La Sal Bistro

La Sal Bistro is a rice house on Avenida de la Almadraba in El Campello that also does chef-led tasting menus, so it works for a relaxed beach-day rice or something a bit fancier. Chef Antonio Cuadros runs the kitchen, and regulars say he nails the rice every time. Rice and fideuà come in lots of versions, built around Mediterranean fish and shellfish. Reviewers mention a secreto paella with artichokes and mushrooms, caldero, bonito escabeche, crab ensaladilla, squid rings, foie, ham croquettes and lamb sweetbreads. The dish the restaurant itself puts forward is Cuadros's hand-cut sirloin steak tartare. Go for a tasting menu if you want to see what the kitchen can really do. The terrace is calm and cosy, and the dining room has good lighting and low noise. Staff are friendly and happy to recommend, though it can slow down on busy shifts. It's dog friendly. The website lists lunch Wednesday to Sunday, but people have been in for summer dinners too, so check hours and book online or by phone.