El Portal

El Portal Taberna & Wines, on Calle Bilbao just off the Rambla, is one of Alicante's best-known spots for top-end tapas and a big night out over good wine. It's held a Michelin Plate and sits on the Opinionated About Dining casual Europe list, so it's no secret. The room's half the fun: warm colours, a playful, slightly over-the-top look that one reviewer compared to the Moulin Rouge. Food-wise, people talk about the tuna, rice dishes, croquetas, foie and truffle plates, all done with real care. The bar makes a mean cocktail too. It fills up most nights, so book ahead. Be ready for the prices, especially on drinks: a couple of reviewers felt glasses of wine and water were steep, and at busy times tables can be time-limited. If you go in knowing it's a treat, you'll have a great time.