🍝 Sun Sea Foodie

SunSeaFoodie – Let’s Eat Our Way Through Costa Blanca North 🌅☕🍤🌙

Pull up a chair, grab a coffee (or something stronger), and welcome to SunSeaFoodie — my personal roundup of the cafés, bars, and restaurants I keep going back to in our sunny corner of the Costa Blanca North. From that perfect morning café con leche and fresh-zumo desayuno, through a cheeky almuerzo bocadillo, right up to sunset tapas and seafood feasts that make you feel like you’re on holiday forever — these are the spots that make everyday life here taste so good. But here’s the best bit: this isn’t just my list. I know you’ve all got your own absolute gems — the hidden terrace with killer views, the tapas place that does patatas bravas like nowhere else, the seafood spot where the fish is so fresh it practically jumps on your plate. So let’s make this page our shared treasure map!

Desayuno (breakfast) is usually light and early-ish (before 10 AM). Think a quick café con leche (milky coffee), maybe a croissant, toast with tomato and olive oil (pan con tomate), or fresh zumo de naranja (orange juice—proper, freshly squeezed here, thanks to all those local groves). No massive plates unless you’re at an expat-friendly spot. Almuerzo (mid-morning snack/lunch) happens around 10:30 AM–noon. This is when things get more substantial: a bocadillo (sandwich), tortilla, or even a small tapa plate with your second coffee. It’s the perfect bridge to a late lunch (comida) around 2–3 PM.

Living here, I’ve found my go-to spots that nail both the authentic Spanish vibe and a bit of comfort-food familiarity. These are personal favourites in our patch (Jávea, Moraira, Denia, Altea, Calpe area)—nothing fancy, just places that make you smile:

In Jávea: That little café Nostro near the Arenal (also one in the port), the best coffee and snacks —perfect for a post-beach desayuno when you’re feeling peckish. Chabada, lovely staff, and a great breakfast menu (egg/bacon muffin, my favourite) to help start the day.

Moraira: A hidden gem Cafe Vipan bakery—great selection of cakes, pastry and bread, great café con leche, and their almuerzo bocadillos with jamón are dangerously good. Ideal for people-watching while planning your day.

Denia: Basta: with views over the marina and a sunny vibe—great for lingering over almuerzo if you’re planning your day.

Altea: Whitewashed streets call for a quick café stop at Por Flavor —Pastries, Fresh fruits and a milky coffee that tastes like home (but better).

Calpe: Arte —simple, friendly, and does a cracking tostada con bacon & Queso (my not-so-healthy go-to) for that mid-morning fuel-up.

Sunset Sessions: My Go-To Evening Spots in Costa Blanca North 🌅🍤🥂

Once the sun starts dipping and the sky turns that gorgeous pinky-orange, it’s time for cena — late, laid-back, and full of sharing plates, fresh seafood, and a glass (or three) of something nice. These are the places that my friends enjoy going in our patch — lovely places that feel right for expat life.

Benidorm

• D·Vora Restaurante (Plaça de Sant Jaume, 5) – Waterfront magic in chic, modern surrounds with stunning sea views from the terrace; dive into creative Mediterranean fusion like fresh seafood, grilled octopus, vibrant starters, and inventive mains – all beautifully presented with top-notch cocktails and friendly, attentive service that makes every visit feel special (around €20–80, highly rated for flavors and ambiance).
• Amigos Restaurant & Roof Terrace (C/de la Palma, 14) – Cozy Old Town gem with warm, family-like hospitality and a breezy rooftop terrace perfect for sunset sessions or private celebrations; feast on hearty international favorites, premium Galician steaks (including epic Tomahawk sharers), and great-value set menus from €25 for 2–3 courses – ideal for relaxed dinners, bottomless brunches, or group vibes with excellent service.
• Pistazi Gastro Lounge (Av. de Panamá, 1) – Fun, laid-back Venezuelan spot blending Latin flavors with a Mediterranean twist in a vibrant lounge setting; generous portions of crispy tequeños, juicy arepas, hearty costillas, patacones, and creative bites – super wallet-friendly (€10–20 range) with friendly staff, craft cocktails, and that perfect energy for sharing plates and toasting the night away.

Jávea

• Hotel Ático — cracking views over the port, especially at sunset. The food’s solid, the atmosphere relaxed — best to book ahead or you’ll be gutted when they’re full.
• Volta y Volta — tucked away in the historic old town, cosy and intimate. Perfect for a quieter night without sacrificing flavour.
• The Montgó (out towards Jesús Pobre) — worth the short drive. Generous menu, great choice, and always feels like a proper treat.

Moraira

• Mex Y Go — just outside town towards Benitachell. If you fancy a change from Spanish classics, the Mexican food here is a proper winner — always lively and delicious.
• Chamizo — seafront spot that delivers every time. Great for a relaxed dinner with waves in the background.
• Kathmandu — Friday-night Indian fix sorted. Proper curry and friendly service — a nice change of pace.
• The Olive Tree — for that special night out. Lovely fresh, home-cooked food in a warm setting — feels like someone’s house (but better).

Denia

Denia’s got so many brilliant choices it’s hard to narrow down, but these three are standouts:

• Movida Denia — proper Spanish cuisine done right. Authentic, hearty, and never disappoints.
• Republic (in the marina) — stylish without being pretentious. Great for a marina-side evening.
• El Baret de Miquel — one for special nights. Book ahead — it’s tiny, magical, and the food is spot-on.

Altea

• Casa Vital — a hidden gem up in the white streets of the pueblo. Tapas-style sharing plates, grilled meats, and veggie options that actually taste good (not just an afterthought). The twinkly lights after dark make it feel extra special, and you get those lovely Calpe and sea glimpses.
• La Cena by Nola — right on the seafront. Lovely food, cracking value Menu del Día, and a relaxed vibe — perfect for when you want quality without fuss.

Calpe

Calpe’s seafronts and Pueblo are rammed with great places — impossible to list them all — but these are the ones we keep returning to:

• Patio de la Fuente — beautiful setting, three-course menu, and food that’s always a treat. Proper special-occasion feel.
• SeiteLunas — located behind the Arenal Bol - for that extra-special meal. Consistently brilliant.
• Capri — seafood lovers’ dream. Fresh, simple, and spot-on.
• Taco de Paco — my personal favourite. Happiness wrapped in tortillas — proper Mexican street-food vibes that never fail to put a smile on your face.

These restaurants are the ones that make evenings in the North feel like a permanent holiday — good food, good views, and good company (or just a quiet table for two). Prices stay sensible (sometimes) portions are generous, and the welcome is always warm.

Drop your recommendations in the comments, tell me why you love them (the views, the value, the owner who remembers your order…), and we’ll build the ultimate go-to guide together. Your turn, amigos — what’s on your plate? 🍹

¡Buenas noches y buen provecho!