A Spanish bar with character

Nou Manolín has been around since 1971 and is known for its long bar, where an impressive display case filled with shrimp, gamba roja, crayfish, and oysters immediately catches your eye as soon as you walk in.

On the ground floor, you can eat at the bar, where you can order small dishes and tapas. If you’d rather sit at a table, you can go to the dining room on the first floor. The atmosphere there is a bit more relaxed, and there’s more space.

What You Must Try Here

At Nou Manolín, it’s all about fresh ingredients, prepared simply and well:

• Croquetas – crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside;

• Pulpito a la brasa – small grilled octopus;

• Arroz meloso del día – a creamy rice dish with fish or meat, different every day;

• Fresh tapas made with whatever was available at the market that morning;

• Almond nougat soufflé with chocolate ice cream—the dessert you have to order here;

• A glass of wine or vermouth to go with it, just as you’d expect at a Spanish bar.

You can easily eat here for less than €100 per person—and it’s often much cheaper if you stick to just a few tapas.

Practical tips for your visit

• Location: downtown Alicante, within walking distance of the main things to do;

• Reservations: Not always necessary for the bar itself, but when it’s busy, it doesn’t hurt to call ahead;

• Pair it with: perfect after a walk through Alicante’s historic center or a visit to Santa Bárbara Castle.

How ” Nou Manolín ” Was Chosen

The title “Best Bar in Spain” comes from GastroActitud, a gastronomic platform founded by José Carlos Capel (chairman of the Madrid Fusión culinary festival), in collaboration with the foodservice wholesaler Makro.

The list was compiled by a group of nine experts who pooled their regional knowledge to identify the 100 best affordable dining spots in Spain.

The goal was clear: to find outstanding quality that is affordable for any budget up to 100 euros per person. The nominated establishments were divided into 10 specific categories, after which, following intensive deliberation, 100 top locations remained, and a final winner was selected for each category.

The best chirinquito on the Costa Blanca

Would you rather be right on the beach? El Cranc in Altea was named the best chiringuito in Spain in the same guide.

Source: GastroActitud

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