Benidorm, one of the most popular holiday destinations within Alicante in Spain, is perfect for couples and families looking for fantastic summer weather, a lively party atmosphere and a great choice when it comes to dining out. Due to the resort's immense popularity amongst people of all ages and tastes, Benidorm offers a top choice of restaurants with something to suit everyone. Whether you're in the mood for Asian food, fresh fish or something local, you're bound to find just what you're looking for during your holiday in Benidorm.
Local cuisine
When it comes to local cuisine in Benidorm, it doesn't get much better than Bar Mal Pas. Offering a selection of freshly-caught fish and Spanish meat-based dishes, this eatery is popular with the locals so you know it's good. The selection of tapas is second to none and is packed with favourites such as Spanish omelette, fried squid in batter and meatballs. You won't find any menu here, instead visitors get to choose from a number of seasonal specials written on a chalk board.
Restaurante J. Manu is another great choice for local dining in Old Town, Benidorm. This eatery's speciality is the homemade seafood paella which is said to be the best in the resort. The extensive menu features a number of Spanish delicacies, including king prawns, barbecued rabbit and veal. The man who runs the restaurant also cooks the food, waits on tables and makes this drinks, whilst still finding the time to be an attentive host. The atmosphere livens up around 10pm, when the local families come out for dinner.
Families and couples looking for somewhere to try the local cuisine should visit La Cava Aragonesa. The menu at this eatery features a number of delicious Spanish dishes, as well as a top selection of tapas. If you're unsure of any item on the menu, be sure to ask one of your servers, they're more than happy to explain any dish and give you their recommendations. La Cava Aragonesa also offers an extensive wine menu, with a bottle to accompany every dish.
La Rana is ideal for those who want to try the local cuisine during their holiday in Benidorm. Located in the Old Town section of the resort, this restaurant boasts a fantastic Spanish atmosphere with very friendly staff who are always happy to make suggestions when it comes to food and wine. Here you'll find a large a la carte menu with many traditional dishes such as grilled rabbit and entrecote steak, as well as a varied tapas menu with modern meals including chicken crepes and Iberian ham.
Modern European
Amigos Bar and Bistro is one of the most popular restaurants in the resort which attracts a number of locals and tourists. Open every day except Tuesday from 9am until 4pm and again from 7pm until 2am, this eatery offers a selection of various contemporary starters, mains and desserts from the Mediterranean and the rest of Europe. For those of you who want to try some local cuisine, there is also a choice of Spanish tapas available. Not only a place to enjoy a meal out, this restaurant also hosts regular cocktail making parties for groups.
The Vagabond is perfect for couples in the mood for modern European cuisine. Here you'll find a menu which caters for the majority of adult tastes, with a great selection of traditional dishes on offer, each with a unique twist which turns the dish into something fantastic. Many of the items on the menu have been influenced by France, the country from which the owner originates. There is also an extensive wine list available with at least one bottle to compliment every dish.
When it comes to modern European dining, it's tough to beat the food served at Paneil's. Situated in the centre of Old Town in Benidorm, this eatery serves a selection of contemporary European dishes, such as grilled goat cheese salad, fillet of pork Rossini and tropical chicken. If you're feeling hungry, you should opt for the three-course set menu which changes seasonally. Paneil's also offers a huge selection of homemade desserts, including lemon meringue pie, praline ice cream and treacle tart, ensuring there is something to suit everyone.
Asian
If you find yourself craving Chinese food during your holiday, take a trip to China Garden. This restaurant is known for serving delicious food in large portions for low prices, making it a popular location for families with children or those with large appetites. You can choose from the extensive a la carte menu or opt for one of the set banquets which offer a selection of the restaurant's most popular dishes.
When it comes to affordable Asian cuisine, it doesn't get much better than Restaurante Chino Cafeteria Casa de Oro. Here you'll find a top selection of all your favourite Chinese dishes, such as prawn crackers, spring rolls, chicken chow mein, peking duck and Singapore noodles, all of which are served in large portions for low-cost prices. If you'd like to try a selection of the dishes available, opt for the menu of the day which includes a starter, main course, dessert and a drink.
Open every day from 6pm, India Gate offers a fantastic selection of Indian cuisine which is sure to please any Asian food lover. Here you'll find a choice of bhajis, samosas and pakoras to start, followed by plenty of tandoori, korma and rogan josh curries for mains, alongside all your favourite side dishes. If you've left room for dessert, you can choose from a variety of ice cream, including traditional Indian Kulfi.
Pub grub
If you're craving a taste of home, visit the Pig and Whistle where you'll find good old traditional pub grub. This British-run restaurant is located in the Old Town section of the resort and offers a small choice of tasty meals throughout the afternoon and evening. The menu features popular favourites such as toasted sandwiches, burgers, pies, fish and meat-dishes, pastas and vegetarian options. Not just a place to eat, the Pig and Whistle also offers very affordable drinks and hosts karaoke signing sessions every evening.
Open from 6pm until late during summer and from 4pm during the quieter seasons, Two Palms Restaurant is the place to go for generous portions of freshly prepared comfort food. This eatery is located in a quaint part of Old Town and is very small, so making a reservation in advance is highly recommended. Here you can choose one of the dishes from the large main menu, or opt for the affordable three-course fixed menu. If you can't decide on a side dish, try the homemade chips they're fantastic.
The British-run Refresh Cafe Bar is ideal for couples and families in the mood for some tasty pub grub. This restaurant serves all your favourite British drinks, including tea, coffee and beer, and also shows a number of football matches on several large screen TVs throughout the establishment. With such a great selection of low-cost dishes served in generous portions available, there is something to suit everyone at this eatery. You'll find traditional British favourites such as steak pie and half roast chicken, as well international dishes, including fajitas and curries on the menu.
Families and couples craving traditional pub grub should visit Casper's Bar Bistro. Open from early morning until late at night, this restaurant serves a great selection of breakfast dishes in the morning, including a popular vegetarian option. When it comes to lunch, guests can choose from several sandwiches, paninis, soups, salads and other light meals, all of which are freshly prepared onsite. Come evening, the menu features a delicious selection of casseroles, pies and burgers which are accompanied by chunky chips and salad or vegetables.
Seafood
If you're in the mood for fish and chips, be sure to head to Ray's I Chippy. Popular with British expats and tourists alike, this restaurant offers traditional Northern hospitality alongside some of the best fish and chips in Spain. Here you can choose from a selection of white fish which are battered freshly onsite. You'll also find all the typical side dishes and sauces, including chunky chips, mushy peas and curry sauce. For children and those of you who don't have a large appetite, Rays I Chippy also serves all their dishes in smaller portions.
When it comes to fresh seafood, it doesn't get much better than La Mejillonera in Old Town, Benidorm. This small Spanish restaurant serves a number of fish and seafood dishes, including prawns, calamari, sardines and a selection of filleted fish. The mussels are the speciality of the house and are prepared freshly to order. The portion is absolutely huge, making one dish large enough to feed two people generously. To accompany your meal, you'll find a selection of Spanish beers and wine available, as well as a choice of spirits and soft drinks.
It's all about the meat!
Meat lovers won't want to miss the chance to dine at Levis Showboat. This steakhouse features an a la carte menu packed with a variety of starters and plenty of meat-based main dishes, including chicken breast, shoulder of lamb and fillet steak. If you'd like a three course meal, you can opt for the affordable set menu which features some of the restaurant's most popular dishes. Come nightfall, the evening entertainment begins in the form of karaoke, music from the resident DJ and a selection of live acts.
Mi Casa Tapas and Grill is another restaurant popular amongst carnivores in search of a good meal. Here you'll find a great selection of grilled chicken, lamb, pork and beef dishes accompanied by a choice of traditional Spanish side dishes. If you're not in the mood for a hearty meat-based meal, you can choose from the extensive tapas menu, which is packed with local delicacies. There is also an affordable set menu available which changes according to the season.
Couples and families who can't get enough of barbecue food should visit Steak House El Rincon. Here you'll find a fantastic selection of grilled chops, steaks, fillets and ribs of almost every kind of meat you can think of. Whilst the house specialities are certainly the meat-based dishes, this restaurant caters for everyone with a small selection of fish, pasta and vegetarian choices also available. If you've left enough room for dessert, be sure to try the chocolate mousse it's one of the most popular dishes on the menu.
El Corral Del Pollo is one of the best places for carnivores looking for an affordable and filling meal. Incredibly popular with the locals and tourists alike, this restaurant serves a variety of freshly prepared barbecue food with a South American-style atmosphere. Here you can choose to dine inside or if the sun is shining you can enjoy your meal outdoors on a table underneath the shade of a tree. The spit-roast chicken and BBQ ribs are two of the most popular dishes and come highly recommended.