Benidorm has evolved beyond being just the beach and skyscraper destination we once knew. This city of Alicante has reinvented itself gastronomically, becoming a culinary epicenter where Mediterranean tradition and avant-garde proposals coexist. Among its bustling streets and sea views, you’ll find restaurants that satisfy the most demanding palates and those seeking authentic flavors without complications.
Benidorm’s culinary transformation reflects its own evolution as a tourist destination. It’s no longer just about beach menus or fast food for tourists. Now you can enjoy everything from artisanal rice dishes with red prawns from Dénia to signature cuisine with panoramic Mediterranean views.
Fine dining restaurants in Benidorm
Fine dining has found its place in Benidorm, with establishments that compete with the best in the Mediterranean. These restaurants elevate local products to new dimensions, creating memorable culinary experiences.
Exótico at the Primavera Park hotel
Located on the first floor of the Primavera Park hotel, Exótico represents Benidorm’s new gastronomic wave. Chef Andrea Aiello leads a kitchen that fuses flavors from the Middle East, Latin America, and the Mediterranean in a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Their proposals include:
- Oyster ceviche with brandy syrup
- 45-day aged beef carpaccio with smoked onion
- Iberian pork shoulder with flambéed Korean barbecue sauce
- Tahini yogurt with fried quinoa
The average ticket of 35 euros makes it an accessible option to enjoy fine dining with live shows.
D-vora at Gastrohotel RH Canfali
With Benidorm’s skyline as a backdrop, D-vora offers creative Mediterranean cuisine with international touches. Its privileged location is complemented by a gastronomic proposal that surprises with every dish.
The experience includes dishes like cabrales croquettes with pear and walnuts, scallops with yellow chili menier, or their famous creamy rice with red prawns, monkfish, and vegetables.
Traditional rice dishes you can’t miss
The best restaurants in Benidorm keep the Mediterranean rice tradition alive. These establishments are true temples of rice, where each grain tells a story of flavor and tradition.
El Barranco, tradition by the sea
Located on the front line of Benidorm’s cove, El Barranco combines spectacular views with impeccable traditional cuisine. Their specialty is rice dishes, especially arroz a banda and black rice, prepared with the fish stock that characterizes Alicante cuisine.
La Falúa, rice vanguard
Under the direction of Chef María Teresa Carrasco since 2007, La Falúa has evolved towards a proposal that combines tradition and innovation. Their dry rice dishes, like Arroz Batiste (with monkfish, vegetables, and squid ink), are a reference in the city.
Restaurants with traditional charm
Bar Mal Pas, pure authenticity
In the heart of the old town, next to the viewpoint that separates Levante and Poniente beaches, Bar Mal Pas is the place sought by knowledgeable travelers. With barely ten tables, this traditional establishment serves:
- Fresh chopitos and sepionet
- Snails in traditional sauce
- Escalivada salad with roasted capellanes
- Essential seafood rice caldoso
Ulía, family market cuisine
On the front line of Poniente beach, Ulía has maintained for decades a family cuisine proposal with fresh products from the bay. Its specialty in fresh seafood and fish makes it a must-stop for sea lovers.
Their essentials include:
- Red prawns from Dénia
- Lobster caldereta
- Bay fish in salt
- Traditional arroz a banda
Innovative gastronomic proposals
Selvático, the most spectacular rooftop
On the 17th floor of the Primavera Park hotel, Selvático offers one of the best views in Benidorm along with signature cocktails. Its infinity pool and spaces designed for relaxation make it the perfect place to extend the afternoon with views of the islet and the city.
Punto de Sal Gastro&Beach
Tomás Arribas leads this restaurant on Levante beach, where culinary creativity meets seasonal products. Their vegetables from their own gardens, meats from different breeds, and fish from Dénia’s fish market create a unique gastronomic experience.
Options for all budgets
Ducado, a tradition since 1980
This historic restaurant maintains its Mediterranean essence with affordable prices. Their fish (monkfish, sea bream, sea bass), fresh seafood, and especially their rice dishes like seafood paella and arroz del señoret continue to win over palates.
Los Gemelos, authentic flavor facing the sea
On the front line of Levante beach, Los Gemelos represents that honest Mediterranean cuisine that needs no artifices. Its quality-price ratio and informal atmosphere make it the perfect place to enjoy rice without pretensions.
Benidorm demonstrates that its gastronomic transformation hasn’t forgotten its roots. From the most innovative restaurants to traditional eateries, the city offers options for all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re looking for a fine dining culinary experience or simply good rice by the sea, you’ll find your perfect place in this city that never stops surprising.
If you’re planning your stay in Benidorm, these restaurants will allow you to discover a facet of the city that goes far beyond its beaches and skyscrapers. Gastronomy has become yet another reason to fall in love with this corner of the Mediterranean.
