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Altea becomes Costa Blanca’s international food hub with 13 restaurants taking part in cuisine days

 

Altea / 5 May 2026

 

The coastal town of Altea is preparing to host the 3rd International Cuisine Days, running from May 8 to May 17, 2026, bringing global flavours, themed menus, and cultural events to the heart of the old town and seafront dining scene.

 

A global food journey across Altea

Thirteen restaurants across the municipality will take part, each offering specially designed menus inspired by cuisines from around the world, including:

• Japan and Nepal (Asian fusion and traditional dishes)
• Peru and Argentina (South American grills and ceviches)
• Italy (classic Mediterranean cuisine)
• Morocco (North African spice-led dishes)
• Germany and Austria (Central European comfort food)
• Brazil and Serbia (regional specialities and street-food style dishes)
• Russia and Ukraine (Eastern European traditional plates)

 

Local organisers say the goal is to turn Altea into a “walkable world food route” over ten days.

Participating restaurants

 

This year’s lineup includes:
El Pulpo, E-tika, Tío Ennio, Austriaco, Ombú, La Fornera, Terraza Oliva, Ristorante Zero81, Pinxos i Punt, Boteco del Bustamante, Melitón Jardín, El Tajín de Oro, and Himalaya Tandoori.

 

Each venue will offer a fixed international menu or themed tasting experience at set prices.

Growing reputation as a food destination

 

According to organisers from AHEA (host restaurant association), Altea’s dining scene has seen strong growth in recent years, with increasing interest from both tourism and expat communities.

 

Local officials say events like this strengthen Altea’s position alongside other Costa Blanca gastronomy hotspots such as Benidorm and Alicante city.

 

More than food: culture and atmosphere

Beyond dining, the event will include:

• Live music and cultural performances
• Themed tastings and product showcases
• Small cultural demonstrations reflecting participating countries

 

Previous editions have included dance performances, cooking showcases, and artisan product stands.

 

Prizes and incentives for visitors

Guests taking part in the event can enter prize draws, including restaurant meals, wine packs, and local product baskets.

 

Organisers say the aim is to encourage visitors to explore multiple venues rather than just one-off dining.

 

Wider Costa Blanca trend

This event is part of a broader regional push to promote gastronomy-led tourism across the Costa Blanca, where towns increasingly use food festivals to extend the tourist season beyond summer months.