If you've spent any time in Altea, you'll already know that eating here is one of life's great pleasures. After a decade living on the Costa Blanca, I've eaten my way through this beautiful whitewashed town more times than I can count — from lazy lunches on the seafront promenade to long dinners tucked into candlelit corners of the old town. Altea punches well above its weight when it comes to food, and in 2026 the dining scene is better than ever.
This is my honest, up-to-date guide to where to eat in Altea — the places I actually recommend to friends and family, not just whoever has paid for an ad.
The Old Town: Where Atmosphere Meets Authenticity
Altea's casco antiguo is the obvious starting point for a memorable meal. The cobbled lanes and bougainvillea-draped terraces make every dinner feel like a special occasion, even if you're just splitting a bottle of local Moscatel and sharing a charcuterie board.
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Find rentals →La Costera is probably the restaurant I've recommended most over the years. It sits right on the main square, Plaça de l'Església, with the iconic blue-domed church as your backdrop. The rice dishes — particularly the arròs a banda — are exceptional. Go at sunset and book ahead; tables on the terrace disappear fast in May and June.
Oustau is a slightly more formal option up in the old town, run by a French chef who has lived here for years. The tasting menu changes seasonally and always surprises. It's perfect for a romantic dinner — think duck confit with local citrus, paired with a Valencian red. Prices are higher, but worth it for a special night.
For something more casual, duck into Bar El Fornet, a tiny spot near the old bakers' ovens (the name says it all). They do traditional tapas — croquetas, patatas bravas, grilled aubergine with honey — at prices that feel almost criminally cheap given the quality. This is where locals actually eat lunch.
The Seafront: Paella, Pescaíto & Sea Views
Down on the waterfront, the Paseo Marítimo is lined with restaurants, and yes, some of them are firmly in tourist-trap territory. But there are genuine gems if you know where to look.
La Olla has been an Altea institution for decades. It's right on the seafront, slightly south of the main promenade near the fishing port, and they still bring in fresh fish from local boats daily. The caldero (a rice dish cooked in fish broth) is the one to order. It's not cheap, but the product is real.
Chiringuito Altea — a casual beach bar set back from the pebbles near Playa del Albir — is my go-to for a long, lazy May lunch. Grilled squid, a cold clara (beer and lemon), and absolutely nowhere to be. Pure happiness.
If you're after paella by the sea, El Cap at the southern end of the seafront does a solid paella valenciana and a decent fideuà. Arrive by 1:30pm; by 2pm it's packed with Spanish families who know what they're doing.
Hidden Gems Worth Seeking Out
One of my favourite spots in Altea isn't technically in Altea town at all — El Buen Comer, just off the N-332 heading towards Calpe, is a no-frills family restaurant beloved by locals from across the marina. The menú del día (around €14 including wine) is one of the best-value lunches on the entire coast. Don't expect glossy menus or Instagram lighting. Do expect honest food and a warm welcome.
Back in town, Bacchus Wine Bar near the old town entrance has a wine list that would embarrass many city restaurants, paired with a small but excellent menu of cheese, charcuterie and hot dishes. The owner, an Englishman who's been here since the 90s, genuinely knows his Spanish wines. Drop in for a pre-dinner glass and you might end up staying for three courses.
Practical Tips for Eating in Altea
- Book ahead for the old town in May–August. La Costera and Oustau especially fill up. WhatsApp reservations are widely accepted.
- Eat on Spanish time. Lunch is 2–4pm, dinner rarely starts before 9pm. Turn up at 7:30pm and you'll be eating alone.
- The menú del día is your friend. Most local restaurants offer a three-course lunch with wine for €12–16. It's how you eat well without spending a fortune.
- Parking: If you're coming from outside the town centre, park at the large free car park near the beach (signposted off the N-332) and walk or take the tourist train up to the old town.
Stay in Altea & Explore the Food Scene Properly
An evening in Altea's old town restaurants is genuinely one of those travel experiences you remember for years. But to really enjoy the food scene — lingering over long lunches, exploring the market on Sunday mornings, discovering a new chiringuito — you need more than a day trip.
Staying in a holiday rental in Altea gives you the freedom to shop at the local market, cook your own breakfast with fresh produce, and still head out for that long dinner without worrying about a drive home. Browse our handpicked Altea holiday rentals — and remember, booking direct with JV Properties saves you up to 18% compared to Airbnb or Booking.com, with no hidden fees and local support from people who actually know this area.
Search available properties in Altea and make your May or June trip one to remember.
