Lorraine Williamson
Alicante, famed for its sun-drenched beaches and pleasant climate, is now celebrating a new accolade. In 2025, the city was named the Spanish Capital of Gastronomy, offering food lovers an irresistible reason to discover its rich culinary heritage.
This title reflects Alicante’s unique ability to combine history, flavour, and creativity in its Mediterranean cuisine.
A culinary victory
Alicante triumphed over Málaga and Antequera to claim this prestigious title, following in the footsteps of Oviedo, the 2024 winner. The city’s gastronomy pays tribute to the Mediterranean, showcasing a perfect harmony between the sea and the land. Its centuries-old rice-growing tradition and diverse pantry make Alicante a culinary treasure in Spain.
Mediterranean culture and culinary excellence
Alicante’s cuisine draws from its natural surroundings, blending produce from its fertile gardens, mountains, and the sea. While the city is synonymous with rice dishes, its culinary offerings extend far beyond, showcasing an impressive variety of flavours.
Alicante’s rice tradition
The city’s rice dishes are world-renowned, earning Alicante the label Alicante City of Rice, a certification guaranteeing excellence across 37 restaurants. Events like Arroceando celebrate this tradition, attracting both locals and visitors.
Some standout rice dishes include:
- Arroz negro (black rice)
- Rice with lobster or seafood
- Arroz con costra (rice with a crispy crust)
Each dish reflects a commitment to fresh ingredients and traditional methods, ensuring exceptional quality.
Beyond rice: Alicante’s diverse gastronomy
Alicante’s culinary richness extends well beyond rice. Local delicacies include:
- Turrón from Jijona and Alicante
- Wines with the Alicante DOP designation
- Fresh fruits like medlars, pomegranates, and dates
This year, food enthusiasts can also enjoy a variety of gastronomic events, such as the Ruta del Tentempié, Tapas por Alicante, and the Alicante Gastronomy Fair.
Alicante’s top restaurants
For those looking to indulge in Alicante’s culinary delights, Eldiario recommends ten standout restaurants:
- El Portal: A leader in Mediterranean haute cuisine
- Nou Manolín: Legendary tapas bar
- Monastrell: María José San Román’s gastronomic masterpiece
- Bar Manero: Known for classics and an excellent wine list
- Momentos: Perfect for brunch and seafood dinners
- La Ereta: Located atop the Castle of Santa Bárbara
- Terre: On the iconic Explanada de España
- Batiste (Santa Pola): Specialists in seafood rice dishes
- Restobar Gema Penalva: An intimate, creative dining experience
- La Taberna del Gourmet: Renowned for dry rice dishes
Exploring beyond the plate
While Alicante shines as a gastronomic destination, it offers much more. Visitors can explore the Castle of Santa Bárbara, wander through the picturesque Barrio de Santa Cruz, and enjoy a stroll along the Explanada de España. A visit to the Central Market provides an authentic glimpse into the local food scene.
Also read: Alicante´s Jardin de l’Albarda is among the world´s most beautiful botanical gardens
The significance of the gastronomic capital title
The title of Spanish Capital of Gastronomy is awarded annually to a city that excels in culinary innovation and attracts gastronomic tourism. Organised by FEPET (Spanish Federation of Tourism Journalists and Writers) in collaboration with Hostelería de España, the award highlights cultural and culinary richness.
A decade of culinary celebrations
Since its inception in 2012, the award has showcased the unique gastronomic traditions of cities like Logroño, Burgos, Toledo, and Sanlúcar de Barrameda. Each winner has left a distinctive mark on Spain’s culinary landscape, and Alicante is set to do the same in 2025.