I still remember that sweltering July afternoon in Alicante back in 2019, when the sun was beating down on Postiguet Beach like it had a personal grudge. I'd just hauled myself out of the Mediterranean, skin prickling with salt, towel slung over my shoulder, and all I could think about was fish and chips. Not some fancy paella with saffron threads that cost a king's ransom—no, I wanted that greasy, golden comfort of batter-crusted cod, thick chips soaked in vinegar, and a side of mushy peas that hit you right in the nostalgia.
Alicante, this vibrant Costa Blanca gem, pulses with Spanish soul: tapas bars spilling onto cobbled streets, castle ruins glowering from the hill, and locals sipping horchata under orange trees. But scratch the surface, and you'll find a thriving British expat scene that's planted fish and chips flags all over town. Fast-forward to my latest jaunt in 2025, scouting ahead for 2026 vibes, and it's clear: where to find the best fish and chips in Alicante has only improved. More craft beers, fresher cod sourced daily, and that perfect crunch evading imitators.
Why Alicante's Fish and Chips Scene Shines in 2026
What makes Alicante's offerings stand out? It's the collision of British tradition with Spanish flair. Cod from the North Sea, battered on-site, fried in peanut oil for shatter-glass crispness, served with chips cut from real potatoes—not those frozen abominations. The old town's alleys hum with fryer sizzle, beachside spots catch sea breezes, making every bite a reward. I've pounded these pavements over a dozen trips, from hungover mornings to sunset feasts. Top fish and chips restaurants in Alicante evolve yearly. Prices? €10-15, a steal versus London's markup. With tourism booming post-Valencia Olympics buzz, expect queues but top quality.
1. Norton's Irish Bar – Old Town Anchor
My hunt starts in Casco Antiguo, where I first stumbled into Norton's Irish Bar on Calle Capitán Segarra, 10, 03004 Alicante—right off Rambla de Méndez Núñez after my mate Dave dragged me there post-Santa Bárbara Castle hike. Open daily 11 AM–1 AM (kitchen to midnight), it's a dimly lit warren of wooden beams, peeling Guinness posters, and a crowd that's half expats nursing pints, half locals who've made it home.
The fish and chips? Monumental. Hulking haddock or cod fillet, feather-light batter armor-thick, steaming on a wooden board with triple-cooked chips staying crisp under vinegar, vibrant minted mushy peas. €12.50 vanishes fast—I once inhaled doubles after a 10km beach run, leaving greasy fingerprints on my phone. Owner Mick, a Dubliner, uses his grandad's 1960s recipe tweaked with Spanish olive oil. TripAdvisor's 4.7 stars (2,000+ reviews) back it as one of Alicante's finest. Pro tip: Window seat for people-watching; five minutes from Melia Alicante. Friday loo queues? Part of the charm.
2. The Thirsty Barge – Fish and Chips Near Postiguet Beach
Wandering seaward to Postiguet Beach promenade, hit The Thirsty Barge at Muelle de Poniente, 1, 03001 Alicante—wedged in the marina's pub row. Open 12 PM–2 AM (fries till 11 PM), terrace glows with fairy lights, wicker chairs under awnings.
I found it during a 2023 storm, sheltering with Estrella and crispy batter bliss. €11 cod platter: flaky fish, golden outside/milky inside, chunky Maris Piper chips dusted smoked sea salt, thick tartar, "barge special" curry sauce (purist blasphemy, personal guilty pleasure post-surf). Sarah sources from Denia's dawn auctions. 4.6 Google stars (1,500 reviews). Sea view priceless despite rowdy sailors; pair with house ale for beach crawls.
3. Maureen's Bar – Traditional Gem in Alicante Old Town
In the old town's labyrinth on Calle San Rafael, 4, 03002 Alicante, Maureen's is a hole-in-the-wall after I missed my Elche bus, hangry. Noon–midnight daily, happy hour fries 5–7 PM. Maureen, Blackpool firecracker, insists on "proper chips."
€10.90 hake/cod in crackling beer batter, fluffy hand-cut chips, minty peas, pickled onions that bite. Cozy chaos: darts, Oasis, Premier League debates over Mahou. I bet a Spaniard €5 our batter beat his abuela's croquetas—he lost, we split seconds. Best value in Alicante; 4.8 stars (800+ reviews). Corner banquette for festival views; slow taps on match days mean chats with characters like Jimmy the DJ.
4. The Blackbird Pub – Victorian Elegance
Near Explanada on Avenida Maisonnave, 28, 03010 Alicante, open 11 AM–2 AM (kitchen to 1 AM). Stained glass, faux fire amid 35°C swelter—post-taberna crawl skepticism melted at platefall.
€13.50 plaice filleted tableside, sparkling water batter for lift, ridged chips, velvety buttered peas, house caper tartar. Pea fritters genius. 4.7 stars (1,200 reviews); Tom (ex-Manchester) fried 50 during rugby unflappable. "Chip challenge" (doubles no cutlery)—I tapped out greasy-chinned. Pint under €20 total; street noise fixed by ale.
5. The Fox – Speakeasy Innovation Near Central Market
Capping near Central Market at Calle Alfonso X El Sabio, 10, 03002 Alicante, 12 PM–1 AM. Fox motifs, leather booths, low jazz—tipped by Benidorm cabbie post-chorizo mosey.
€12.20 sustainable Galician cod, pimentón-spiced batter smoky twist, feather-light chips, lemon-zest peas, grilled lemon cutting grease. Aromas waft blocks. 4.6 stars (900 reviews); lunch special steals. Spilled peas on white shirt? Barmaid stitched it up. Thrives with 2026 market boom.
Plan Your Alicante Fish and Chips Adventure
This odyssey meanders sun-baked streets, bridging cultures. From Norton's grit to The Fox's finesse, these top 5 deliver crisp, hearty bliss for 2026—beach-hops or castle-climbs, seek 'em. Stomach and stories thank you.
- Best for portions: Norton's
- Best beach view: Thirsty Barge
- Best value: Maureen's
- Best ambiance: Blackbird
- Best twist: The Fox
