la Costera de Altea

La Costera is a small guesthouse with a restaurant on Carrer Mestre Música, in Altea's old town, and the dining room is a good find for a relaxed dinner with a glass of something good. It's tucked into the lanes rather than on the seafront, with a pleasant outdoor terrace. The cooking mixes Mediterranean and French ideas. Older guides mention snails Burgundy-style and monkfish with fresh herbs, and diners regularly bring up the foie, carpaccio, cod, lamb, duck and the salads, plus crêpes for dessert. Recent reviewers praise the quality of the food and a wide, interesting wine list. Staff are friendly and the setting suits a quieter night out than the bars down by the beach. It's popular for family gatherings, so book, especially at weekends. Opening is mainly evenings in the week with lunch at weekends, and it's closed early in the week, so check before you head up the hill.