Mediterranean cuisine is often considered as being one of the most balanced and healthiest in the world due to its variety of ingredients, flavours and dishes. The menus offered by Benidorm restaurants echo these qualities and allow visitors to delight in their offerings.
So, if you are visiting one of the best cities in Europe, don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of the best dishes that Benidorm restaurants have to offer. So that you don’t get caught up in the minutiae, we are going to tell you about some of Benidorm’s traditional dishes and where to find the best examples of them.
The most traditional dishes found in Benidorm restaurants
Benidorm restaurants stand out due to the wide variety of rice and fish dishes on offer. Not surprising as we are so close to the sea! However, you will also find that meat with Mediterranean flair and flavours also occupy a privileged spot in the local cuisine.
The list below details some of the best and most traditional dishes you should try in Benidorm restaurants.
Arroz a banda
Starting off we have an exceptional rice dish – arroz a banda! This is a 2-in-1 dish. First of all, the rice is made in a soupy sauce made from whitebait. Then the stew, called caldero marinero, is made from potatoes. These two dishes are then served separately, which is why it is called “a banda” meaning “on the side”.
Cazuela de pescado a lo pobre – Peasant fish stew
A very simple but tasty dish. It is made from fish, potatoes, fish broth, almonds, wine and paprika. It is usually made and served in a traditional clay pot. Delicious!
Stuffed squid
This dish takes the best of the land and the sea and combines them. After gutting the squid, they are stuffed with potatoes, tomatoes and other vegetables. To make it even more scrumptious, they are then served with a light sauce.
Coca farcida – filled savoury pastry
This is a great appetizer, and a great snack in the middle of the day. Not only found in Benidorm restaurants, you can also find this dish in the bakeries of Benidorm, and it is a true classic! It is a savoury pastry stuffed with a tomato sauce, sausage and tuna.
Where to eat in Benidorm?
Now that your mouth is watering with the thought of all these delicious dishes, you just need to find the best of Benidorm restaurants to eat them in.
The area of El Castillo is one of the most attractive places to eat in Benidorm. The small streets of this area are bursting with bars and restaurants and we recommend you sit outside on the terrace. Listening to the sea and feeling the breeze is a wonderful experience. If you want something quieter, we recommend going to Cala de Benidorm street or Finestrat street.
On the other hand, the Old Town of Benidorm is another place with many options for dinner. The most atmospheric streets in this area are El Paseo de la Carretera, Alameda street and Martínez Alejos street. And, if you fancy trying something a little different, but which is still typically Spanish, then you have to go to the so-called Basque quarter centred around Santo Domingo street. Here you can find restaurants, bars and Basque taverns where you can eat pintxos and tapas. This area has become a gastronomic hub in Benidorm.
