La Taberna del Gourmet

La Taberna del Gourmet is the tapas bar on Calle San Fernando where Alicante sends visitors who want to eat the city's produce properly. It's part of María José San Román's group, and the long counter loaded with tapas is half the fun. The kitchen is all about product with an Alicante accent: pan con tomate, fresh quisquilla (the little local shrimp), montaditos, market seafood and Alicante-style rice, with veg from the group's own farm. The wine list is huge and a big part of why people come. It's in the Michelin Guide, and the website name-checks plenty of famous visitors. There are four spaces to pick from: the main taberna, a quieter corner, the bar and a terrace. It's open from lunchtime to late every day. Prices sit at the upper end for tapas, and it fills up, so book through the website if you want a table rather than a spot at the bar.