These great restaurants in Benidorm show that this place is famous for much more than its lively beaches and family-friendly attractions. The resort town offers delicious and authentic cuisine with the finest flavours from land and sea. Must-tries include arroz caldoso con boquerones (rice in broth with fresh anchovies), arroz a banda (saffron rice with prawns and squid), cazuela de pescado (local fish stew), habas guisadas (stewed broad beans), and calamares rellenos (stuffed squid).

We've compiled this handy guide to the best local restaurants in Benidorm so that you can enjoy a gastronomic tour during your holiday. Many of these eateries have been around for decades, with an almost exclusively local clientele. 

  • 1

    Restaurante Belvedere

    Fine food with Mediterranean views

    Restaurante Belvedere
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    Restaurante Belvedere, run by young Valencian chef Kiko Lázaro, occupies the 21st floor of Hotel Madeira Centro. It's a great place to enjoy authentic Mediterranean dishes with spectacular views over the coast. 

    One of the restaurant's most popular dishes is arroz con conejo y codorniz (rice with rabbit and partridge), though everything on the menu is very delicious. All dishes are made with fresh produce directly from the region and sea. 

    Location: Calle del Esperanto, 1, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain

    Open: Wednesday–Sunday from 1.30 pm to 3.30 pm and from 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm (hours may vary)

    Phone: +34 965 64 11 91

    Map
  • 2

    Restaurante Aitona

    A Basque-inspired restaurant in the centre of Benidorm

    Restaurante Aitona
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food

    Restaurante Aitona prides itself in offering authentic Mediterranean cuisine. This Basque-inspired restaurant uses high-quality ingredients in all its dishes, which are complemented with excellent service. 

    Restaurante Aitona specialises in paella, with its chicken paella known as one of the best in Benidorm. You can find the restaurant in Old Town, about 450 metres north of Mirador del Castell and Balcó del Mediterrani.

    Location: Avenida de Ruzafa, 2, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain

    Open: Daily from 1 pm to 4 pm and from 8 pm to midnight

    Phone: +34 965 85 30 10

    Map

    photo by Zarateman (CC0 1.0) modified

  • 3

    Amigos Bistro by Nas & Dino

    Excellent food overlooking the sea

    Amigos Bistro by Nas & Dino
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food

    Amigos Bistro by Nas & Dino is a simple, welcoming restaurant with fine sea views. It's right in front of Platja de Ponent, about half a mile from Benidorm Old Town. The restaurant is known for offering impeccable service and authentic local dishes.

    If you're craving comfort food, Amigos Bistro by Nas & Dino's homemade hamburgers are always a great choice. Want to try something different? You can ask the friendly owners for recommendations.

    Location: Avenida de la Armada Española, 19, 03502 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain

    Open: Daily from noon to 3.45 pm and from 7 pm to 11 pm

    Phone: +34 965 85 61 99

    Map
  • 4

    El Xato

    Fine dining with elegant plating

    El Xato
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    El Xato is a posh restaurant serving inventive dishes that highlight local ingredients. The 1-Michelin-starred eatery is within a 10-minute walk of the La Nucia municipality in Alicante.  

    Diners can opt for either the 12-course Temptations menu or the 16-course Centennial menu. You can include wine pairing to your meals at an additional cost. Seats are rather limited, so book in advance if you’re planning to dine at El Xato.

    Location: Av. l'Església, 3, 03530 La Nucia, Alicante, Spain

    Open: Monday–Thursday from 8 pm to 9.30 pm, Friday–Saturday from 1.30 pm to 2.30 pm and from 8 pm to 9.30 pm (closed on Sundays)

    Phone: +34 965 87 09 31

    Map
  • 5

    La Mejillonera

    For fresh mussels in various styles

    La Mejillonera
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food

    La Mejillonera has been doing what it does best since 1981 – serving some of the best mussels in Benidorm. You can enjoy them in various ways, including a la vinagreta (with vinaigrette), in salsa verde (green parsley sauce), stuffed, au gratin, and con all i pebre (with garlic and paprika).

    La Mejillonera is also famous locally for its fideuá (a paella-type dish made with pasta instead of rice), calderetas (fish stews), and various rice dishes. If you want to try the best of Benidorm's traditional cuisine, this is your place.

    Location: Paseo de la Carretera, 16, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain

    Open: Daily from 10.30 am to 4 pm and from 6 pm to midnight

    Phone: +34 965 06 91 83

    Map
  • 6

    Restaurante Llum del Mar

    Signature Spanish cuisine by the sea

    Restaurante Llum del Mar
    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    Restaurante Llum del Mar occupies the top floor of Hotel Villa Venecia Boutique Gourmet, in the heart of Benidorm Old Town. One of the main draws of this Mediterranean restaurant is its spectacular sea views. Many famous chefs offer outstanding signature cuisine with flavours from the sea and land come together.

    Standout dishes include bacalao gratinado con alioli de azafrán (salt cod au gratin with saffron, aioli and garlic mayonnaise), merluza con gamba blanca de Isla Cristina (hake with Isla Cristina white prawns), and solomillo de cerdo ibérico con foie (Iberian pork sirloin with foie gras). Desserts are equally impressive, such as tarta de manzana caliente con helado artesano de manteca (apple pie with artisan ice cream) and sopa de frutas con menta y helado de vainilla (fruit soup with mint and vanilla ice cream). 

    Location: Plaza de Sant Jaume, 1, 03500 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain

    Phone: +34 965 85 54 66

    Map
  • 7

    Fuxion Gastrobar

    An upbeat eatery with great service

    Fuxion Gastrobar
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food

    Fuxion Gastrobar is a modern yet friendly bar-restaurant in Benidorm's La Cala neighbourhood. It has helpful staff who are always delighted to make sure you enjoy a comfortable dining experience.

    Along with an extensive and varied menu (you have to try the burgers), Fuxion Gastrobar has a justified reputation for offering extra services. It has an exclusive open-air terrace, a designated smoking area, and free Wi-Fi. It also welcomes pets – ideal if you've brought along your furry companion. 

    Location: Calle de Alfaz del Pi, Local 3, 03502 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain

    Open: Wednesday–Thursday from 10 am to 5 pm and from 7.30 pm to 10 pm, Friday–Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm, Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)

    Phone: +34 966 80 26 48

    Map
  • 8

    Brasería Aurrera

    The charcoal-grilled meat and fish are must-tries

    Brasería Aurrera
    • Couples
    • Families
    • Food

    Brasería Aurrera specialises in parrilladas, or charcoal-grilled meat, fish and seafood. To get there, you only need to stroll through Benidorm's Calle de Santo Domingo, a street known for its tapas bars. 

    You can also find excellent rice dishes on its daily menus, along with tapas, entrecôte, octopus, and bacalao (salt cod)). The helpful waiters, experts in their field, are always on hand to offer recommendations.

    Location: Calle de Santo Domingo, 10, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain

    Open: Daily from noon to midnight

    Phone: +34 618 13 18 73

    Map
  • 9

    Restaurante La Falúa Café Pub

    A cutting-edge restaurant with a pleasant rooftop terrace

    • Couples
    • Food
    • Luxury

    Restaurante La Falúa Café Pub was founded in 2007 by Chef María Teresa Carrasco. This stylish restaurant serves innovative culinary creations, allowing you to experience exciting flavours, as well as local dishes made with traditional techniques. 

    The extensive wine list, which includes the best vintages and Designations of Origin in Spain, merits special mention. La Falúa's proximity to Playa de Poniente makes it easy to enjoy a pleasant stroll by the sea after dinner. 

    Location: Calle de Santander, 22, 03502 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain

    Open: Thursday–Tuesday from 1.30 pm to 4 pm and from 7.30 pm to 11 pm (closed on Wednesdays)

    Phone: +34 965 85 31 05

    Map
  • 10

    Restaurante Ducado

    High-quality Mediterranean dishes in a cosy atmosphere

    Restaurante Ducado
    • Food

    Restaurante Ducado is a charming restaurant specialising in traditional Mediterranean and seafood dishes in Benidorm. You can find this modern dining venue just 500 metres northeast of Platja de Llevant.

    Standout dishes to try at Restaurante Ducado include Iberian ham, sailors-style clams, paella with anglerfish and clams, and fried Gallo San Pedro fish. We highly recommend pairing your meal with a glass of local wine – Restaurante Ducado has an extensive collection of labels from Spain and abroad.

    Location: Av. de Almería, s/n, 03503 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain

    Open: Wednesday–Monday from 1 pm to 4 pm and from 7.30 pm to 11 pm (closed on Tuesdays)

    Phone: +34 965 85 85 75

    Map