Paellas and rice dishes in Altea
Paellas and rice dishes to share, facing the Mediterranean
On Altea's seafront promenade, La Tablería makes paellas and rice dishes to order: paella de marisco, paella mixta, arroz a banda, arroz del señoret and arroz negro. Bomba rice, homemade stock and a slow flame.
Rice, in the land of rice
We're in the province of Alicante, an hour from Valencia: here rice is not just another dish, it's a culture. A good rice dish asks for three things: arroz bomba, which absorbs the stock without overcooking; a homemade stock made with rockfish, ñora peppers and patience; and a slow flame, no shortcuts.
All our rice dishes are cooked to order, minimum two people, in around 30 minutes: no need to order ahead. The perfect plan: a board of tapas to start while the rice cooks, with the Mediterranean as your backdrop.
Note: there's no need to pre-order your rice: order a board to start and in around 30 minutes the paella arrives at the table.
Which one to choose? A little guide
Paella de marisco: the promenade classic: prawns, langoustine, mussels and clams on full show, for those who enjoy peeling and dipping bread.
Paella mixta: the middle ground that pleases the whole table: sea and land in the same pan.
Arroz a banda: seafaring and essential: dry rice cooked in a stock of fresh-market fish, served with alioli. The purists' favourite.
Arroz del señoret: everything peeled, eaten with a spoon and without getting your hands dirty: hence the name.
FAQ
Questions about our paellas
Where to eat paella in Altea by the sea?
At La Tablería, on Altea's seafront promenade (C/ Conde de Altea), with a terrace right on the waterfront railing. The dining room looks straight out over the Mediterranean, so the rice is served with the bay as a backdrop. Booking recommended in season, especially for lunch.
What's the minimum number of people for a rice dish?
Two people. Rice dishes are priced per person, as is customary in the area, and the paella pan is served whole in the middle of the table so everyone can help themselves.
How long does a paella take?
About 30 minutes, because it's cooked to order and we never start from pre-cooked rice. The perfect plan: a tapas board to start while the rice is on the stove, so the wait becomes part of the enjoyment rather than something to endure.
Do I need to order paella in advance?
No: our rice dishes are cooked to order with no advance notice needed, unlike many restaurants in the area that require rice to be booked hours ahead. Allow about 30 minutes' preparation, minimum two people.
Are there gluten-free options?
Rice is naturally gluten-free; let us know about any allergy or intolerance when booking and we'll confirm the safe options based on the stock and ingredients of each rice dish. (Allergen information pending final confirmation.)
Is it far to come from l'Albir or Calpe for paella?
No: from Albir Beach it's about a 10-minute drive along the N-332, and from Calpe a quarter of an hour along the scenic coast road. Many of our guests come from both towns to enjoy rice dishes facing the sea in Altea.
¿Cuál es la diferencia entre paella de marisco, arroz a banda y arroz del señoret?
La paella de marisco lleva el marisco a la vista (gamba, cigala, mejillón, almeja); el arroz a banda es arroz seco cocido en caldo de pescado, sin ingredientes visibles, servido con alioli aparte; y el arroz del señoret es como el arroz a banda pero con todo el marisco ya pelado, para comer con cuchara sin ensuciarse las manos.
¿Se puede pedir paella para un grupo grande o un cumpleaños?
Sí: para grupos a partir de 8-10 personas recomendamos llamar o escribir por WhatsApp con antelación para organizar las paelleras y el espacio en terraza, aunque el arroz en sí se sigue preparando al momento el día de la comida.
Your table by the sea is waiting
La Tablería · C/ Conde de Altea, 30, 03590 Altea· +34 965 84 51 12
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