GASTRONOMY
Dénia: “Creative City of Gastronomy”. This title has been given in 2015 by UNESCO and is very well deserved. The city centre and the ports of Dénia are full of high quality restaurants where fresh and local products are to be found. There are more than 400 restaurants in Dénia. The gastronomic sector is inspired by the typical Mediterranean diet. Dénia is well known for it´s unique ‘Gamba de Dénia’, Arroz a banda (a type of seafood paella) and sea urchins. Dishes like dried octopus, espencat (grilled vegetables) and suquet de peix (seafood stew) are also not to be missed. As you may have already noticed, a real food lover will be on cloud nine in Dénia.
Els Magazinos
In April 2019 a true food Walhalla has opened its doors in Dénia: Els Magazinos. This unique street with great ambience is located in the Baix la Mar area. A district near the harbour with a lot of history. The market is over 3000 m2 and has more than 20 shops, restaurants and bars offering a great variety of food and drinks. You could try classic tapas dishes in a modern jacket, or other dishes like a Pokébowl, some fresh pasta, Lebanese food, sushi or a waffle with ice cream for example. You´re probably already convinced to check Els Magazinos out one day, but what makes it even better, is that it opens every day from 9AM. Perfect for those who want to enjoy the Mediterranean habits at any time of the day.
Quique Dacosta
If you are looking for a high-end culinary experience, the Quique Dacosta restaurant is the perfect place to go to. Multiple award and Michelin star winner Quique Dacosta is one of the leaders of avant-garde cuisine in Spain. Having dinner at the 3 Michelin star Quique Dacosta restaurant will guarantee a unique culinary experience with flavours that will blow your mind. Although the variation is quite diverse, Dacosta uses only locally sourced ingredients from within 75 km of his restaurant. The Quique Dacosta restaurant is located at Las Marinas km2, near Dénia city centre.
International Creative Cuisine Competition of the Red Prawn of Dénia
Every year in springtime the Municipal Market of Dénia hosts the International Creative Cuisine Competition of the Red Prawn of Dénia. The competition is organised by the Department of Tourism of the Ajuntament de Dénia. There are eight chefs who will compete for three prizes. On the day of the contest, each participant will provide the necessary products for the preparation of the eleven rations to be presented. The organization, courtesy of the Fishermen’s Association of Dénia, will provide the red shrimp to each of the finalists for the production of their recipe. The competition is aimed at professional chefs, pays homage to the Red Shrimp of Dénia and enables the launch and promotion of young chefs who are committed to creative cuisine.