In the summer, the promenades of Torrevieja are packed, and almost every establishment with picture menus in five languages will serve you the same bland paella at the price of a good dinner. But if you move a couple of blocks away from the sea — another Spain begins: small taverns where builders and Spanish pensioners have lunch, where the waiter brings bread with sobrasada even before ordering, and the bill for two is not frightening.

We live and work here and know these places not by ratings, but because we go there ourselves. Here are ten addresses in Torrevieja and La Mata where the food is tasty, inexpensive, and truly local.

Google ratings and number of reviews are indicated at the time of article preparation and change over time. The average check — is a guideline for one person for dinner without a large amount of alcohol.

1. Cervecería El Queño — exemplary Spanish bar without tourists

📍 C. San Pascual, 185, Torrevieja · ⭐ 4.9 (163) · 💶 ~12–18 €

Let's start with a place that Spaniards themselves call "real." This is a classic cervecería: cold beer, patatas bravas, calamari, seafood tapas in generous portions. There is no menu in Russian and English with photos — and this is the best sign of quality. It opens early, from 7 am, so you can also come here for a Spanish-style breakfast. Excellent value for money, warm welcome, and that very atmosphere that draws people to Spain.

2. Tasca Nueva Bahía — tapas where people queue even on Tuesday

📍 C. Diego Hernández, 32, Torrevieja · ⭐ 4.4 (3,192) · 💶 ~15–22 €

A little away from the promenade hides a tasca beloved by locals. In the evening, there can be a queue even on weekdays — a sure sign that the kitchen is worth it. Portions are large, prices are reasonable, and the quality for such money is surprising. The perfect place to understand what real Spanish tapas are, not the tourist version.

3. Bar Restaurante Las Cañas — traditional cuisine and fresh seafood

📍 C. San Policarpo, 13, Torrevieja · ⭐ 4.3 (4,083) · 💶 ~20–30 €

A warm, family place with a focus on Mediterranean and seafood cuisine. Fresh fish, paella, salmon with almond sauce — all home-cooked. The atmosphere is relaxed and authentic, the kind you return to with friends. An excellent choice for a leisurely dinner with family.

4. El Mesón de la Costa — seafood classics for a special occasion

📍 C. Ramón y Cajal, 27, Torrevieja · ⭐ 4.4 (3,228) · 💶 ~35–55 €

Slightly more expensive than others on the list, but this is a case where the extra cost is justified. The place is known for seafood: fish baked in salt, small grilled octopus, steaks grilled right at your table. Crispy bread with chorizo-based paste is served to each table. Sundays are busy here — come early. A good option when you want to celebrate something with seafood and wine.

5. Aqui Tapas — 8 tapas for €25 near Habaneras

📍 Av. Miguel de Unamuno, 1, Torrevieja · ⭐ 4.4 (187) · 💶 ~18–25 €

A spacious tapas bar with a large terrace near the Habaneras shopping center. The specialty — sets where you can try many dishes for a small amount of money: for example, eight tapas for €25. A great option for a company and for those who want to taste half the menu in one evening. The staff is energetic and speaks English.

6. Tapa & Caña — small family place where they remember you

📍 C. Maria Parodi, 18, Torrevieja · ⭐ 4.1 (933) · 💶 ~10–15 €

A tiny establishment that thrives on personal relationships. Regular guests especially note the hostess Lourdes, who watches over every table. The bread is soft, chicken with mustard sauce — a local hit, prices are friendly. People come here not for the interior, but for the feeling that you are welcome. Opens early in the morning.

7. El Rincón (La Mata) — fresh fish and paella by the sea

📍 Calle Virgen del Carmen, corner of Calle Mayor, La Mata · ⭐ 4.6 (1,691) · 💶 ~20–30 €

Moving to La Mata. El Rincón at the corner of Calle Mayor is a favorite fish spot among locals: very fresh fish, seafood, paella with sea critters. It is especially noted that they have gluten-free fried fish, which is rare. Warm welcome and honest cuisine without pretension. Perfect for lunch after the beach.

8. Brasería El Pozo (La Mata) — charcoal-grilled meat and free sobrasada

📍 Av. de Francia, 9, La Mata · ⭐ 4.6 (989) · 💶 ~20–30 €

If El Rincón is about the sea, El Pozo is about fire and meat. Secreto ibérico, picanha, lamb on coals, creamy truffle mashed potatoes. Free bread with sobrasada at the table — a nice gesture that shows it's the right place. Calm atmosphere, attentive staff, open late. An excellent dinner for those tired of fish.

9. Restaurante Martín (La Mata) — Mediterranean cuisine and English-speaking waiter

📍 Av. de Inglaterra, 49, La Mata · ⭐ 4.6 (1,112) · 💶 ~20–30 €

A popular spot among locals with good reviews and professional service. Fresh seafood, grilled tuna, lamb chops, "El Senyoret" paella. Attention to detail and to guests with gluten intolerance. Convenient for those who have not yet mastered Spanish: there is a waiter who speaks English well.

10. La Mata Felisa (La Mata) — fish tapas with a view of the beach

📍 Av. Suiza, 2, La Mata · ⭐ 4.2 (1,863) · 💶 ~15–25 €

Let's finish with the place with the best view on the list. La Mata Felisa is right by the beach: fish tapas, shrimp tempura (one of the best you can try in the area), fresh salads. Perfect for a light lunch with a glass of wine and a sea view. Excellent value for price, location, and taste — come during the day to catch the light over the water.

A couple of honest tips for the end

To get into the "local" Spain, not the tourist trap, keep a few rules in mind:

• Look who is inside. If Spaniards are sitting at the tables and speaking Spanish — this is the place for you. If only tourists with suitcases — keep looking.
• Avoid menus with photos in five languages. Real taverns rarely translate menus and almost never illustrate them with pictures.
• Spaniards dine late. In many places, the kitchen comes alive after 8:30–9:00 pm. If you come at 7:00 pm — you risk being in an empty dining room.
• Book on weekends. The best local places are stormed on Saturdays and Sundays — a call in advance saves the evening.
• Consider days off. Many family establishments are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays — check opening hours in advance.

Good food is one of the reasons people fall in love with Costa Blanca and end up staying here. And when you realize that a real dinner with wine for two just steps from the sea costs less than a business lunch in a big city, the idea of your own apartment by this sea becomes more tangible.

If one day you want not just to dine in Torrevieja and La Mata but to wake up here in the mornings — we at Alicante Real Estate will help you find a home in the area where you will enjoy living the most.