TAPAS ALLEY BENIDORM - Had enough of pie and chips? Craving something authentically Spanish? Then make your way to Tapas Alley — a lively street packed wall-to-wall with tapas bars, each serving delicious, high-quality Spanish small plates.
Where is it?
Tapas Alley is located in Benidorm’s Old Town, officially stretching from Plaza de la Constitución along Santo Domingo Street.
How to Get There:
If you're taking a taxi or asking for directions, just mention the Royal Queens Hotel — it's right opposite the entrance to Tapas Alley La Cava Aragonesa (click here for interactive map).
Tapas, Pinchos & Montaditos – What’s the Difference?
Tapas have evolved over the years and vary by region — especially in places like Tapas Alley in Benidorm, where the selection is vast and beautifully presented (some dishes truly look like little works of art!).
Many visitors use the word tapas to describe all small Spanish snacks — but officially, they fall into three main categories: tapas, pinchos, and montaditos.
Tapas:
The most traditional form — often served in small terracotta dishes, either hot or cold. These are meant to be eaten with a fork or spoon and are typically shared.
Pinchos or Pintxos
Originating from northern Spain, especially the Basque Country, these are small bites skewered with a toothpick. The word “pincho” comes from the Spanish for spike — which describes how they’re served.
Montaditos
More common in southern Spain, montaditos are small slices of bread topped with various ingredients — from cheese and ham to anchovies or roasted peppers.
They’re usually served cold, though sometimes you'll find them with a toothpick to help keep everything in place!
Basically, they are all tapas ie small portions of food.
Learn more about the different tapas dishes HERE
Tapas Alley Benidorm - Timing is Everything – When to Eat Tapas in Spain
Spaniards eat much later than many visitors are used to. To experience tapas like a local, aim for these times:
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Lunchtime Tapas: Between 13:30 and 15:00
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Evening Tapas: After 20:30
Arrive too early and you’ll likely be surrounded by tourists — or sitting in an empty bar. But if you wait for Spanish dining hours, you’ll enjoy a more authentic atmosphere, bustling with locals.
How to order
The first thing to do is check whether you can order tapas at the tables. In some places they only serve tapas at the bar, and you have to order raciones (large plates) at tables or out on the terrace.
Because bars are informal, and are often very busy, it is common to eat standing up at the bar or at small tables or even upturned barrels, and the atmosphere is convivial and noisy.
The more rubbish on the floor the more popular the bar.
Once seated, don’t order everything at once. Many tapas are already prepared, and you could end up with 5-6 dishes arriving at once. Also, you may see something “walk by” that looks good, so best to start with just one or two tapas each and take it from there.
If they are all displayed in units, just point to what you like the look of, there is no need to worry about the Spanish names.
Paying for Tapas
The barman will usually run a tab for you, which is paid after you have finished eating. Some bars, where food and drinks are taken outside, charge with each round of tapas and drinks.
It is a general rule to tip 10% if you have been served at the table (and have had good service). If it´s only had a quick snack and a drink standing at the bar, then just leave the change.
History of Tapas
The word "tapas" is derived from the Spanish verb taper - meaning "to cover".
According to legend, the tapas tradition began when King Alfonso X recovered from an illness by drinking wine with small dishes between meals. After regaining his health, he ordered that taverns would not be allowed to serve wine unless it was accompanied by a small snack or "tapa".
The original tapas were slices of bread or meat which sherry drinkers in Andalucian taverns used to cover their glasses between sips to prevent fruit flies from hovering over the sweet sherry.
The meat used was normally ham or chorizo - which being very salty encouraged more drinking .... even back then the proprietors weren't daft - and so began the tradition of serving a variety of snacks which in turn increased alcohol sales!
Tapas Alley Benidorm - A few of the most popular bars:
TIP The messier the floor, the better the tapas.
Find lots of Tapas Bars here, complete with interactive maps, to help you find them.
La Cava Aragonesa
Busy and buzzing! Follow the sound of laughter and chatter and you'll find this lively tapas bar, always packed with locals — a sure sign of good food.
If you're new to tapas, this is a perfect starting point: all dishes are beautifully displayed with clear labels in both Spanish and English. For the full authentic experience, grab a seat at the bar and eat like the locals do.
The Aurrera Group
The Aurrera Group is one of the most established names in the area, with seven different restaurants on the same street — something for every taste. There’s a constant stream of both locals and tourists from midday until late, with the evenings especially lively.
Aurrera El Bodegón
A charming and atmospheric tapas restaurant bursting with character. Think dark wood, barrels of wine, and a true old-Spainish vibe. Grab a glass of Rioja, pick your tapa, and soak in the rustic ambiance.
Aurrera Sidrería
A bustling, ever-popular tapas spot. It’s always full — and for good reason. The energy is high, the food is fresh, and the cider flows freely.
Elizando Taberna
Typical Spanish Typically Spanish eaterie with choice of basic snacks or the 'extra' - Menu del Dia. And in a starring role... bread and sardines for 2.50? And the humble sardine tastes so good in the Med... how can you resist?
Bar Gaztelutxo
Small and cosy, with an authentic Basque feel, here the Tapas are more Spanish than sombreros.
Gambrinus
A hidden gem with great atmosphere This little place is a hidden gem, known mainly by the Spanish. It has a great atmosphere, cheap prices and delicious little tapas to keep you going. And the walls are dotted with photographs of old Benidorm before the tourism boom.
Braseria
This bijou tapas bar has now brought a modern, trendy space to Benidorm's 'tapas alley'.
Sit outside at the stylish tables and watch the world go by as you muse over the menu that's based around Argentinian dishes. Or step inside into air-conditioned splendour and be tempted by photos of the dishes flashing across Plasma screens.
If you love steak, you won't be disappointed, Argentinian meat is amongst the best in the world.
Meson Plaza Mayor
Charcoal grilled meat and lots of tapas. Conveniently located in Plaza Mayor (the main square), it’s the perfect spot to pause for a coffee while shopping.
But don’t let the casual exterior fool you — step inside and you’ll discover a mouth-watering selection of tapas and a massive charcoal grill, suspended over open flames. It’s a feast for the senses, especially if you love expertly grilled meats.
They also do a selection of meals partnered with selected wines.
General information on THE OLD TOWN and areas to visit
Find restaurants and bars in the old town listed in our Business Directory
