The perfect location to get your Spanish food experience started: Restaurant El Bocaito (12. April 2024)
The El Bocaito is the perfect place to start your Spain experience – it opens (contrary to the information on Google) at 1pm (and not at noon), so I was actually lucky to arrive exactly there and then to get my experience as ‘the first customer in’. I went for the “boquerones a la andaluza” (EUR 11.00) as my first starter and I must say, I absolutely loved it. Sure, it’s basically crunchy fish and that’s it, but it was absolutely delicious crunchy fish.
The “pan cristal” comes as a side to the ham, but it is also good by itself.
However, I will always be in favour of some proper and tasty “Jamón Ibérico” (EUR 22.00) with some salted almonds. Frankly, it was great and I almost felt full right after it. But, of course, since I don’t live in Spain, I had to push through and go yet for another dish.
And as a main, I decided to go for the “lubina a la sal (al horno con su costra de sal)” (EUR 42.00) which was a sea bass prepared in a salt crust. And I like when they open it for you in front of your eyes …
… and ultimately you get it nicely plated and get to enjoy it to the fullest. The fish was fresh and rich, just perfect for a lunch.
The “veggies”, which were served with it were quite enjoyable too – fresh and nicely seasoned with garlic. Loved it.
Since another fish I originally wanted came with gambas, I had asked if I could get the “gambas al ajillo” (EUR 10.00) on the side to the main. And, of course, that was possible, and it was actually quite tasty. Sure, since you get the full shrimp, you have to peel it yourself, which is a bit messy and actually doesn’t leave you with too much to eat, but they were tasty.
The staff is friendly and attentive, making sure you have everything you wish for within no time. The interior of the place is nice and makes you feel like in a traditional Spanish taberna (which it is).
All in all, the El Bocaito seems to be a place for the locals, i.e., where you don’t see a lot of tourists, which is something I absolutely liked. However, given it turned quite busy around 2pm (when I was leaving), I would highly recommend you to book your table in advance.
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Contact Details:
Restaurant El Bocaito
Isabel La Católica 22, Entresuelo C
03007 Alicante (E)
Tel.: +34 96 59 22 630
E-Mail: elbocaito.restaurante@gmail.com
Homepage: http://www.elbocaito.com
About the Author: Sven
I started the blog in October 2009, while living in Milan which I definitely consider to be one of the food capitals of the world. I was in touch with food since my early childhood (as my father is a former chef). Whenever I can, I travel the world to discover new places, to meet people but mostly to try local dishes and to find hidden gems! If you know a place worth going, please drop a line to: info@thediningexperience.org.
Currently, I am a member of the following food-related associations: Chevalier @Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Zurich-Ville; Membre Gourmet Dégustateur @Ordre Mondial des Gourmets Dégustateurs [OMGD]; Gesellschafter @Goldener Fisch and Member @Slowfood Convivium Zurich City. 
