Benidorm has room for everything: beaches and neon lights, partying and endless towers, Indian restaurants and English pubs. And for everyday Spanish cuisine. In this inimitable town, where excess co-exists with tradition, paella is still a serious ritual. There are those who serve it with views of Spain’s most improbable skyline, and those who cook it slowly in family kitchens, as they have done for decades. From cauldrons on Poniente beach to prize-winning dishes in international competitions, this tour brings you to the rice-centred heart of a town that, in spite of its many disguises, still smells of the Mediterranean.
- The best Benidorm restaurants for paella: picking out the best among the wide range of rice restaurants
- La Mejillonera: tradition and prizes
- Restaurante Ulia: sea views and authentic flavours
- Casa Guillermo: home-cooked food on Poniente beach
- Arrocería La Marina: ideal for families
- Restaurant Aitona: tradition since 1968
- La Falúa: sophistication and flavour
- Restaurant El Niño: the authentic taste of home cooking
The best Benidorm restaurants for paella: picking out the best among the wide range of rice restaurants
La Mejillonera: tradition and prizes
Located in the Plaza Mayor, La Mejillonera is a rice restaurant with the ability to appeal to the tastebuds of locals and visitors alike. With a history dating back to 1981, this restaurant has been awarded the prize for the finest paella cooked in the Valencia Autonomous Region at the Sweden International Valencian Paella Competition. Its secret lies in its use of high quality ingredients, such as ‘arroz bomba’ from Albufera and fresh seafood from the fish markets of Dénia and Santa Pola.
Restaurante Ulia: sea views and authentic flavours
Located in Avenida Vicente Lorca Alós, close to Poniente beach, Restaurante Ulia offers a culinary experience with views of the Mediterranean. Specialising in traditional Spanish cooking with a modern twist, this place serves outstanding rice and seafood dishes and chargrilled meats. Its bright, nautical ambience makes it the perfect place to enjoy a paella whilst gazing out at the sea.
Casa Guillermo: home-cooked food on Poniente beach
On Poniente beach you will find Casa Guillermo, a restaurant well known for its Mediterranean cuisine and its varied range of rice dishes. Specialities include rice in broth with lobster and tuna paella, both made with fresh, local ingredients. This establishment’s friendly atmosphere and exceptional location make it an essential stop for lovers of good food.
Arrocería La Marina: ideal for families
In a natural setting in the Partida Foia Manera, Arrocería La Marina is the perfect place to enjoy a family meal. It offers a wide variety of rice dishes, stews, meat and fish dishes from the Marina Baixa. Facilities include a children’s playground and a car park, making it a pleasant, convenient option for everyone.
Restaurant Aitona: tradition since 1968
Opened in 1968, Restaurante Aitona, in Avenida Ruzafa, is famous for its traditional cuisine and its rice dishes. The star of the show is its rice broth with lobster, prepared with the utmost care, following traditional recipes. Its family atmosphere and its commitment to quality have enabled it to keep its place as one of the town’s top restaurants.
La Falúa: sophistication and flavour
In Calle Santander, La Falúa is a sophisticated gastronomic experience with a menu that offers Mediterranean tradition with a modern touch. Its rice dishes, made with top quality ingredients, are the highlight here. The elegant ambience and attentive service make this restaurant the perfect choice for special occasions.
Restaurant El Niño: the authentic taste of home cooking
Known for its authentic-tasting paella, Restaurante El Niño has been recommended by lots of diners on platforms such as Tripadvisor. It focus on home cooking and its use of fresh ingredients make it a reliable option if you want to enjoy a good rice dish in Benidorm.
