Gastronomy Costa Blanca

Thanks to its climate and location on the Mediterranean the region of Valencia is famous for its wonderful selection of Seafood, farm fruits, vegetables, and garden produce, which are excellent most of the year.

Nonetheless the star dish on every Valencia table is undoubtedly the traditional rice dishes which can be cooked in an infinite number of ways: paella (stewed rice with chicken and rabbit), arroz al horno (stewed rice with sausage), arroz a banda (stewed rice with fish served separately), arroz negre (rice with squid stewed in its own ink), and Fideua which is similar to Arroz a banda but utilizes noodles instead of rice.

With most coastal towns on the Costa Blanca having some sort of fishing fleet and with quite a few still running auctions most evenings supplying local restaurants and supermarkets, a vast array of good quality fresh seafood is available at most decent restaurants.

Here is a selection of our 5 favourite restaurants located on the north Costa Blanca

1. Restaurante Bon Amb

Javea. 96 508 4440 http://www.bonamb.com

Opening in 2011 the restaurant Bon Amb is a breath of fresh air to the local dining scene. Renovating the existing building to a very high standard the dining room and gardens are beautifully decorated with no expense spared.

The food if of a very high quality, there is a la carte menu and a great value lunch menu, or try the delicious ‘degustacion’ taster menu in the evenings which uses only the freshest local produce.

2. Le Dauphin.

El Portet, Moraira. 96 649 0432 http://www.ledauphin.com

In arguably one of the most beautiful locations on the North Costa Blanca, Le Dauphin is fine dining heaven. With the Mediterranean Sea and the sunset as the backdrop it’s easy to see why many people fall in love with Le Dauphin.

The delicious menu is a la Carte or a wine taster and changes frequently, the wine menu is expansive and service second to none.

3. Casa Pepa.

Ondara.  96 576 6606  http://www.restaurantecasapepa.com

With its well deserved Michelin star the Casa Pepa is located in a 140 year old finca in the countryside just outside Ondara near Denia.

Stunning homemade cuisine prepared using local fresh ingredients by Family ‘Pepa’ is lovingly prepared with the degustacion wine taster menu our particular favorite. This is truly one of the Costa Blanca’s best fine dining restaurants.

4. Quique Dacosta.

Denia. 96 578 4179   http://www.quiquedacosta.es

Undoubtedly the finest restaurant in the Valencia region with 2 Michelin stars (rumors abound about to receive his 3rd). Spanish chef Quique sits amongst the avant garde giants of the catering world. Well travelled ‘foodies’ claim they have never eaten anything quite like Quique serves up at his restaurant here in Denia.

At his highly acclaimed restaurant, Dacosta experiments with under-utilised plants, including cacti, as well as traditional Spanish ingredients, to develop his own brand of ‘eco-cuisine’. His Local Universe menu is an ‘edible landscape’ of the Costa Blanca, with the flavour, aroma and texture of the environment laid out in his dishes.

5. La Boheme.

Playa Arenal, Javea. 965 791 600 http://www.bohemejavea.com

Situated on the main tourist beach of el Arenal is the ever so reliable La Boheme. With a great selection of ‘Tapas’, seafood, and meats from the grill the service is good and the décor always immaculate.

A great value and varied tapas and lunch menu along with an expansive a la carte means there is something for everyone. Also very child friendly with the sandy beach just metres away.