerably later than many Dutch and Belgians are used to.

It’s precisely that laid-back atmosphere that makes dining out in Spain so enjoyable. An evening on a terrace often lasts for hours, and no one bats an eye if you don’t sit down to eat until around 10:00 p.m.

From tapas to Michelin-starred restaurants

The Southern Costa Blanca offers restaurants in every price range.

Would you like to enjoy delicious tapas in a village square for just a few euros? You can. But even if you’re looking for a gourmet multi-course dinner or a restaurant with Michelin aspirations, the region has plenty to offer.

And perhaps the biggest advantage: the value for money is often still better than in many other European vacation destinations.

Our favorite restaurants in Rojales and Ciudad Quesada

We live and work in Rojales ourselves. As a result, we've come to know quite a few restaurants, but a few remain our favorites time and time again.

El Respiro Restaurant – Rojales

When we're in the mood for an authentic Spanish meal, we often end up at Restaurante El Respiro.

This traditional family restaurant is known for its excellent paella, delicious croquetas, slow-cooked pork cheeks, and classic Spanish meat and fish dishes.

The set menus, in particular, offer excellent value for money. Would you like to try the paella? If so, be sure to make a reservation at least one day in advance, as it is prepared fresh.

Wok Yu Hai – Ciudad Quesada

Are you in the mood for Asian food? Then Wok Yu Hai is an excellent choice.

Following a complete renovation, the restaurant now offers an extensive buffet featuring sushi, Peking duck, spring rolls, wok dishes, and a large teppanyaki station where your meal is freshly prepared right before your eyes.

The Main Street of Ciudad Quesada

One of the best places to spend an evening is still the main street of Ciudad Quesada.

Within a few hundred meters, you’ll find restaurants serving virtually every type of cuisine in the world: Spanish, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican, Hungarian, and many more. That means there’s always something to suit your group.

Restaurants in Torrevieja

Torrevieja is one of the most popular coastal towns on the southern Costa Blanca and this is evident from the vast array of dining options. Along the renovated promenade and the completely renovated harbor, you’ll find dozens of restaurants, beach clubs, and cocktail bars.

Nautilus

Would you like to dine with a view of the sea?

Nautilus remains one of our favorite spots. This restaurant has been around since 1975 and is literally right on the water. As you enjoy a delicious dinner, you can hear the waves crashing against the shore.

Frank's Restaurant

For a perfect cut of meat or fresh lobster, Frank's Restaurant is an excellent choice.

Belgian cuisine is combined here with Mediterranean influences. The Argentine Black Angus steaks and the lobster dishes are especially popular.

Mesón de la Costa

If you’re looking for a restaurant where quality has been a top priority for years, you really shouldn’t miss Mesón de la Costa. This charming restaurant has been one of Torrevieja’s culinary highlights for decades and is known for its excellent service, refined cuisine, and warm, classic ambiance.

The menu features a wide selection of high-quality meat and fish dishes, fresh daily ingredients, and an extensive wine list featuring both Spanish and international wines. Whether you choose a perfectly cooked entrecôte, fresh lobster, a beautiful cut of fish, or one of the seasonal specialties, the quality here is always top-notch.

Mesón de la Costa is an excellent choice for a romantic dinner, a special occasion, or simply when you want to treat yourself to a night of culinary indulgence. Be sure to make a reservation well in advance during peak season, as this restaurant is very popular with both locals and visitors.

Ramë Food & Cocktails

Are you looking for a modern restaurant where the presentation of the dishes is also a key focus?

Then Ramë is definitely worth a visit. The cocktails are among the best in Torrevieja, and the cuisine is surprisingly creative as well.

El Muelle Restaurant

Italian food with a view of the Mediterranean Sea.

There's really no need to say more. Pizzas, pastas, meat, and fish dishes are served here in a beautiful setting right on the boulevard.

Bacchanal

Would you like a drink after dinner?

You'll find Bacanal at the harbor. It's a popular spot, especially in the summer, to wind down the evening with a cocktail and live music.

Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner in Guardamar del Segura

Guardamar del Segura is, of course, known for its wide sandy beaches, but this seaside resort also has a lot to offer in terms of cuisine.

El Velacho

El Velacho is a wonderful place to enjoy breakfast or lunch with a view of the sea.

From the terrace, you can look out over the boardwalk and the beach while enjoying a hearty breakfast or a light lunch.

La Cañada Restaurant

Restaurant La Cañada is located next to Reina Sofía Park.

This is an ideal spot for families. While you relax on the patio, the kids can play in the car-free square next to the restaurant.

Afterward, you can walk right over to Yinyin Ice Cream Parlor for an ice cream.

Pinxo

Prefer tapas?

Then Pinxo is highly recommended. A cozy terrace, great tapas, and a relaxed Spanish atmosphere make this one of our favorite spots in Guardamar.

Beach restaurants and chiringuitos

A vacation on the southern Costa Blanca isn't really complete without a visit to a chiringuito.

These cozy beach bars are right on the water and are perfect for lunch, a cold drink, or a cocktail at sunset.

Especially along the beaches of Guardamar del Segura, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa, La Mata, and Santa Pola, you'll find beautiful spots where you can practically sit with your feet in the sand.

Our Tips for Dining Out on the Southern Costa Blanca

Would you like to make the most of Spain’s dining scene during your vacation or stay? If so, we’d be happy to share a few more tips with you.

Book popular restaurants well in advance during peak season, especially if you want to eat paella. Many restaurants only prepare it to order.

Eat like the Spaniards. Lunch is often more affordable than dinner thanks to the extensive menú del día, which usually offers several courses for a fixed price.

And be sure to explore beyond the tourist hotspots. It’s often in the smaller villages that you’ll discover the most authentic restaurants, where you can still sit among the locals.

Discover the flavors of the Southern Costa Blanca for yourself

Of course, everyone has their own favorite restaurant. Fortunately, that’s precisely what makes the Southern Costa Blanca so charming: there’s so much to choose from that you can discover a new place every week.

Have you visited a restaurant that you think definitely belongs on this list? Feel free to let us know. We love discovering new places and regularly update this guide with new recommendations.