Manero Alicante - Balmis

Manero Balmis is the second Alicante bar from the Manero brand, on Plaza Doctor Balmis in the centre, and it's worth going just to see the room. It opened in late 2022 as a homage to Francisco Javier de Balmis, the Alicante-born doctor, and the design harks back to the late 1700s: dark tropical woods, hand-painted murals of Alicante life, marble and mosaic floors, and painted mirrors. The food follows the Manero formula of top-drawer product and classic tapas, with chef Carles Abellán steering the kitchen. Expect Manero's tomato tartare, the 'bikini Manero' toastie, ensaladilla, tortilla, cannelloni, cheek, cod and red prawn tartare, then torrija or chocolate with bread, olive oil and salt to finish. It's a smart spot rather than a cheap one, and it's popular. Book through the website or WhatsApp if you want a table at a sensible hour. The original Manero is a few minutes' walk away on Médico Manero Mollá.