Traditional Spanish & Tapas: Head into Pilar de la Horadada town centre, especially around the main church square (Plaza de la Iglesia), to find authentic Spanish bars and restaurants. Enjoy the local custom of tapas – small plates perfect for sharing and trying different flavours.

Fresh Seafood: Being so close to the coast, fresh fish and seafood are staples. Many restaurants, especially along the promenades in Torre de la Horadada and Mil Palmeras, specialize in grilled fish, seafood paella (arroz a banda is a local favourite), and fried fish platters (fritura de pescado). Dining with sea views is a must-do experience!

Beachfront Chiringuitos: As mentioned, the beach bars aren't just for drinks. Many offer surprisingly good food menus, focusing on fresh salads, grilled fish, burgers, and snacks – perfect for a casual lunch without leaving the beach atmosphere.

International Cuisine: You'll also find plenty of pizzerias, some Asian restaurants, and options catering to Northern European tastes, especially in the more tourist-focused areas like Mil Palmeras and along the coast.

Local Markets: Don't miss the weekly market in Pilar de la Horadada (usually Friday mornings, but always check locally as days can change). It's a vibrant place to buy incredibly fresh fruit and vegetables, local cheeses, olives, nuts, spices, as well as clothes, crafts, and household goods. Markets in nearby towns occur on other days.

Mount Everest Restaurant (India, Asian)
Location: C. Mayor, 134, 03190 Pilar de la Horadada, Alicante, Spain
Why We Love It: We absolutely love Mount Everest – it's a fantastic,  restaurant serving truly exceptional and authentic Indian cuisine right here in Pilar! Honestly, the quality of the food is just fantastic every time we go. It's definitely the place we recommend if you're looking for genuine Indian flavors. They do an incredible job with their lamb dishes – some say the best they've ever had! – and also offer a great selection of vegan, vegetarian, and soup options. It's just a brilliant place whether you fancy dining in or grabbing a takeaway. Judging by the amazing reviews it gets, we're not the only ones who think it's exceptional!

Nostrissima (Italian)
Location: C. Mayor, 60, 03190 Pilar de la Horadada, Alicante, Spain
Why We Love It: Nostrissima has clearly captured the hearts (and stomachs) of many in Pilar de la Horadada, and it's easy to see why. The consistently high ratings and the sheer volume of positive feedback speak volumes about the restaurant's ability to deliver a satisfying dining experience. We especially love the emphasis on creating a welcoming atmosphere, with reviewers frequently mentioning the "warm and welcoming interior" and the "romantic" yet "family-friendly" terrace. The dedication to excellent service is also a major draw, with the "friendly" and "attentive" staff consistently earning high praise. And of course, the food! The "generous and very tasty portions" of Italian-inspired dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients, make for a truly enjoyable meal. While the prices might be a tad higher than some other options, the overall consensus is that Nostrissima offers excellent value for money , making it a place we'd happily recommend and return to.