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🥘 Paella

Restaurants de Paella

Arrocería El Sarmiento

Arrocería El Sarmiento

In Orihuela Costa, Arrocería El Sarmiento is synonymous with tradition and mastery in crafting rice dishes over vine shoot fire, an ancestral technique that gives each paella a unique and authentic flavor. With over 20 years of experience, this restaurant is a benchmark in Mediterranean cuisine from the Vega Baja, where culture, naturalness, and respect for local ingredients form the foundation of its gastronomy. Ten varieties of paella, from the classic rabbit with green beans to the sophisticated boletus, Iberian pork secret, and artichoke, all prepared with the highest quality ingredients. Grilled meats and fish, Iberian ham carved to order, red prawns with a touch of salt, and grilled octopus complete a menu with over 45 dishes to savor. Homemade desserts like Grandma’s cake round off an unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for celebrating all types of events, with the option to take home traditional flavors. A place where vine shoot fire, passion for rice, and love for Mediterranean cuisine blend in every bite.

La Braseria Barbecue

La Braseria Barbecue

In La Fuente shopping center, La Braseria Barbecue delights with Spanish flavors: tapas, paellas, burgers, mixed grills, fish and fried dishes, freshly sliced ham and a complimentary digestif for a warm, satisfying dining experience.

Nautilus restaurante

Nautilus restaurante

In Punta Prima, Torrevieja, NAUTILUS RESTAURANTE has been a seafront landmark since 1975. With over 50 years of history, this Mediterranean restaurant showcases Levante cuisine featuring fresh seafood, locally sourced produce from Vega Baja, quality meats and outstanding rice dishes and paellas. Panoramic terraces, elegant dining rooms and a sea-view lounge make Nautilus the perfect venue for events, business dinners or unforgettable meals on the Costa Blanca.

Olé Olé Spanish food and drinks

Olé Olé Spanish food and drinks

At La Ronda Shopping Center (Orihuela Costa), Olé Olé Spanish food and drinks is the heart of Spanish celebration. A restaurant-bar where traditional gastronomy blends with live music, flamenco shows, and concerts, creating a vibrant atmosphere. From full international breakfasts to authentic paellas, varied tapas, and creative cocktails, everything is prepared with fresh ingredients and passion. Warm and festive ambiance, perfect for enjoying a lively dinner, a night of tapas with friends, or a family brunch. Where the essence of Spain is experienced in every dish, every sip, and every musical note!

Restaurante Casa Adolfo

Restaurante Casa Adolfo

In La Regia (Orihuela Costa), the restaurant Casa Adolfo is a benchmark for traditional Spanish cuisine, where homemade flavors take center stage. Specializing in authentic paellas, the daily menu offers a variety of comforting dishes: soups, meats, fish, tapas, and bocadillos, all prepared with fresh ingredients and recipes passed down through generations. Warm and family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for a peaceful lunch, a dinner with good company, or simply savoring dishes that evoke the feeling of home. Where tradition and care are reflected in every bite, offering an authentic and welcoming gastronomic experience!

Restaurante la Casona

Restaurante la Casona

In Torrevieja, La Casona is much more than a pizzeria: it is a gastronomic landmark since 1994, where tradition and quality come together to offer an unforgettable culinary experience. Its extensive menu goes beyond spectacular pizzas, featuring delicious meat and fish dishes prepared by expert chefs. Whether you prefer bold flavors or more traditional options, each dish reflects a commitment to the highest quality at affordable prices. In addition to its specialties, La Casona offers a daily menu, options for groups and events, and exclusive promotions announced on social media. A place where authenticity and flavor combine to satisfy all palates, in a cozy atmosphere that has been an essential part of the local community for nearly three decades.

Restaurante Los Cucalos

Restaurante Los Cucalos

In Orihuela Costa, this family-friendly restaurant specializing in Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine is the perfect place to enjoy with loved ones. Los Cucalos offers quality traditional dishes, a large playground for kids, and private rooms for all types of celebrations: christenings, communions, birthdays, and more. Cozy atmosphere, varied menus, and friendly service. Ideal for family meals, large groups, or special events. Where great food and fun come together to create unforgettable moments!

Restaurante Rianxeira

Restaurante Rianxeira

In La Regia, Orihuela Costa, Rianxeira is a Spanish restaurant offering generous Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy a wide selection of tapas, flavorful paella, fresh fish, meats, pasta, skewers and salads, along with kids menus for family dining. A welcoming spot to experience traditional Spanish flavors with friends and family.

What is Paella cuisine?

Paella, a world-renowned dish that hails from the Valencian region of Spain, has earned its place as a cherished icon of Spanish cuisine. While its precise origins are a topic of much debate, it is widely believed to have begun as a humble meal for farmers and laborers, cooked over an open flame using local ingredients. This practice evolved into the vibrant and elaborate dish known today, offering a delicious fusion of flavors and textures.

Typical dishes and flavours

The heart of any paella lies in the rice, which is typically a short-grain variety, such as Bomba or Calasparra. The classic preparation includes a combination of saffron for that signature yellow hue and a rich depth of flavor, along with other spices that vary regionally. Along the Costa Blanca, seafood variations are especially popular, incorporating fresh catches like shrimp, mussels, and fish, while land-based versions may feature chicken, rabbit, or a blend of both.

  • Seafood Paella: A delectable medley of various shellfish and fish.
  • Mixed Paella: A harmonious combination of meat and seafood.
  • Vegetable Paella: A vibrant option packed with seasonal vegetables.
  • Fideuà: Similar to paella but made with thin noodles instead of rice.

The Paella dining experience on the Costa Blanca

Dining on paella is more than just enjoying a meal; it’s an experience steeped in tradition and communal spirit. Often served on a large pan, diners gather around, sharing both food and conversation. Many locales enhance this experience through charming outdoor settings, where the aroma of saffron and sea breeze mingle, creating a feast for the senses. The Costa Blanca region is particularly known for its sun-kissed beaches and picturesque landscapes, making it a perfect backdrop for savoring this beloved dish.

Tips for enjoying Paella like a local

Appreciating paella to its fullest involves understanding the customs that accompany it. It is customary to enjoy the dish at lunchtime rather than dinner, as it is said to be too heavy for late-night eating. Pairing paella with local wines, such as a chilled white from the Albariño or a Rosado, complements the flavors beautifully. For dessert, consider indulging in a traditional flan or churros with chocolate for a sweet finish.

  • Seafood Paella
  • Mixed Paella
  • Vegetable Paella
  • Fideuà
  • Traditional Flan