The Costa Blanca is home to some of Spain's most famous delicacies, such as the paella dishes that have become famous the world over. As the staple in this area, rice also forms the basis of most of the many local varieties of paella, although more unusual noodle variations exist as well. The cooking of eastern Spain in also strongly influenced by the produce of the plains- oranges and lemons, almonds, orchard fruit and a range of vegetables- which differentiates the local cuisine from elsewhere on Mediterranean coast. Light and easily digestible, it benefits from old Muslim influences, so it is well suited to a warm climate and forms an excellent accompaniment to the regions' fresh white wines, as well as the full bodied reds from nearby La Mancha. From the coast come arroz abanda and caldere, both made with stock from the small rock fish. In age old Mediterranean tradition, the many delicious fish and seafood dishes are usually at their best in the ports. When trying the famous jumbo sized monster prawns from Dénia, on-the-spot freshness and local knowhoware keywords.

In general, eating out is inexpensive, varied and cosmopolitan, and along its length, the Costa Blanca is blessed with a profusion of quality restaurants where you can sample anything from Spanish, Italian and French cuisine to Moroccan , Japanese, Thai and Indian cooking.