The citrus season: Discover culinary Alicante

A few years ago, I made Alicante my home—a city that has captivated me with its rich culinary traditions, delightful climate, and the incredible produce of the land. When citrus season arrives—around January—I find myself feeling especially inspired. The scent of freshly picked oranges, at their sweetest this month, and lemons fills the markets. It seems every chef here creates something extraordinary with them. Today, I’ll take you on a journey to my favorite spots in Alicante where citrus fruits truly shine.

The citrus season: the scent, color, and flavor of the Costa Blanca

Did you know that Spain is one of the largest citrus producers in the world? While Valencia is considered Europe’s orange capital, the province of Alicante boasts endless groves of oranges, lemons, and mandarins so juicy you won’t be able to resist them. January is the perfect time to enjoy this fresh harvest, as citrus fruits are at their peak flavor.
For me, the citrus season is filled with small moments of joy. A stroll through the Mercado Central, where piles of oranges greet you with a burst of color and fragrance, instantly lifts my spirits. Local chefs take full advantage of this seasonal treasure—and you can taste it in their dishes.
Citrus fruits aren’t just delicious—they’re incredibly versatile. They bring brightness to savory dishes, enhance the sweetness of desserts, and are essential in dressings and marinades. In Alicante, chefs use these fruits so skillfully that even the simplest dishes become a true feast for the senses.

Three delightful restaurants in Alicante where citrus takes center stage

In my search for the best of citrus in Alicante I have discovered a few favourites. These are places where the love of citrus really ends up on your plate.

1. Fondillón Restaurant – Fine Ceviche in the Heart of Alicante
   Located in the elegant Hospes Amérigo hotel, Fondillón Restaurant is a must-visit for food lovers. When I first went to eat here, I was immediately surprised by the ‘Sea Bass Ceviche with Lemon and Orange’. The fresh acidity of the citrus fruits takes the dish to another level. Add a glass of local white wine and you’ll understand why this restaurant is so popular.
2. Restaurante Petímetre – Traditional with a modern twist
   At Petímetre you can taste the perfect balance between tradition and innovation. When I dined here, I chose the ‘Duck breast with orange sauce’. The dish was simply sublime: the rich taste of the duck was beautifully complemented by the sweet and slightly bitter notes of orange. A dish that will stay with me for a long time.
3. Natur Alicante – Light, fresh and pure
   For a lighter, but no less tasty experience, I like to go to Natur. This restaurant focuses on local, natural ingredients. The ‘Grilled vegetable salad with lemon dressing’ is simple, but oh so good. The lemon dressing adds a fresh kick that makes the dish really special. Perfect for a sunny lunch in January.

More citrus inspiration in Alicante

Want to discover the citrus world of Alicante yourself? Here are my tips:

• Visit Mercado Central: Here you can buy the freshest citrus fruits directly from local farmers. The smells, colors and flavors are irresistible.
• Take workshops: In and around Alicante cooking workshops are regularly organized that focus on citrus. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to get more out of these fruits. If you really want to do it right, consider a culinary retreat led by chef Ferry van Houten in Jávea, just over an hour’s drive from Alicante.
• Try a local drink: Ask for an Agua de Valencia, a refreshing cocktail made with orange juice, at a restaurant. Or order a lemonade – always made from fresh lemons here.

Even more restaurants in Alicante and surroundings

1. El Portal Taberna & Wines
   A top restaurant in Alicante known for its creative dishes and citrus accents. Their lime ceviche is a must-try.
2. Nou Manolín
   This iconic restaurant offers a beautiful menu with dishes in which citrus plays a leading role, such as orange salads and refined fish dishes.
3. La Taberna del Gourmet
   Here you will find local flavours with a modern twist. Their grilled fish with an orange reduction is famous in Alicante.
4. Restaurante César Anca
   César Anca is known for his creative combinations, including citrus starters and desserts. Perfect for gourmets.
5. Quique Dacosta Restaurante (Dénia)
   This three-star restaurant is a little further away, but is a culinary destination worth the trip. Citrus fruits often play a subtle role in the menus of this renowned chef.
6. Monastrell Restaurante
   Awarded a Michelin star and specialising in dishes featuring local ingredients, their citrus desserts are elegant and unforgettable.

In short: the choice in restaurants is endless. Hopefully you now have more than enough tips to not miss anything of the citrus season. ¡Disfrute de su comida!