We have just returned back from ten days in Spain where we spent the majority of time sitting in restaurants eating all of the food. I thought it'd be cool to show you some of the restaurants we visited and our opinions in case you decide to visit the Javea/Moraira area.
Acqua, Javea Arenal
Food: A-
Service: B+
Atmosphere: A
Website: www.acquajavea.com
We ended up visiting Acqua three times. This was one of my most frequently visited restaurants when I lived in Spain previously. With a varied, well-priced menu, good views of the sea and array of seating areas, Acqua has something to please everyone. The service is decent for a busy restaurant, and the food always comes quickly. I will always recommend everything.
Black Beluga, Javea Arenal
Food: A
Service: A
Atmosphere: B+
Website: www.blackbeluga.javeaturistica.com
Me and Edward visited Black Beluga with my sister Lisa who recommended the burgers straight away. The menu also includes tapas, fish, other meat dishes and a section titled "You will like". From that section I had layers of violet jelly, goats cheese, aubergine and bread which was really gorgeous and unusual. Edward ate burgers at most of the restaurants but he reckons the one from here was one of the best. Because Black Beluga is situated along the Arenal it has a sea view, but the decor isn't as special as other restaurants.
Cap D'Or, Moraira
Food: C
Service: D
Atmosphere: C-
We really struggled to choose a restaurant in Moraira. They all seemed to be pretty samey. We settled on Cap D'Or because it was busy - always a good sign right? Meh, not so much in this case. The food took a while to come, we had to ask several times for condiments, then the bill took so long to arrive we considered leaving without it. So service wise, this wasn't the best. The food itself wasn't bad, but not good enough to make me want to go out of my way to visit again.
Carnaval, Javea Arenal
Food: A
Service: D
Atmosphere: A-
Website: www.carnavalcafe.com
Carnaval is another favourite from my time living in Spain. Despite countless renovations the menu has stayed the same featuring cocktails, mexican and sushi, amongst other dishes. The fajitas were divine, so we visited a second time where the food was equally good. However, after our meal had been brought out the service went downhill on both visits. Although the restaurant was never that busy, the staff only seemed to have eyes for new customers. We were not asked if we wanted any extra drinks or food when we had been sat at an empty table for half an hour after our main meals, and it proved difficult to get the staff's attention. Our dessert did get forgotten about however the staff were very apologetic and did give it to us for free. It was so delicious that we almost forgot how long it had taken to arrive (almost an hour, fyi). I would recommend if you aren't in a rush.
Champagne, Javea Arenal
Food: A
Service: B+
Atmosphere: B+
Website: www.javeacompany.com
The Javea Company owns Champagne, Acqua, La Siesta, La Boheme and Achill; the first three we visited. Champagne is always buzzing with people, is beautifully decorated, and serves as a bar as well as a restaurant. The food is consistently great. One of their stand-out dishes is chicken and chips with cheese and mushroom sauce. Their fruit smoothies and cocktails are also really good. The service is good despite how busy it can get, and is a popular venue for a night out as well as a meal.
La Plaza, Moraira
Food: C+
Service: B
Atmosphere: C-
We stumbled upon La Plaza whilst the Moors and Christians parade was happening down the high street in Moraira. This meant all the restaurants were pretty quiet - only three other tables were occupied here. Service was good, the pizza was big enough to share between us. The choice of pizzas on the menu was impressive too. We would probably go back but there are a lot of other Italian restaurants in Moraira to try out first.
La Siesta, Javea Port-Arenal Road
Food: A-
Service: B-
Atmosphere: A+
Website: www.siestajavea.com
We fell in love with La Siesta within seconds of walking through the door. Beautifully decorated, with different areas depending on whether you want to eat, drink or relax in the sun, La Siesta is a really gorgeous venue. It has steps that lead down onto a pebble beach meaning the sea is literally right by your side as you have your breakfast - something we did twice in three days. I only ordered a continental breakfast so I can't comment on the quality of their lunches and dinners, but if they're anything like the other restaurants the Javea Company own, they must be great.
L'Aigua, Javea Port-Arenal Road
Food: C+
Service: B
Atmosphere: B+
Website: www.facebook.com/laiguabeachclub
L'Aigua is a cheringuito (aka beach bar) on the main road between the Arenal and Javea Port. Good views of the sea (obviously) so a nice enough atmosphere. Lisa's partner Dougie Mack was dj-ing the evening we went for drinks which was a nice touch. Everyone did note that the alcohol measurements were rather stingy, but the drinks selection was decent and prices competitive.
Lupo, Javea Port-Arenal Road
Food: A
Service: A
Atmosphere: A
Website: www.facebook.com/restaurantelupojavea
We visisted Lupo at recommendation from Lisa. It was lunchtime and very quiet, but the service was quick and food absolutely delicious. I went for the goat's cheese with jam, not sure what to expect, but when I was presented with a whole goat's cheese, little crispbreads, salad and this gorgeous jam I was quite frankly amazed that I had not come up with the combination myself previously. I'm definitely going to return just for that over and over on subsequent trips and would recommend you do the same if tapas and small plate meals are your thing.
Smöoy, Javea Arenal
Food: A
Service: A
Atmosphere: A-
Website: www.smooy.com
Smöoy is one of many frozen yogurt places open along the Arenal. In a rather girly and shallow manner, I chose this one because of the pink decor (*hangs my head in shame*). It has a good selection of yogurt flavours, toppings and sauces as well as offering drinks. It's reasonably priced and the portions are generously sized. Plus the yogurts just look so cute!
Other places that I went to when I lived in the area and would recommend are:
El Elefante, Javea - I used to waitress here and the chef is amazing! The menu often changes and the owner is a perfectionist.
La Boheme, Javea Arenal - Also owned by the Javea Company, a good restaurant for date nights where the furniture is probably fancier than your outfit will be.
Nostro Cafe Costa, Javea Arenal - The closest you'll get to a Starbucks in the area with an insane flavour offering for milkshakes.
Tutto Frutto, Moraira - An ice cream parlour by the beach that has an incredible range of flavours including Amoretto, Nutella and Champagne.
Have you ever been to the Costa Blanca area or are planning a holiday there soon?
Food: A-
Service: B+
Atmosphere: A
Website: www.acquajavea.com
We ended up visiting Acqua three times. This was one of my most frequently visited restaurants when I lived in Spain previously. With a varied, well-priced menu, good views of the sea and array of seating areas, Acqua has something to please everyone. The service is decent for a busy restaurant, and the food always comes quickly. I will always recommend everything.
Black Beluga, Javea Arenal
Food: A
Service: A
Atmosphere: B+
Website: www.blackbeluga.javeaturistica.com
Me and Edward visited Black Beluga with my sister Lisa who recommended the burgers straight away. The menu also includes tapas, fish, other meat dishes and a section titled "You will like". From that section I had layers of violet jelly, goats cheese, aubergine and bread which was really gorgeous and unusual. Edward ate burgers at most of the restaurants but he reckons the one from here was one of the best. Because Black Beluga is situated along the Arenal it has a sea view, but the decor isn't as special as other restaurants.
Cap D'Or, Moraira
Food: C
Service: D
Atmosphere: C-
We really struggled to choose a restaurant in Moraira. They all seemed to be pretty samey. We settled on Cap D'Or because it was busy - always a good sign right? Meh, not so much in this case. The food took a while to come, we had to ask several times for condiments, then the bill took so long to arrive we considered leaving without it. So service wise, this wasn't the best. The food itself wasn't bad, but not good enough to make me want to go out of my way to visit again.
Carnaval, Javea Arenal
Food: A
Service: D
Atmosphere: A-
Website: www.carnavalcafe.com
Carnaval is another favourite from my time living in Spain. Despite countless renovations the menu has stayed the same featuring cocktails, mexican and sushi, amongst other dishes. The fajitas were divine, so we visited a second time where the food was equally good. However, after our meal had been brought out the service went downhill on both visits. Although the restaurant was never that busy, the staff only seemed to have eyes for new customers. We were not asked if we wanted any extra drinks or food when we had been sat at an empty table for half an hour after our main meals, and it proved difficult to get the staff's attention. Our dessert did get forgotten about however the staff were very apologetic and did give it to us for free. It was so delicious that we almost forgot how long it had taken to arrive (almost an hour, fyi). I would recommend if you aren't in a rush.
Champagne, Javea Arenal
Food: A
Service: B+
Atmosphere: B+
Website: www.javeacompany.com
The Javea Company owns Champagne, Acqua, La Siesta, La Boheme and Achill; the first three we visited. Champagne is always buzzing with people, is beautifully decorated, and serves as a bar as well as a restaurant. The food is consistently great. One of their stand-out dishes is chicken and chips with cheese and mushroom sauce. Their fruit smoothies and cocktails are also really good. The service is good despite how busy it can get, and is a popular venue for a night out as well as a meal.
La Plaza, Moraira
Food: C+
Service: B
Atmosphere: C-
We stumbled upon La Plaza whilst the Moors and Christians parade was happening down the high street in Moraira. This meant all the restaurants were pretty quiet - only three other tables were occupied here. Service was good, the pizza was big enough to share between us. The choice of pizzas on the menu was impressive too. We would probably go back but there are a lot of other Italian restaurants in Moraira to try out first.
La Siesta, Javea Port-Arenal Road
Food: A-
Service: B-
Atmosphere: A+
Website: www.siestajavea.com
We fell in love with La Siesta within seconds of walking through the door. Beautifully decorated, with different areas depending on whether you want to eat, drink or relax in the sun, La Siesta is a really gorgeous venue. It has steps that lead down onto a pebble beach meaning the sea is literally right by your side as you have your breakfast - something we did twice in three days. I only ordered a continental breakfast so I can't comment on the quality of their lunches and dinners, but if they're anything like the other restaurants the Javea Company own, they must be great.
L'Aigua, Javea Port-Arenal Road
Food: C+
Service: B
Atmosphere: B+
Website: www.facebook.com/laiguabeachclub
L'Aigua is a cheringuito (aka beach bar) on the main road between the Arenal and Javea Port. Good views of the sea (obviously) so a nice enough atmosphere. Lisa's partner Dougie Mack was dj-ing the evening we went for drinks which was a nice touch. Everyone did note that the alcohol measurements were rather stingy, but the drinks selection was decent and prices competitive.
Lupo, Javea Port-Arenal Road
Food: A
Service: A
Atmosphere: A
Website: www.facebook.com/restaurantelupojavea
We visisted Lupo at recommendation from Lisa. It was lunchtime and very quiet, but the service was quick and food absolutely delicious. I went for the goat's cheese with jam, not sure what to expect, but when I was presented with a whole goat's cheese, little crispbreads, salad and this gorgeous jam I was quite frankly amazed that I had not come up with the combination myself previously. I'm definitely going to return just for that over and over on subsequent trips and would recommend you do the same if tapas and small plate meals are your thing.
Smöoy, Javea Arenal
Food: A
Service: A
Atmosphere: A-
Website: www.smooy.com
Smöoy is one of many frozen yogurt places open along the Arenal. In a rather girly and shallow manner, I chose this one because of the pink decor (*hangs my head in shame*). It has a good selection of yogurt flavours, toppings and sauces as well as offering drinks. It's reasonably priced and the portions are generously sized. Plus the yogurts just look so cute!
Other places that I went to when I lived in the area and would recommend are:
El Elefante, Javea - I used to waitress here and the chef is amazing! The menu often changes and the owner is a perfectionist.
La Boheme, Javea Arenal - Also owned by the Javea Company, a good restaurant for date nights where the furniture is probably fancier than your outfit will be.
Nostro Cafe Costa, Javea Arenal - The closest you'll get to a Starbucks in the area with an insane flavour offering for milkshakes.
Tutto Frutto, Moraira - An ice cream parlour by the beach that has an incredible range of flavours including Amoretto, Nutella and Champagne.
Have you ever been to the Costa Blanca area or are planning a holiday there soon?
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