Finding a restaurant that doesn’t just “do the job,” but genuinely turns into an unforgettable experience, isn’t easy in tourist-heavy areas like the Marina Baixa and El Albir. Between international chains, low-cost set menus, and places that change with every season, there are spots that have spent decades proving the winning formula stays the same: fresh market seafood, honest cooking, and service that makes you feel right at home.

Restaurante Enrique sits right in the heart of El Albir (Alfaz del Pi, Alicante), just a 2-minute walk from the Paseo de las Estrellas and 5 minutes from Altea. It’s one of the area’s historic restaurants, known for its Marina Baixa rice dishes, fresh market seafood, and elegant setting facing El Albir beach. If you were looking for an authentic spot to enjoy paella or fresh fish in El Albir, this is the timeless classic.

In El Albir, that place has a name of its own: Restaurante Enrique. For locals, it’s “the place you take your in-laws or out-of-town friends when you want to impress them.” For tourists, it’s the discovery you keep coming back to year after year and recommend in every WhatsApp group.

This is the definitive guide to Restaurante Enrique: its history, what you absolutely have to order, real prices, how to book, up-to-date reviews, and tips to make your meal perfect. All written from the experience of someone who lives here and eats at Enrique several times a year.

The history of Restaurante Enrique: over 25 years in El Albir and half a century of tradition

Although the El Albir location opened its doors in 1997, Enrique’s story begins much earlier, back in the late 1960s in Benidorm. Enrique Juliá (the founder) was already known for going to the fish markets of Dénia, Altea, and Villajoyosa every morning to personally pick out the catch himself.

After his success in Benidorm,, he decided to expand into El Albir with a spacious venue, a stunning terrace, and views close to the seafront. Sadly, Enrique senior passed away in 2011, but his four children (Rosi, Virtudes, Joaquina, and Enrique junior) picked up the torch and have raised the bar even higher. Enrique junior still goes to the fish market in person every day. That’s not marketing — it’s the reason the fish and seafood here taste different.

It’s still a living classic, honored with a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award and a 4.4-star rating on Google backed by thousands of reviews.

How to get to Restaurante Enrique

Getting to Restaurante Enrique is very easy, no matter where you’re coming from in the area:

➤ From Paseo de las Estrellas (Playa del Albir)

1-2 minutes on foot. Just head up Avda. Óscar Esplá and you’ll see it on your right.

➤ From Altea

5 minutes by car. Enter El Albir via the CV-753 and keep going straight until you reach the beach area.

➤ From Benidorm

12 minutes by car via the N-332 towards Altea. Take the “El Albir / Playa del Albir” exit.

➤ Parking

There’s usually space on the streets parallel to Óscar Esplá, and in winter you’ll always find a spot. In high season, it’s best to arrive with 10-15 minutes to spare.

➤ Exact location on Google Maps

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Restaurante Enrique – Av. Óscar Esplá 15, El Albir

Why Restaurante Enrique remains one of the top 3 best restaurants in El Albir

1. Daily fresh market catch Red prawns from Dénia, langoustines, wild turbot, black monkfish from the Altea bay… if the quality doesn’t convince them, they simply don’t serve it.
2. Rice dishes beyond question There’s no “tourist paella” here. The rice always comes out cooked to perfection because it’s made with time and care. Arroz a banda is practically a religion.
3. Elegant yet unpretentious atmosphere A huge terrace (perfect for spring/autumn), a lovely air-conditioned dining room, and well-spaced tables. Perfect for celebrating without having to shout.
4. Rock-solid reputation among locals Ask in any expat or neighbor Facebook group: 9 out of 10 will tell you “Enrique when you want a safe bet.”

The updated menu: standout dishes and honest recommendations

Fresh market seafood and fish (the reason worth coming)

• Red prawns from Dénia (grilled or boiled) → incredible
• Langoustines from the bay
• Fresh oysters (on the special menu)
• Andalusian-style squid or grilled
• Monkfish with lobster (a historic specialty)
• Oven-baked wild turbot
• Suquet de peix / fish stew (a new favorite in 2024-2025 reviews)
• Sea bass/gilt-head bream baked in salt or butterflied

Rice dishes and fideùa – the number one reason to book a table

• Arroz a banda (the most popular and the best in the area)
• Rice with lobster
• Seafood paella
• Arroz del senyoret (peeled seafood rice)
• Black or traditional fideuá (seafood noodle paella)
• Arroz caldoso de bogavante / lobster rice stew (when available, ask for it)

Meat dishes for those who don’t want fish

• Ávila-style entrecôte
• Aged beef sirloin
• Beef chuleton (bone-in ribeye)
• Roast suckling pig (pre-order required)

Starters you won’t be able to stop eating

• Seafood Russian salad with anchovies
• Squid-ink croquettes
• Acorn-fed Ibérico ham
• Galician-style octopus
• Steamed mussels or mussels in sauce

Homemade desserts

• Cheesecake
• Turrón ice cream
• Crepes suzette flambéed tableside

Restaurante Enrique prices – full transparency

Realistic budget (for two):

• Light meal (starter + rice + house wine): €70-90
• Full meal with top-quality seafood: €120-160
• Romantic dinner with lobster: €180-220

It’s not cheap, but you pay for real quality. They still offer set menus for groups starting at €42, which is a great deal.

Real reviews 2024-2025 (Google 4.4 ★ | Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice)

• “El mejor arroz a banda que he comido en mi vida. Producto fresco y servicio 10” – Marta G. (oct 2025)
• “Enrique hijo sigue yendo a la lonja cada día, se nota. Gambas rojas espectaculares” – Peter (UK, sep 2025)
• “Group menu for €45 with oysters, rice dishes, and dessert… unbeatable value for money” – Familia Martínez
• A few criticisms: in August service can be slower when it’s full (normal for the coast).

Location, hours, and how to book

Avda. Óscar Esplá, 15 – Playa del Albir (a 2-minute walk from the seafront promenade, easy parking on the side streets)

966 868 098 restauranteenrique.com info@restauranteenrique.com

Regular hours:

• Open every day
• Kitchen open non-stop 13:00–16:00 and 19:30–23:00
• In high season (July-August) hours extend until midnight

Reservation REQUIRED on weekends and in summer. Call directly or use their website (works better than TheFork).

Who is Restaurante Enrique ideal for?

✓ Couples looking for a special dinner ✓ Families and celebrations (they have private rooms) ✓ Lovers of fresh rice and seafood ✓ Tourists wanting authentic Costa Blanca ✓ Groups (customized menus from €42)

When it’s NOT the place for you

X If you’re looking for a €12 menu of the day X Fast food or takeaway X Fusion or heavy vegan cuisine X A party night with loud music

Tips for a 10/10 experience

1. Order the rice dish ahead of time (minimum 30-40 min).
2. Ask about the catch of the day, which isn’t on the menu.
3. Book the terrace if the weather looks good.
4. Combine seafood to share + rice for two – a winning formula.
5. If you’re a group, ask for a customized menu (huge savings).

Quick comparison: Restaurante Enrique vs other El Albir classics

Conclusion: if you’re looking for real rice dishes and seafood in El Albir, Enrique is still king

In an Albir that changes every year, a restaurant staying at the top for almost 30 years says it all. Daily fresh product, perfectly cooked rice, professional service, and that homey touch that keeps you coming back.

If you come to Albir and don’t try Restaurante Enrique… you’re missing out on one of the Costa Blanca’s great pleasures.

Have you already eaten at Enrique’s? Tell us your favorite dish in the comments and help other travelers! And if you book, mention you’re coming from liveinalbir.com 😉

Let’s eat! 🦐🍚

Note: Prices, hours, and dishes listed are approximate and may vary by season. For exact, up-to-date information, we recommend checking directly with the restaurant.