Benissa, located on Spain's beautiful Costa Blanca, is known not only for its natural beauty and rich history, but also for its culinary delights. This charming town and the surrounding region offer a wide range of tastes and dishes that excite the senses. From traditional Spanish dishes to international culinary influences, there is something for everyone for foodies visiting Benissa. In this blog post, we will take you on a culinary journey through Benissa and share some of the best local dishes and restaurants you must try.
The Flavours of Benissa
1. Paella:
It wouldn't be a visit to Spain without enjoying a delicious paella. Benissa and the surrounding region offer several variations of this classic, prepared with fresh ingredients such as seafood, chicken or rabbit, and cooked in a rich saffron rice.
2. Fideuà:
Another speciality from the region is fideuà, a dish similar to paella but made with small pasta (fideos) instead of rice. It is often served with seafood and a delicious alioli sauce.
3. Arroz a Banda:
This dish is made with rice cooked in fish broth and is often served with freshly caught fish and seafood. It is a true taste sensation for lovers of seafood cuisine.
4. Calçots:
If you visit Benissa in spring, you should take the chance to try calçots. These spring onions are grilled and served with a creamy sauce, and eating them is a social event in itself.
5. All i Pebre:
A typical Valencian dish, all i pebre, is a stew of eel prepared with garlic and paprika. It is a savoury delicacy that will delight your taste buds.
The Best Restaurants in Benissa
Now that you are familiar with some of the local flavours, let's take a look at some of the best restaurants in Benissa where you can sample these dishes:
1. Casa Eusebio:
Housed in a beautifully restored inn, this restaurant offers a menu of traditional Spanish dishes and fresh seafood. Be sure to try the paella here!
2. Restaurante La Sort:
La Sort is a cosy restaurant with an excellent reputation for serving traditional dishes with a modern twist. They offer an extensive wine list to complete your meal.
3. Restaurante Pedramala:
For lovers of fideuà and seafood dishes, Restaurante Pedramala is a must. The location overlooking the sea adds an extra touch of romance to your dinner.
4. Restaurante Casa Cantó:
This restaurant is known for its all i pebre and other seafood dishes. The friendly atmosphere and beautiful location make it a great place to dine.
5. Restaurante El Arenal:
El Arenal specialises in meat dishes and grill dishes, perfect for those looking for a tasty alternative to fish.
Local markets and delicatessens
Besides restaurants, there are also local markets and delicatessens in Benissa where you can find the best ingredients to cook yourself or take home as souvenirs. Here are some recommended places:
1. Mercat de Benissa:
This local market offers an abundance of fresh produce, including vegetables, fruit, fish and meat. It is the ideal place to buy the ingredients for your own Spanish meal.
2. Casa dels Antigons:
This shop offers a selection of local delicacies, such as olive oil, wine, cheeses and jamón (ham). You can buy authentic products to take home.
Culinary events and festivals
If you really want to enjoy Benissa's culinary culture, try attending one of the local events or festivals. Some of these events revolve entirely around food and drink and offer the perfect opportunity to sample the local cuisine and culture.
1. Fira i Porrat de Sant Antoni:
This traditional festival takes place in January and offers a plethora of local dishes, including roast meat and calçots. It is a great way to celebrate winter in Benissa.
2. Fira de Sant Jaume:
Held in July, this festival focuses on local food and crafts. It is a lively celebration not to be missed.
Conclusion
Benissa offers not only breathtaking landscapes and historical sights, but also a culinary experience that will delight your taste buds. Whether you like traditional Spanish dishes or want to discover new culinary adventures, Benissa has something for everyone. Don't forget to explore local markets, restaurants and festivals to discover the true flavours of this beautiful region. Culinary enjoyment in Benissa is an experience you will cherish for a long time to come. Buen provecho!
