Best restaurants to eat in Jávea
We have already mentioned on other occasions that Jávea is an enormously attractive destination due to the wide variety of attractions it offers. Beach days, excursions to the interior, an enormous cultural richness… and a mouth-watering gastronomy.
The essence of the Mediterranean can be perceived in the typical dishes, which combine tradition with avant-garde cuisine. In addition, top quality ingredients are used, with local products that make each dish exude the personality of this area.
Aware of the importance of good food, Jávea has made a clear commitment to its gastronomy, developing an offer suitable for all palates and budgets. From Michelin-starred restaurants to beach bars, all of them encapsulate the greatness of a cuisine that makes you fall in love with it with all five senses.
In this article we are going to review the best restaurants in Jávea so that you have a clear idea of where to go depending on what you fancy at any given moment. There is a wide range of possibilities and here we will detail the options that you can evaluate.
Traditional cuisine: Authentic Jávea flavours
The essence of Mediterranean gastronomy is found in traditional cuisine. Beyond fashions and trends, one knows that dishes such as paella or tapas will never fail. Our culture of good food means that over the centuries some preparations have been perfected that delight all palates.
And, of course, being by the Mediterranean Sea provides top quality fish and seafood. This allows us to have fresh food with a great flavour that raises the level of any recipe.
If you want to connect with the history of Jávea, nothing like La Rebotica. The old village pharmacy has been converted into a place where traditional tapas and old-fashioned décor take us back in time. A good place for an aperitif or an informal meal.
Strolling through the old town of Jávea you can find the Embruix, a classic where they offer traditional recipes with a touch of revisionism. Tapas, grilled meats and fish are the star dishes of this place that takes care of every last detail in its decoration.
Modern gastronomic experiences: Fusion and creativity
Although Jávea is deeply rooted in the Mediterranean essence, this does not prevent it from embracing international influences to offer creative and contemporary proposals. Mixing aromas and flavours, always in a harmonious way, is one of the secrets of success for a modern culinary experience.
One of the restaurants that also makes a clear commitment to the aesthetics of its dishes is Tula. This Michelin-starred restaurant is clearly committed to seasonal foods, but follows its own criteria when it comes to combining them and achieving unique creations.
At Volta i Volta, traditional dishes are revisited and updated. In this way, they take details from old recipes and redesign them from a modern perspective, always on the basis of top-quality food.
A slightly more colourful option is Chola Gastro, which is based on Nikkei cuisine, a mixture of Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. Fish dishes are a big hit here and more and more diners are deviating from traditional dishes to enjoy such an explosive fusion.
Seafront dining: Restaurants with a view
One of the best things to do in Jávea is to eat with sea views. It is one of the main attractions of the Costa Blanca, as it combines the tranquillity inspired by the sea with the richness of Mediterranean gastronomy.
Many people choose this area as a holiday destination or as a place to live because of the wide variety of restaurants with views. It is not like other places where there are only beach bars or very select places. The advantage of Jávea is that you will find places for all tastes and budgets.
If you want to connect with the fishing tradition of Jávea, a must is La Cantina, also known as La Lonja. It is located in the port itself and is a safe bet if you want to try fresh local fish and seafood.
For a meal with direct views of Cabo de la Nao, the Cala Bandida restaurant is located in a small cove so that you can eat in peace and quiet. Complex dishes that mingle with the sea breeze. They also offer breakfasts to start the day in the best possible way.
Vegetarian and vegan optins
In recent years we have experienced a boom in vegetarian and vegan dishes, which have gradually been integrated into the menus of all kinds of restaurants. In this way, you no longer have to look for a specific establishment, but you will find recipes that are integrated into the menu in a more organic way.
Logically, when we talk about Mediterranean cuisine, products from the sea come to mind, but the Valencian market garden also plays a fundamental role. Thus, vegetables and pulses take centre stage in dishes that lack nothing.
Furthermore, rice dishes and paellas are one of the hallmarks of Mediterranean gastronomy, although they do not always have to be accompanied by meat or “bugs”. The combination with local vegetables makes for a wide variety of dishes that delight vegetarians and vegans.
You can also head to establishments that combine vegetarian and traditional food if you’re looking for a dinner with a friend. For example, the Indian food at Curry Palace or the pizzas at DOA.
Wine tasting and pairing
If there is one thing this part of Spain also stands out for, it is its excellent wines. Of course, it doesn’t have the prestige of La Rioja, but here you will find a wide variety of local and international wines. Visits to wineries have become fashionable, where you can learn all about the wine production process, as this is a fun way to connect with nature.
Or if you prefer, opt for a more relaxed plan: dinner or lunch in restaurants with comprehensive wine lists. Moreover, there is more and more knowledge on the part of restaurateurs and they usually offer advice when it comes to choosing the wine with which to accompany your dishes. Taking advice from professionals is always a good idea, especially when it comes to mixing flavours between food and drink.
In Jávea and the surrounding area there has always been a great wine culture, so it is not difficult to find wine connoisseurs without the need for them to be real sommeliers.
Sweets and desserts: The perfect end to your meal
For those with a sweet tooth, Jávea also has a wide range of sweets and desserts that go beyond the restaurants. From artisan ice-cream parlours that will refresh you at any time of the year to patisseries and cafés where you can try all kinds of treats that you will love.
Although it is not what this area is most famous for, as we tend to associate the Mediterranean with fish, seafood and rice dishes, sweets also play a fundamental role in those moments when you want to “sin” a little, indulge in a little luxury that may not be the best for your figure, but….
On Avenida del Arenal, very close to the most famous beach in Jávea, we have Caramel et Chocolat, an establishment with a wide range of pastries and homemade breads. In addition, you can eat both sweet and savoury products on the terrace. Another alternative, on Ronda Norte, is Dulce Vida, a patisserie that sells custom-made cakes.
Practical tipos for a gastronomic experience in Jávea
Faced with the growing demand for first class gastronomic experiences, restaurants have stepped up their game in every sense of the word and it is increasingly easy to find a greater variety and a higher standard. That’s why we want to help you find the perfect place for a perfect meal.
Of course, although there are a lot of options, you should bear in mind that in high season a lot of people come to Jávea. Therefore, it is advisable to think about where you want to eat beforehand, so you can be sure that you will have a place to eat and you won’t be spoilt for choice. You can check availability in advance and, from there, think about which places to visit and when.
As well as an estimated budget, you can find out about food and menu suggestions, so you can get an idea of what’s available at the restaurant you’re going to and enjoy that feeling of anticipation too.
We recommend taking a look at the area and the possible parking options, if you are going in a car. Depending on the location and time of day, you may encounter parking problems and the last thing you want is to lose your reservation.