Looking for the best restaurants in Altea to eat well, with a view, and without getting ripped off? You won’t find an empty AI-generated list here, or soulless luxury recommendations. This is a real guide, put together after walking around Altea, trying dishes, sitting on terraces overlooking the sea and talking to locals.
Whether you want to have dinner in the old town, discover a spot by the sea, or find a cheap but good restaurant in Altea, we’ll tell you straight. And if you’re coming from our main article on Altea, you already know we don’t settle for the touristy: we look for places with soul, flavor and a fair balance between quality and price.
This is the guide you’d want a friend who knows the area to send you.
The best restaurants in Altea: quality, price and experience
CA JOAN – THE TEMPLE OF MEAT IN ALTEA
Location: Partida L’Olla, 146, on the N‑332 road (km 160), a few meters from the sea, with parking available
Specialty: old cow and ox beef grilled over holm oak wood. Its website claims to be “one of the few restaurants in Spain with authentic ox meat” and one of the “temples of meat”
Recognition:
Member of the Repsol Guide, recommended as one of the 55 best restaurants in the Valencian Community
Ranked among the best restaurants in Altea on Tripadvisor
Atmosphere and service: homey, rustic-style venue, ideal for celebrations. As its website puts it: “welcome to your home… a perfect synergy of traditional cooking… and incredibly good flavors”
Tripadvisor rating: 3.9/5 based on more than 1,100 reviews
SALTEA – RICE DISHES AND SEAFOOD WITH SEA VIEWS
Location: it is at the Marina Greenwich marina (Luis Campomanes), with direct views of the harbor
Specialty: Mediterranean cuisine focused on rice dishes and fish, including paellas and soupy rice dishes such as lobster, cuttlefish or monkfish
Rating on TheFork: 9.1/10 for quality, 9.2/10 for service and 9/10 for atmosphere
TripAdvisor reviews: they highlight its “cosmopolitan and chic yet relaxed and friendly” look and praise the paella, although one reviewer warns it can be a bit pricey
OUSTAU – ROMANCE AND SIGNATURE CUISINE IN THE OLD TOWN
- French-rooted cooking: one of the longest-standing restaurants in the old town.
Address: Calle Mayor, 5
TheFork: Excellent scores: quality 9.4, service 9.5, atmosphere 9.5
DIFERENS – CREATIVE CUISINE BY THE HARBOR
Location and surroundings
Address: Av. del Puerto 1, right in front of Altea’s marina
Modern/lounge atmosphere: described by several sources as a venue with a contemporary, lounge style, serving breakfast, brunch and dinner
Menu and style of cooking
It offers a varied menu that includes salads, pastas, sandwiches, and dishes such as lamb shoulder, tartare and burgers – according to its website and reviews
It opens at different times of day (from breakfast) with an all-day menu option
Price and rating
Listed as “casual dining” with a mid-to-low price (< €30) on the OpenTable platform
Reviews highlight good food, service and atmosphere, with comments such as “very good views and location”
Tripadvisor also describes it as “excellent food and ten-out-of-ten service” by the harbor
MORE CHARMING, GOOD-VALUE OPTIONS
XEF PIRATA – SIGNATURE TAPAS IN THE OLD TOWN
Location: Carrer de l’Àngel, 22 (old town)
Atmosphere: Casual yet “chic” gastro-bar, with a tasting menu and cocktails; a full meal for under €30 per person according to customers
Featured reviews:
“A 10, from the moment you walk in…” (TripAdvisor)
“Really delicious food… prices certainly reasonable” (TripAdvisor)
It appears on Wanderlog’s list of “best cheap eats in Altea”Recommendation: Ideal if you’re looking for restaurants in Altea’s old town with original tapas, good value for money and a modern experience.
LA CAPELLA – CLASSIC MEDITERRANEAN WITH VIEWS
Location: Carrer Sant Pau, 1, near the church
Specialty: Traditional Mediterranean cuisine with rice dishes and fresh fish. Fideuà and calamari are highly praised .
Reviews:
“Very good experience… location… nice decor” (TripAdvisor)
“The view of the mountains… stunning” after the fideuàRecommendation: Perfect for a relaxed meal, cheap or mid-priced places to eat in Altea, with a local atmosphere and good Valencian cooking.
EL CASTELL – PIZZAS AND LOCAL ITALIAN
Location: Old town, Plaza Tonico Ferrer, no. 14
Atmosphere: Mediterranean/Italian restaurant with a relaxed feel and a terrace under orange trees .
Recommended dishes: Stone-oven pizzas, salads and calzone; a good option for an unpretentious meal .
Comments:
“One of the best pizzas we have had in awhile”
Mixed opinions, but a good overall experience for dinner in the old town at a good priceRecommendation: Ideal for a cheap restaurant in Altea’s old town, family-style or casual Italian.
RESTAURANTE FARÉ – HIGH QUALITY AT A MODERATE PRICE
Location: Altea (center), top 12 out of 261 on TripAdvisor
Rating: 4.7/5 on TripAdvisor, ranked #12 in Altea Recommendation: Good balance of quality and price; ideal if you’re looking for something outstanding without paying luxury prices.
ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS IN ALTEA: DINNERS YOU’LL REMEMBER
Altea doesn’t just win people over with its Mediterranean beauty, but also with its perfect corners for a romantic dinner. If you’re looking for an intimate spot with a special atmosphere and dishes to fall in love with, here are options that combine charm, good food and views.
La Claudia
Calle Salamanca, 17
A small, cozy restaurant with intimate decor, soft music and a very carefully crafted Mediterranean menu.
“Ideal for quiet dinners. Their risotto and cheesecake are out of this world.”
Casa Vital
Carrer Salamanca, 11
Norwegian-Spanish restaurant with a terrace on top of the old wall. Its cuisine is creative and its atmosphere calm, with a panoramic view straight out to the sea.
“A balcony over the Mediterranean. And the owner is an artist who sometimes sings during dinner.”
Local tip: for romantic dinners, book ahead if you’re going in summer or on weekends. Many intimate restaurants have few tables and fill up fast, especially those in the old town.
WHERE TO EAT WELL AND CHEAP IN ALTEA (WITHOUT COMPROMISING ON QUALITY)
Just because Altea has a reputation as a tourist spot doesn’t mean you have to empty your wallet to eat well. If you know where to look, you can enjoy home-style set menus, tasty tapas and privileged views without spending more than €15 – 20 per person. Here are a few spots that combine tight prices, a local atmosphere and good cooking.
El Cantó del Palasiet
Camino Viejo de Altea al Albir, 25
A house converted into a restaurant. Daily set menu, generous portions and authentic food.
Weekday set menu: €12.90 (starter, main course, dessert and drink).
“Home-cooked food, quick service and a family atmosphere.”
Restaurante Casa Pedro
Av. La Nucia, 3
No frills, but full of flavor. A local classic thanks to its daily set menu and spoon-dish tapas.
Stews, rice of the day and homemade desserts.
“The best oven-baked rice away from home. Unbeatable price.”
Restaurante Brasería El Castillo
Calle San Miguel, 10 (old town)
A simple place with a budget menu of grilled meats and rice dishes.
Ideal if you want to eat in the old town without paying double.
“Grilled chicken and crusty rice. For €13, you’ll roll out of there.”
Heladería Qvo
Across from the seafront promenade
Not in the mood for a full meal? A sandwich, a gourmet baguette or a salad on its terrace works just as well.
Ideal for a light meal by the sea.
“The burrata salad and the natural smoothies are a hit.”
RESTAURANTS WITH VIEWS IN ALTEA (SEA, MOUNTAINS AND CHARM)
Altea offers some of the most beautiful sunsets on the Costa Blanca. And what better way to enjoy them than with a good lunch or dinner overlooking the sea or the mountains?
Here are a few restaurants where the view is as important as the dish.
Restaurante Brasería Ca Toni
Carretera Nacional N-332, km. 161 (easy access by car)
It offers open views of the Sierra de Bernia. Specializing in meats and paellas.
“A hearty meal with a mountain view.”
Club Náutico Altea – Bon Vent
Av. del Puerto, s/n
Restaurant set above the harbor of the Club Náutico. Modern cuisine, a relaxed atmosphere and sweeping sea views.
“The breeze, the boats, and a seafood paella. What more could you want?”
WHERE TO HAVE DINNER AS A COUPLE IN ALTEA: THE MOST ROMANTIC SPOTS
Altea is the perfect setting for a magical night: cobblestone streets, candles on the terraces, views of the Mediterranean… All that’s left is to choose the right restaurant.
Here are the favorites for a date or a special evening as a couple:
Bistro Shabby Chic
Calle Cura Llinares, 1 – Old town
A hidden gem with a gourmet menu and vintage aesthetics. Ideal for slow dinners, with carefully considered details.
Soft music, personalized service and exquisite presentation.
RESTAURANTS IN ALTEA WITH VIEWS: SEA, MOUNTAINS AND VISUAL MAGIC
Can you picture dining as the sun sets over the Mediterranean or eating with a view of the Serra Gelada? Many people come to Altea drawn by its panoramas, and luckily, there are restaurants that not only boast about their views but also take the food seriously.
La Marea Altea
Located right on the front line of the Seafront Promenade, this restaurant offers modern Mediterranean cuisine with fresh dishes and an interesting wine list. Its large windows let you see the sea from any table. Highly rated by couples looking to have dinner in Altea with romantic views.
El Pescador
Next to the Club Náutico de Altea. It doesn’t have an especially sophisticated menu, but the fish of the day and the lobster rice are locally famous. The outdoor tables offer views of the harbor and the boats coming and going. A simple place, but very authentic.
These options answer searches like restaurants in Altea with views, dinner with a view in Altea or eating at Altea harbor. They’re not just landscapes, they’re memories for life.
EATING WELL AND CHEAP IN ALTEA: SET MENUS, TAPAS AND HIDDEN GEMS
You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy good food in Altea. Beyond the places with views and a chic atmosphere, there are restaurants and bars that offer quality, generous portions and tight prices. Here are a few:
El Racó de Toni
Homemade set menu from €12, with starter, main and dessert. Old-fashioned food, no pretensions, ideal for a weekday lunch.
Restaurante Sabor
Located on the outskirts of the old town, this place offers tapas, combination plates and a budget set menu of the day with a vegetarian option. Excellent customer service and a cozy terrace.
Bar Restaurante El Cantó
A classic among locals. Sandwiches, tapas and combination plates at a good price. Neighborhood atmosphere, full of regulars.
Practical tip: Many of these places only serve the set menu on weekdays and until 4:00 p.m. If you arrive late, ask about tapas or chef’s suggestions off the menu.
VEGETARIAN AND VEGAN OPTIONS IN ALTEA
Although Altea is known for its traditional Mediterranean cuisine, more and more restaurants are offering dishes for those who prefer a meat-free or 100% plant-based diet. Here are some of the best options:
Veggitaly – Italian vegan cuisine
A delicious rarity: fully vegan Italian cooking, from pizzas with plant-based cheese to lasagnas with no animal products. Highly rated by locals and visitors alike.
Plant Shack – Altea center
Small but cozy, this restaurant offers bowls, wraps, fresh juices and vegan desserts. Ideal for breakfast, a light lunch or a healthy bite by the sea.
Café CopenHagen
Although it isn’t vegan, it has a menu with many vegetarian options: avocado toasts, dairy-free pancakes, creative salads and plant-based coffees. Good atmosphere and attentive service.
Recommendation: If you’re looking to eat healthy with meat-free options, you can filter on TheFork or Google Maps using tags like “vegan” or “vegetarian,” since some local bars also adapt their dishes even if they don’t advertise it.
RESTAURANTS IN ALTEA WITH A SET MENU OF THE DAY: QUALITY WITHOUT SURPRISES
If you’re looking for where to eat a set menu in Altea, you’ll be glad to know there are several places offering home-style food, fixed prices and full meals for less than you’d spend on an airport coffee. Here are some of the favorites among locals and visitors looking for good food without spending too much:
El Cantó del Palasiet
Carrer Benidorm, 5
One of the best-known set menus in Altea town. It offers a starter, main course, dessert and drink for around €14, with traditional dishes such as fideuà, garlic rabbit or baked cod. The dining room is simple but welcoming, frequented by residents.
“Plentiful, tasty and authentic food. No tricks, no nonsense.” — TripAdvisor
La Paraeta
Av. del Puerto, 3
Located near the harbor, ideal for those who want to eat with a view without paying a surcharge for the scenery. It offers a set menu of the day for around €16, with options of rice, full salads and grilled meats. Good service and a spacious terrace.
“Perfect for a good lunch before continuing your stroll along the coast.”
Restaurante Sabor
Carrer la Mar, 62
This restaurant blends Mediterranean and fusion cooking, but keeps its daily set menu between €15 and €17, including vegetarian options. The service is attentive and the menu changes daily.
“Good wine, well-executed dishes and friendly staff. Excellent value for money.”
Local tip: many restaurants in Altea don’t publish their set menu online, so the best thing is to get there early and check the chalkboard. The lower part of the old town and Avenida del Puerto are ideal for finding good lunchtime prices.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE TO EAT IN ALTEA
Where can you eat well and cheaply in Altea?
Many locals recommend Xef Pirata, El Castell or La Capella, which offer good food without high prices. If you’re looking to eat cheaply in Altea but with quality, avoid the overly touristy places on the promenade and head into the old town or the center.
What are the best restaurants in Altea’s old town?
Some of the most highly rated in the old town are Oustau, for its signature cuisine, and Xef Pirata, for its creative tapas. La Capella and El Castell also stand out if you prefer Mediterranean or Italian cooking.
Are there restaurants in Altea with sea views?
Yes. Saltea, located at Marina Greenwich, is famous for its harbor views and its rice dishes. La Capella also offers panoramic views from the old town. Some beach restaurants have a terrace by the sea, but it’s best to book in advance.
Where can you have dinner in Altea as a couple?
Oustau and Saltea are two romantic options thanks to their elegant atmosphere and carefully prepared dishes. La Capella is also highly recommended for an intimate dinner with a view. If you’re looking for something more casual but with charm, Diferens offers a modern lounge atmosphere.
Which restaurants in Altea are ideal for going with kids?
El Castell, with its relaxed atmosphere and stone-oven pizzas, is ideal for families. Diferens is also a good choice, with its varied menu and harborfront location, making it easy to eat with kids.
Which restaurants stand out in Altea according to TripAdvisor?
Among the highest rated are Restaurante Faré, with a score of 4.7/5, Saltea, and Oustau. Many visitors agree on their good value for money and careful service.
Do you need to book a table in Altea in summer?
Yes. During July and August, or on weekends, booking is recommended, especially at Oustau, Saltea, La Capella and Xef Pirata, since they are in high demand among tourists and locals.
Where can you go for tapas in Altea without spending much?
The old town is the best area for tapas with charm. Xef Pirata is a benchmark, but you can also try less touristy local bars on the streets next to the church square.
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