La Claudia Restaurant

La Claudia has by far the best views of any restaurant in Altea, so if you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate a romantic evening, it’s an excellent choice (but make sure to call head and reserve a table out on the terrace). There is, of course, an interior dining room but the small and intimate terrace in the back overlooking the mountains, coast, and the glittering town of Alfaz del Pi is unbeatable.

As far as the food goes, it’s modern Spanish with a few international nods. My favorite dish was our appetizer: grilled octopus salad with bacon, green apple, arugula, and a ginger and cilantro-spiked mayonnaise. It was fresh and savory and the contrasting textures of the soft octopus and crispy bacon and apples was incredible. Then, I got the “arroz meloso” (think of it like a more liquid Spanish version of a risotto) with grilled duck breasts which was tasty if a tad bland and finally, the unbelievably decadent dessert: fine laminates of caramelized pineapple stuffed with generous portions of thick whipped cream, and topped with honey. After one bite, my wife and I both looked at each other with that wide-eyed “oh my God…this is good” face. They have a good but slightly over-priced wine list mainly featuring wines from Alicante and Catalonia.

La Claudia has been the restaurant of reference in Altea’s old town for years, both in terms of the originality of the menu as well as the terrace, which is one of the best in town.

The interior of the restaurant is surprisingly cozy. The tables aren’t too close together and you can usually reserve an intimate corner table if you call ahead of time. The menu is made up of dishes cooked in the French “bistro” style, with the daily options written in chalk on the walls. The menu often changes, but the waiters are always ready to help you with recommendations. However, the impressive terrace is definitely the selling point. There’s no better place to be in summer.

I still recall the supper I had at this restaurant. Apart from great views, the food and wine choice is amazing. We ordered as a tomatoes plate as a started that was prepared in some secret way - they were melting in my mouth. I'd never had something like this before. The main course was equally good, very modern cuisine. We couldn't resist ordering desert! One of the best restaurants I have been to without overpaying! :)

Surprising cuisine, great wine selection, good service, unbeatable atmosphere. It deserves a 9. The only criticism: you have to make reservations in advance in summer if you want a table on the terrace. The terrace is almost “excessively” taken advantage of. But I truly recommend it.