Mesón Maigmó

Mesón Maigmó is the roadside restaurant off the A-7 at exit 482, up in the foothills of the Sierra del Maigmó in Tibi, inland from Alicante. It's been feeding drivers and day-trippers for more than 30 years, and it's open every day of the year from morning to night. It's a grill and rice house at heart. The big draws are meat cooked over coals, oven-baked rice and paellas, with fish, seafood and lighter plates like tuna and avocado tartare. Reviewers mention generous portions and suggest ordering a paella to share. The dining room has been done up but still feels traditional. Two things to know. It's not as cheap as a motorway stop might suggest, and the kitchen can get backed up at busy lunchtimes, so don't come in a rush. You can book online or by phone.