Restaurants in Altea
Looking for where to eat in Altea? For views + atmosphere, book in the Old Town; for seafood and arroces, go beachfront (rice usually needs pre-order); for quieter dinners + easy parking, try Altea la Vella. Below: our Top Restaurants card(s), practical tips, price guide, and a simple way for venues to join the directory.
Where to Eat in Altea 🍴
If you want atmosphere, start in the Old Town: tiny terraces, stone lanes, and sunset over the dome—book after 20:30 on weekends. For seafood & rice, hit the beachfront; confirm the arroz type and waiting time (25–40 min, usually for 2+ people). Prefer a quiet dinner with easier parking? Try Altea la Vella—slower pace, more locals, better for conversation.
How to choose fast
Walkability first? Old Town (reserve if you need a terrace).
Sea view + arroz? Beachfront (ask if cooked to order).
Calm + parking? Altea la Vella.
Value lunch? Look for Menu del Día ~€12–€18 (weekdays).
Avoid surprises: kitchens often run 13:30–16:00 and 20:00–23:00; some places are card-only/ no-AMEX.
Top Restaurants in Altea
Díferens
Restaurant & Lounge in Altea
Diferens is an all-day restaurant & lounge by Altea’s harbour, known for a non-stop kitchen, varied menus and a lively terrace. From breakfast and brunch to late-night cocktails, it’s a flexible, come-as-you-are place with quick service and reliable favourites.
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Eating in Altea Old Town
Whitewashed lanes, stone steps, and tiny terraces clustered around the blue-domed church. Book weekends and summer after 20:30 or you’ll be queueing. Expect modern Mediterranean and tapas, sometimes with tasting menus. If it’s your first time, skim our Ultimate Guide to Altea for orientation before you pick a spot—steep streets and limited parking can change your plan fast.
Beachfront & Promenade Vibes in Altea
The promenade is about fish, arroces, and sea breeze—and yes, you’ll pay a view premium. Menus are broad; freshness varies with the day’s catch. For rice, confirm the type (seco, meloso, caldoso), minimum (usually 2), and waiting time (25–40 min). If you want value over view, look one street back from the water.
Altea la Vella offers Quiet dinners & Easy parking
The village up the hill runs on locals’ pace: calmer rooms, easier parking, longer dinners. It’s where conversation beats people-watching and service isn’t racing the promenade turnover. If you’re staying nearby or driving in, start with the town hub to map it out: Altea — Town Overview.
Paella & Arroces
Minimum two people. Most places won’t do single-portion paella.
Cooked to order vs pre-cooked: ask upfront; quality lives here.
Time: 25–40 minutes—lunch is the smarter slot for rice.
Pan vs plate photos: Instagram lies; judge on socarrat (toasty base) + rice bite.
Prices & tipping (reality check)
Espresso €1.30–€1.80 · Caña €1.80–€2.50 · Tapas €3–€7 · Arroz pp (min. 2) €16–€24 · Menu del Día €12–€18 · Tasting menu €38–€65.
Tipping isn’t mandatory; round up or leave 5–10% for standout service.
When to go (and what to avoid)
Golden hour = Old Town terraces, but book.
Windy evenings punish exposed promenade tables—ask about screens.
Fiestas/weekends spike demand; lunch runs late in summer.
Frequently Asked Questions ❓
Are there good restaurants by the beach in Altea?
Yes, the promenade is lined with seafront restaurants offering seafood, paellas, and stunning views.
Can I find vegetarian or vegan food in Altea?
Absolutely. Several places offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free menu options.
What is typical food in Altea?
You’ll find paellas, arroz a banda, fresh fish, tapas, and regional desserts like coca de llanda.
Are paella and arroces better at lunch or dinner?
Lunch. Rice dishes usually perform better at lunchtime and often require min. 2 people and 25–40 minutes. Confirm type (seco/meloso/caldoso) and waiting time.
Is it necessary to book a table in advance?
For dinner, especially on weekends or in summer, it’s recommended to reserve ahead — particularly at popular spots.
Do I need to book for Old Town terraces?
If you want a terrace or a view, yes—especially after 20:30 on weekends and in summer. Ask for the viewpoint side when reserving.
Where can I actually park for Old Town dinners?
Street parking near the Old Town is limited. Plan 10–15 minutes to walk uphill from lower streets or use public car parks. For easy parking, consider Altea la Vella.
Are restaurants in Altea open year-round?
Many are, but some seasonal restaurants may close during quieter winter months.
What time do kitchens usually open and close in Altea?
Most restaurants run lunch 13:30–16:00 and dinner 20:00–23:00/23:30. Shoulder season can be stricter. Always check the hours on the listing before you go.
What time do kitchens usually open and close in Altea?
Most restaurants run lunch 13:30–16:00 and dinner 20:00–23:00/23:30. Shoulder season can be stricter. Always check the hours on the listing before you go.
What’s a fair price in Altea (so I don’t get stung)?
Rule of thumb: espresso €1.30–€1.80, caña €1.80–€2.50, tapas €3–€7, arroz (pp, min. 2) €16–€24, Menu del Día €12–€18, tasting menus €38–€65.
Own a restaurant in Altea? Join the directory 🚀
Appear where people actually plan dinners. Claim your profile and start getting seen.