Benidorm has long been synonymous with both sun-soaked beaches and the neon-soaked revelry of the infamous strip, a place where full English breakfasts, karaoke bars, hedonistic clubs and all-day happy hours reign supreme. Because of this, the city has earned a certain reputation: part paradise for sun-starved Brits on a budget, part parody of itself.
On a recent 4-day trip to the Costa Blanca, some of the eye-opening sights I saw on Benidorm’s main drag didn’t do much to dissuade me from believing that the stereotype is true; however, I also managed to see a completely different side to the city. To paint it only in fluorescent strokes would be to miss the quiet dichotomy playing just a few streets away. Step beyond the raucous heart of Benidorm, and you’ll find a food scene rooted in tradition, reverberating with Mediterranean soul and at odds with preconceptions.
To get a sense of what Benidorm’s food scene is really about, you will first have to pay a visit to the Old Town, sandwiched between the skyscraper-lined promenades of Llevante and Platja de Ponent.
This historic quarter was once a humble fishing village, its whitewashed houses clustered around the 18th-century Church of San Jaime and Santa Ana. With its narrow, winding streets and traditional tiled balconies, the Old Town preserves the charm of a bygone era, long before mass tourism transformed Benidorm into a European holiday powerhouse in the mid-20th century.
Now, far from the glow of beachside bars and the thrum of late-night clubs, there’s a narrow pedestrian street lined with tables and traditional eateries that vibrates to the sound of clattering cutlery and enthusiastic conversation. Calle Santo Domingo, known locally and affectionately as ‘Tapas Alley’, is the place where foodies in the know come for Mediterranean flavours that whisper with a hint of Spain’s northern coast.
This alley, no longer than a football pitch, is crammed with tapas bars whose counters groan under plates of calamari, croquetas, grilled octopus, and cured meats. Glasses clink, Spanish flow, and the scent of oil, garlic, and fresh fish fills the air.
Surprisingly, a large proportion of the food served on Tapas Alley doesn’t have its roots in Benidorm or even the wider region of Valencia. In the 1970s and ’80s, as Benidorm grew into a package holiday hotspot, entrepreneurs and families from the Basque Country made their way south to set up businesses and restaurants that catered for the new influx of tourists. With them, they brought their culinary traditions honed over generations.
This helped transform Calle Santo Domingo into what it is today: an enclave of pintxos culture in the south of the country. Unlike the Andalusian-style tapas more commonly found on Spain’s Mediterranean coast, pintxos – small bites typically skewered with toothpicks – reflect the Basque approach to communal eating.
Many of Tapas Alley’s most popular establishments are still owned by families with roots in Bilbao, San Sebastián, and Santander. Their menus proudly celebrate the cuisine of their homelands: rich beef cheeks in red wine (carrilleras al vino tinto), salt cod in pil-pil sauce, and pimientos de padrón, blistered and sprinkled with sea salt.
However, Benidorm’s culinary prowess isn’t confined to the Old Town’s historic streets. West of Mirador del Castillo, the old fort’s lookout point that gives an expansive view over both of Benidorm’s main beaches, you will find Platja de Ponent. The neighbourhood offers a slower pace of life compared to the 24-hour party culture of Llevante.
Despite having a stretch of sand as beautiful and enticing as its party-centric counterpart, Ponent Beach is more likely to attract families, older visitors, and travellers in search of a more relaxed experience. The promenade here is wide and calm, perfect for morning jogs or slow ambles lined with palms, sea breezes and quaint cafes serving fresh churros and café con leche. Thankfully, this means that the area also offers a more serene and refined culinary experience, reflecting the beach’s laid-back ambience.
Along the sun-kissed promenade, visitors can indulge in authentic Mediterranean flavours and fresh seafood dishes. L’aroma stands out with its aromatic seafood offerings and is particularly famed for its sublime shellfish paella, often hailed as one of the best in town.
Just a short stroll away is Restaurante Ulía, which was my first port of call upon arriving in Benidorm. It’s a spot that eschews the strip’s burger-and-chips monotony in favour of high-end seafood and regional wines. Their crisp deep-fried calamari and their chicken paella, extravagantly served in an enormous pan, were a revelation, especially the rice dish. The clientele is as Spanish as it is international, the pace is leisurely, and the staff are happy to explain the nuances of local denominaciones de origen.
That isn’t to say that Llevante doesn’t have its fair share of upmarket eateries. Hidden among the revelry lies a growing culinary sophistication, often in the dining rooms of its more prestigious hotels, where you will find tasting menus, fine dining and intriguing fusion cuisine. The area is quietly making a name for itself as a destination for discerning food lovers.
After four days in Benidorm, I realised there is much more to the city and its food scene. It’s easy to dismiss Benidorm as a caricature – all cheap booze and British breakfasts – but that would be to miss the flip side of the city. Look past the postcards and package deals, and you’ll find a town rooted in regional flavour, where the food tells a story far richer than the stereotypes suggest. All you need to do is step off the strip and follow your nose.
The 7 Best Restaurants in Benidorm, Spain
Venture beyond the English pubs or kebab houses of the Benidorm Strip and you’ll discover a dining scene that celebrates the region’s Mediterranean roots with fresh seafood, slow-cooked rice dishes and imaginative plates inspired by local produce. These standout restaurants showcase the city’s lesser-known culinary side, from traditional tapas joints to boujee rooftop drinking spots.
Restaurante Ulia
Sitting to the west of the Old Town, Playa de Poniente is Benidorm’s peaceful alternative to Levante Beach and the ideal place to seek out a quiet lunch or dinner spot away from the crowds.
A long-standing local favourite with front-row views of the water is Ulia. Known for its expertly prepared rice dishes, especially the arroz a banda and paella de marisco (we were served an enormous pan of paella which was one of the most delicious I have ever tasted), the atmosphere is refined yet relaxed, with white tablecloths, friendly service, and a clientele that includes plenty of Spaniards escaping the tourist trail. A must for traditional Valencian cuisine.
Where: Av. Vicente Llorca Alós, 15
When: Tuesday to Saturday 1pm – 4.30pm & 7.30pm – 11pm; Sunday 1pm – 4.30pm
La Tapeira
Wander into Benidorm’s Old Town and you’ll feel the tempo change. Cobbled streets twist through whitewashed buildings, the sea peeks through narrow alleys, and the scent of grilled seafood hangs in the air. Here, among the plazas and modest tabernas, Tapas Alley is the place to go for authentic Spanish food.
Though this narrow street, where restaurants jostle for counter space and diners are seated elbow to elbow, is packed with fantastic eateries, I was assured by our local guide that La Tapiera is the best of the bunch.
This institution remains a touchstone of authenticity; tapa staples such as broken eggs with Iberian ham, croquettes, and charred padron peppers are all on offer, while the class cases filled with all manner of pintxos add a Basque twist. So pull up a stool, order a glass of vermut, and work your way through the selection of delicious open sandwiches contained above the counter.
Where: C. de Santo Domingo, 6
When: Daily 12pm – 12am
D·Vora Gastrobar
Sitting on the edge of the old town, a stone’s-throw from Mirador del Castell, with a stunning terrace jutting out towards Llevant Beach, D-Vora is easily one of Benidorm’s most stylish restaurants; it is contemporary and quietly sophisticated, pairing creative Mediterranean dishes with panoramic views of the city’s skyline.
While the interior design aspects are enough to draw in diners, it’s the menu and the food that it contains that stand out. Expect beautifully plated seafood, creative vegetarian options, and an extensive wine list thoughtfully sourced from local vineyards. While people may not consider Benidorm as a hub for fantastic wines, the Alicante region does contain one of Spain’s ‘wine routes’ and I was able to sample a delectable red from Bodegas Enrique Mendoza, just a short drive from the city and the perfect compliment to my octopus “a la bruta” with corn polenta, potato & paprika emulsion.
Other standout dishes include Croaker with black garlic allipebre and arroz meloso con verduras de temporada, or any of the rice dishes. My fellow diners were particularly impressed with the charred Iberian pork on a creamy sweet potato mash.
Where: Plaça de Sant Jaume, 5
When: Sunday to Thursday 1.30pm – 3.30pm & 7.30pm – 10pm; Friday & Saturday 1.30pm – 3.30pm & 7.30pm – 10.30pm
Urban Beach Restaurant
Just steps from the sand but worlds away from the typical cafés and bars that line Llevant beach, Urban Beach combines coastal views with a sleek, modern menu. The interior is contemporary and cool without being overly stuffy, meaning it doesn’t matter if you are stepping in for a quick lunch after a morning of sunbathing or planning a more refined dinner experience.
There’s a focus on freshness; tuna tartare, grilled octopus, and crisp summer salads (we opted for a delicious caesar), that blends Spanish tastes with a hint of Asian fusion – you are just as likely to find Paella de Mariscos and Arroz negro on the menu as you are plump bao buns and their signature burge which is infused with Thai flavours.
This is all served in a laid-back, contemporary setting. Come for sunset cocktails, stay for dinner with a sea breeze.
Where: Avinguda Alcoi, 7
When: Sunday to Tuesday 12.pm – 1am; Thursday 12pm – 1am; Friday & Saturday 12pm – 1.30am
Exótico Benidorm
With its lush greenery, tropical decor and fusion menu, the dark and moody Exótico lives up to its name. You’ll find it hidden away in the equally plush Primavera Park Hotel, where its immersive take on nouvelle cuisine makes it the perfect destination for those wanting to indulge in a particularly fancy dinner experience.
Dishes draw inspiration from traditional Mediterranean cuisine by way of Southeast Asia and Latin America; We sampled tender beef bao, red tuna tataki marinated in citrus peels with fresh shaved wasabi and truffle, finished with a main of presa Iberica brushed with Korean BBQ sauce, a red wine reduction and kalamata olive mayonnaise.
While we didn’t experience it for ourselves, meals at Exotico are often accompanied by live music in a concept that tries to fuse their upscale cuisine with an
Enjoy live music. Our concept tries to accompany our fusion cuisine with an avant-garde atmosphere, from resident DJs to live shows.
Where: Primavera Park, C. Primavera, 4
When: Tuesday to Thursday 7pm – 1am; Friday & Saturday 7.30pm – 2am
Selvático Rooftop Bar
If you are looking to indulge in a few drinks before your meal at Exotico, the Primavera Park Hotel houses Selvático Rooftop Bar on its 17th floor, which offers a tropical escape with panoramic views of Benidorm’s skyline and the Mediterranean Sea. This adults-only venue combines lush greenery, ambient lighting, and cabana-style seating beside the turquoise water of their pool to create a sophisticated jungle-inspired atmosphere.
Here, you can enjoy signature cocktails crafted with tropical flavours, complemented by a curated selection of wines and spirits. The bar features live DJ performances, adding to the vibrant yet relaxed ambience. While the infinity pool is normally reserved for hotel guests, the terrace welcomes non-residents in the evenings, providing an ideal setting for sunset views and social gatherings.
However, be warned: Tables can’t be reserved and are given on a first come-first-serve basis, meaning a long, meandering queue can form on busy summer evenings or weekends.
Where: C. Primavera, 4
When: Sunday to Thursday 10am – 1am; Friday & Saturday 10am – 2am
Restaurante Rays
I know that it seems strange to feature a traditional fish and chip shop in this guide when I had specifically written that I was aiming to steer clear of Benidorm’s typical ‘Brits Abroad’ reputation, however, I include Ray’s for a reason; Not only is it this region’s oldest chippy, it is said to serve the best fish and chips that you will find in all of Spain, standing as a testament to enduring culinary traditions and cross-cultural connections.
Founded by Ray, a British expatriate who arrived in Spain during the tourism boom of the 1970s, this modest eatery has been serving a slice of Britain since 1979. It quickly became a haven for homesick Brits craving the comfort of our traditional food. With just six tables, it offered generous portions of beer-battered cod, freshly cut chips, and the quintessential accompaniments – mushy peas and buttered white bread – in a comforting and cosy atmosphere. All of this was, of course, served with a freshly-brewed pot of Tetley’s tea.
In 1990, Teresa Poveda, a former customer turned proprietor, took over the reins. Alongside her daughter, Teresilla, Teresa preserved the chippy’s original charm, maintaining its distinctive décor of Andalusian tiles and nautical memorabilia. Today, Ray’s Chippy continues to delight both British tourists and curious locals. The menu remains steadfast, offering freshly prepared dishes that evoke a sense of nostalgia.
Where: C/ de Sant Vicent, 4
When: Monday to Saturday 12pm – 9.30pm
Benidorm Restaurant Map
The map below shows you where to find all of the best dining spots in Benidorm that are included in the above list.
Whether you are looking for somewhere to indulge in brunch, stopping somewhere for a fancy cocktail, or are planning a special dinner, this map includes all of the city’s finest dining spots.
Using this map: This map shows city’s best restaurants (red icons). The list can be seen and filtered by toggling the icon on the top left-hand side of the map, and each location can be explored further by clicking it. Expand the map by clicking the icon on the top right-hand side
Benidorm Food Tours
Across the globe, food tours are becoming the go-to way to understand not just what a city eats, but who it really is. Benidorm is no different. From guided tapas tastings to immersive seafood walks, these curated experiences offer more than just meals, they’re a chance to hear about hidden gems and foodie hotspots from a local while taking a cultural deep dive.
Most food tours, such as this one by With Locals, begin in Benidorm’s Old Town, where whitewashed façades, centuries-old churches and narrow lanes hide a concentration of some of the best food in town. Expect to be led through the beating heart of the city’s gastronomy scene: Calle Santo Domingo, affectionately dubbed Tapas Alley.
Here, you might sample crispy croquetas made from slow-cooked jamón, delicate boquerones en vinagre, or montaditos, bite-sized open sandwiches layered with local cheeses, cured meats, or tangy piquillo peppers. Guides often share stories behind each dish: tales of coastal fishing families, regional influences from the Basque Country and Andalusia, and why no two tapas bars are ever quite the same.
Tapas Tours Benidorm are particularly good if you want to explore Calle Santo Domingo in-depth, as their tour stops at 4 of the alley’s best tapas spots, each one offering a gourmet tapas dish and a drink.
Where to Stay in Benidorm
Long regarded as the sun-drenched playground for British revellers in the Costa Blanca, Benidorm is not only shaking off its reputation of just serving up egg and chips and bacon butties, it’s also shaking off its package-tour persona to reveal a nuanced destination where towering skyscrapers coexist with chic boutique accommodation. This means that the city’s hotel scene, much like Benidorm itself, is evolving. These standout stays span the classic to the contemporary, each with a distinct personality rooted in place.
Barceló Benidorm Beach
Where: Levante Beachfront
Best for: Stylish sea views and golden hour cocktails
A relative newcomer to the city with serious style credentials, Barceló Benidorm Beach is a bold addition to the waterfront. Sleek, white, and unapologetically modern, it brings minimalist Mediterranean chic to the very edge of the sea while having a retro, Art Deco touch that is guaranteed to feature in countless Instagram feeds.
Rooms are minimalist but warm, and the rooftop bar, with its open-sky pool and panoramic views of the bay, will quickly become a sunset ritual for discerning guests.
Primavera Park Hotel
Where: Beside Parc de l’Aigüera, near Old Town
Best for: Rooftop romance and an adults only ambiance
Where urban energy meets leafy calm, Primavera Park offers a refreshingly grown-up retreat just a short hop from the bustle and chaos of the new town. The rooftop infinity pool frames views of both city and sea, and its cocktail bar hums with local life. Inside, a recent renovation has brought a clean, contemporary feel; Think mid-century lines, lush plants, and cool-toned suites.
Hotel Don Pancho
Where: Levante Beach area
Best for: A timeless classic
Don Pancho is a Benidorm icon and an ode to understated sophistication. A timeless classic. Originally built in the 1970s, it has its roots in the golden age of Mediterranean travel. Even following a recent revamp, it has embraced retro charm while adding modern comforts.
This is an adults-only retreat, it’s designed for slow mornings on the balcony, siestas by the pool, and evenings that unfold over classic Spanish fare and a bottle of Rioja.
When to Visit Benidorm
For a quieter take on Benidorm, consider visiting in shoulder season – May or late September – when the sea is warm, the crowds are thinner, and hotels offer more space to truly savour the magic of this coastal chameleon.
