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Sink into the cushions at this magical Arabic-style tearoom and bar, where you can choose from more than 80 different infusions – plus wonderful Moroccan pastries.

One of the best places to try an authentic paella , this brightly lit eaterie is a favourite with locals and tourists alike. It also serves tasty, simply grilled local meat.

This big, airy seafood restaurant sits right on the port, so you know the fish is fresh. All kinds of shellfish are on the menu, along with tasty rice specialities.

This long-established cafébar in the old quarter serves good tapas and raciones downstairs; upstairs, there’s a fancier restaurant, with delicious seafood and rice dishes.

This welcoming restaurant set in an old house in the pretty medieval village of Polop serves fresh fish and authentic local dishes like lamb with roasted garlic.

This local favourite specializes in mountain stews made with beans and flavoured with cured meat.

Not far from the port, this relaxed and informal little restaurant is wholeheartedly dedicated to seafood, and serves up whatever is freshest that day. You are in luck if the traditional fishermen’s stew caldero is on the menu – the restaurant makes one of the tastiest versions around.

This delightful country restaurant just a few miles from the tourist enclave of Guadalest serves sturdy mountain dishes like rabbit cooked with almonds, or olleta de blat, a traditional stew prepared to a centuries-old recipe.

This smart restaurant serves impeccable local rice and seafood dishes, but it’s the tapas bar which really pulls in the crowds.

A carnivore’s delight, this friendly local restaurant specializes in succulent meats such as kid and lamb, simply grilled over charcoal.