Altea's seafood restaurants line the promenade below the old town, mostly reliable and aimed at an international clientele. For better value and more local character, explore the side streets of the new town or climb into the old quarter where a handful of places serve good regional food.
The local speciality is rice dishes — arròs a banda (rice cooked in fish stock, served separately from the fish), and various fideuà (noodles instead of rice). Fresh catch off the day boats is usually available on the seafront strip.