Moraira punches well above its weight when it comes to dining. For a small coastal town, the variety and quality on offer is genuinely impressive — from fresh seafood beside the harbour and creative tapas on the Calpe road, to Asian fusion and fine dining with Mediterranean views. Whether you’re visiting for a week or living here year-round, the hardest part is choosing where to go.
This guide covers the best restaurants in Moraira across different cuisines, budgets and occasions — so you can spend less time deciding and more time eating.
Where Should You Eat in Moraira? 🍽️
Moraira’s dining scene rewards those who explore beyond the main square. The Carretera Moraira-Calpe road is home to some of the town’s most celebrated spots, while the port area offers classic seaside dining. For tapas, the town centre delivers. For views, head to El Portet. For a memorable special-occasion dinner, Moraira has several options that rival anything on the Costa Blanca.
🥘 A Lot Restaurant
A Lot is one of those places that earns its reputation through consistency. A neighbourhood favourite among locals and returning visitors alike, it delivers well-executed Spanish and Mediterranean cooking in a relaxed, unfussy setting. The kind of place where the food speaks for itself — no gimmicks, no pretension, just solid dishes done right. A reliable choice for lunch or dinner, and one that keeps people coming back.
Good for: Casual dining, local flavour, lunch Vibe: Relaxed, unpretentious
🍸 Soho Moraira
Positioned near the seafront on one of Moraira’s main streets, Soho is a relatively recent addition to the town’s dining scene that has quickly built a loyal following. The menu leans international-Mediterranean, with a menu del día at lunchtime that offers strong value — three courses including bread and a drink. The service is notably warm and attentive, which in Moraira is not always a given. A great option if you want quality food without the fuss of a full evening booking.
Good for: Lunch, couples, first-time visitors Vibe: Welcoming, relaxed, good value
🥡 Casa Lili
Casa Lili occupies a niche that Moraira genuinely needed: excellent Asian cuisine in a proper sit-down setting. The menu spans several Asian traditions — Chinese, Japanese, Korean and beyond — with both traditional dishes and more modern combinations. Reviews consistently highlight the service as some of the best in the area, and the price-to-quality ratio is considered outstanding. There is also a guest house on site, making it a popular choice for visitors staying nearby. A branch also operates in Jávea.
Good for: Something different, groups, special occasions Vibe: Elegant, attentive service, family-friendly
🌿 Mandala
Mandala has a loyal following for good reason. Set just outside the town centre, it offers a more intimate atmosphere than many of its neighbours — the kind of place suited to long, unhurried dinners. Creative dishes, a thoughtful drinks menu, and genuinely warm hospitality make it a standout. Often recommended for anniversaries and celebrations, Mandala delivers on occasions when you want the evening to feel a little special.
Good for: Special occasions, romantic dinners, evening dining Vibe: Intimate, atmospheric, unhurried
🌊 Vista Ifach
The name says it all. Situated on the Carretera Moraira-Calpe, Vista Ifach combines sweeping views of the Mediterranean and the distant Peñón de Ifach with a Spanish menu that leans heavily on fresh tapas, grilled seafood and well-sourced meat dishes. The terrace is the centrepiece, and on a clear evening it is hard to beat for atmosphere. A favourite with both tourists and residents — expect it to be busy in high season, so booking ahead is advised.
Good for: Views, tapas, sundowner dining Vibe: Scenic terrace, lively, Spanish-focussed
🍣 The Food Bar
Positioned on the Carretera Moraira-Calpe alongside La Cabaña, The Food Bar takes a different direction — sushi, fusion dishes, proper cuts of meat, and occasional live music. The decor is smart and the menu is broad enough to satisfy a group with varied tastes. A good option when you want something a step away from the standard Mediterranean formula, or when the occasion calls for something more energetic.
Good for: Groups, fusion cuisine, evening dining with atmosphere Vibe: Stylish, varied menu, lively
The Food Bar in Moraira
🥩 La Cabaña
La Cabaña is one of Moraira’s most well-established restaurants and a firm fixture on the Carretera Moraira-Calpe stretch that has become something of a dining corridor. Known for grilled meats and a consistently solid menu, it draws a loyal crowd of both locals and regular visitors. The setting is welcoming, the portions are generous, and the service is experienced. There is also a rooftop bar — Zanzibar Rooftop — above the restaurant, making it a natural spot to continue the evening with cocktails and sea views after dinner.
Good for: Meat lovers, groups, evening dining with drinks after Vibe: Well-established, lively, versatile
🐟 Restaurante Le Dauphin
For a genuinely special occasion, Le Dauphin at El Portet beach is in a league of its own on the Costa Blanca. The Swiss-owned restaurant sits directly on the bay at Portet, with a terrace that is arguably the best-situated dining spot in Moraira. The menu is refined and changes with the seasons — oysters, fresh fish and a carefully curated wine list are the main draw. Prices reflect the quality and location, but for a celebratory meal, it consistently delivers an experience guests remember for years.
Good for: Fine dining, special occasions, romantic evenings Vibe: Elegant, intimate, exceptional setting
🍕 El Raco de L’Arròs
If there is one dish Moraira is known for, it is paella — and El Raco de L’Arròs is the place to have it. This is a traditionally Spanish restaurant in the town centre where paella is still made according to time-honoured recipes, and the menu reflects the authentic Valencian kitchen. The interior is warm and unpretentious, and the atmosphere is genuinely local. An essential visit for anyone wanting to understand what Costa Blanca cooking is actually about.
Good for: Paella, traditional Spanish cuisine, families Vibe: Authentic, local, relaxed
🍾 Amantes de Moraira
Amantes is one of the most talked-about dining destinations on the entire Costa Blanca, and the setting alone justifies the visit. Situated on the Carretera Moraira-Calpe right on the coastline, the terrace looks directly out over the Mediterranean — at sunset, few spots in the region can match it. The menu is rooted in Mediterranean fine dining, with a particular emphasis on fresh seafood, premium rice dishes and an exceptional champagne and wine list. Live music runs every weekend, which gives the place an energy that sits somewhere between high-end restaurant and upscale beach club. Booking well in advance is essential in summer, and dressing the part is worthwhile.
Good for: Special occasions, romantic evenings, sundowner cocktails Vibe: Glamorous, lively, seafront — one of Moraira’s most iconic tables
🌊 El Chamizo
El Chamizo sits directly on Les Platgetes cove, sheltered by the Cap d’Or headland, and its waterfront position is genuinely one of the best in Moraira. This is a beach restaurant that has grown into a full dining destination over the years — the rice dishes are the thing to order here, particularly the seafood paella and black rice, both of which are consistently praised. The setting is hard to beat for a long, relaxed lunch with the sea just a few metres away. It gets busy in peak season, and booking a window or terrace table in advance is strongly recommended.
Good for: Long lunches, rice dishes, beach atmosphere Vibe: Casual, waterfront, very popular in summer — book ahead
⚓ Club Náutico Moraira
Sitting inside Moraira’s working harbour, the Club Náutico restaurant (also known as Bela Dama) offers something different from the seafront terrace crowd — a genuine marina setting, with boats coming and going at the water’s edge. The menu covers the full Mediterranean spread: fresh fish, paella, fideuà, grilled meats and a solid tapas selection. The Upper Club rooftop terrace adds a chill-out and cocktail dimension in the evenings. It is a relaxed, all-day venue that works equally well for a morning coffee, a harbour-side lunch, or an early evening drink watching the boats. Good value relative to some of Moraira’s higher-end spots, and open daily from 9am to 10pm.
Good for: Harbour atmosphere, all-day dining, sundowner cocktails Vibe: Relaxed, nautical, unpretentious — a Moraira institution.
Amantes de Moraira
✅ Editor’s Conclusion
Moraira is compact but its restaurant scene is anything but. From beachfront fine dining at Amantes and Le Dauphin to honest harbour-side meals at the Club Náutico, traditional rice on the water at El Chamizo, and creative international cooking at Casa Lili — the range here covers every occasion and every budget. The Carretera Moraira-Calpe corridor is the spine of the dining scene and worth exploring slowly. Wherever you choose to eat, booking ahead in summer is always a good idea — the best tables fill up fast, and the best views even faster.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to book restaurants in Moraira in advance?
In summer (July–August), booking ahead is strongly recommended, especially for popular terraces and sea-view restaurants. Outside peak season, walk-ins are generally easier, though well-regarded spots can still fill up on weekends.
What is the typical price range for a meal in Moraira?
Moraira restaurants span a wide range. A menu del día (set lunch) typically costs between €12–€25 including a drink. Evening dining at a mid-range restaurant runs to around €25–€40 per person. Fine dining spots like Le Dauphin are higher, around €60–€80 per head for food.
Are there vegetarian or vegan-friendly restaurants in Moraira?
Yes — Casa Lili in particular caters well to vegetarian and vegan diners, and most Spanish restaurants will offer suitable options. It is always worth checking with the restaurant in advance if you have specific requirements.
When is the best time to eat in Moraira?
Spaniards eat late — lunch is typically between 2pm and 4pm, and dinner from 9pm onwards. Restaurants are quieter and often at their best just as they open for service, before the main rush arrives.
Is Moraira good for seafood?
Absolutely. As a coastal town, fresh seafood is central to the local kitchen. El Raco de L’Arròs, Vista Ifach and Le Dauphin are all particularly strong choices for fish and shellfish.
