Where (and what) to eat?
Spanish cuisine is simple and quick to prepare – no one here spends more time in the kitchen than the bare minimum, and even so, Spaniards are most likely to dine in bars. The basis of the cuisine is fresh produce, which is readily available at any time of year – mainly fresh fish, shellfish, fruit and vegetables.
The best and freshest products are offered at the street markets organised before noon, until about 1 p.m. You will find the nearest ones:
- on Saturday at Playa Flamenca (see google map)
- on Thursday at Cabo Roig (see google map)
- on Friday in Torrevieja (see google map)
What is there to try?
At the market, be sure to stock up on olives – there are none in the shops!, fruit, dried fruit such as dates, figs and roasted almonds. Don’t be afraid of wine from barrels either – they may not be exquisite, but they are simple, weak and not spoiled by chemicals. It’s also worth buying a sangria here, adding citrus, ice and letting it ‘mellow’ in the fridge – the perfect drink for hot days.
Spanish tapas – are small snacks made from a variety of products and available in a huge selection – it can be a type of sandwich or a small dish such as a potato tortilla, Boquerones fritos (fried anchovies), Calamares a la Romana (breaded or grilled discs (a la plancha), Pimientos de Padrón – fried peppers with coarse salt, Gambas al ajillo- prawns with garlic)
Paella – this national dish of Spain originates from the Valencia region. Paella is served in the same dish in which it was cooked. The dish is based on medium-grain rice and saffron, the spice that gives the whole dish its colour. There are many variations of paella – with seafood, with rabbit and chicken, mixed. The most popular is the one with seafood (paella de marisco).
Cafe cortado – strong espresso coffee with a splash of milk
Churros – a sweet treat – deep-fried pastries dipped in liquid chocolate
There are plenty of bars and restaurants in the area, and it is generally difficult to find unpalatable food. Just be aware that lunch is served until 4 p.m., and between 4 and 7 p.m. the kitchen is generally closed and you can only order drinks. Dinner is eaten late, after 8 p.m. According to our subjective assessment, it is worth a visit:
- NAUTILUS Restaurant
- La Barraca de Campoamor
- LOBSTER restaurant – for those with fatter wallets
