Calpe Gastronomy

In Calpe, the sea is not just looked at, but also eaten. And it is eaten well. The cuisine here is Mediterranean, maritime, and unpretentious, with dishes that originated on boat decks or neighborhood kitchens and continue to be served as they were then, with flavor, substance, and just the right touch of sophistication.

Black Rice

A classic with character. It is prepared with cuttlefish or baby squid, natural squid ink, a good fish fumet, and sometimes saffron, ñora peppers, and tomato. It tastes of the sea, depth, and slow cooking.

It doesn’t stain your hands, but it stays in your memory.

Arròs del Senyoret

The most typical dish in Calpe. All the shellfish is peeled, which is why it’s called that: “gentleman’s rice,” because you don’t have to get messy. It includes baby squid, shrimp, mussels, crayfish, rockfish, and small fish, along with a gentle sofrito.

If you are going to order just one rice dish in Calpe, let it be this one.

Llauna de Calp

The most authentic dish. Potatoes, tomato, and fresh fish baked or cooked over direct heat. They used whatever was available at the fish market that day, such as hake, hake fillet, or any coastal fish. Today, it remains just as simple… and just as delicious.