A Alicante institution since 1970 serving classic local dishes. Famous for its outstanding rice dishes, including 'arroz a banda' and 'arroz con bogavante', plus excellent fried fish.
Restaurante Piripi is a well-established Alicante institution, trading since 1970 on Carrer d'Oscar Esplá near the heart of the city's commercial district. Over five decades, Piripi has become one of the defining addresses for traditional Alicantino cooking in the province — a restaurant where local families celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, and where visiting food writers and travel writers come to understand what the regional kitchen truly tastes like when done with care and consistency. The menu is an authoritative tour of the Alicante rice tradition: arroz a banda — rice cooked in concentrated fish stock until each grain is swollen with flavour, traditionally served with alioli — is the restaurant's signature and is widely regarded as one of the most faithful versions in the city. Arroz con bogavante (lobster rice) is the luxury interpretation of the same craft. Fritura mixta — a mixed plate of battered and fried local fish and shellfish — is a reliable second-course alternative for those who prefer something lighter than a full rice dish. The dining room is spacious and comfortable without pretension, and service is professional and efficient. Open daily for lunch and dinner, Piripi accommodates groups and families as readily as couples. Reservations are recommended.
Good to know
- Reservations
- Recommended
Location
C/ d'Oscar Esplá, 30, 03003 Alicante
Highlights
- Alicante institution since 1970 — a benchmark for traditional Alicantino rice cookery
- Arroz a banda: fish-stock rice with alioli — the definitive house speciality and a regional masterpiece
- Arroz con bogavante (lobster rice) as the premium version of the same rice tradition
- Fritura mixta: mixed fried fish and shellfish as a classic Levantine alternative
- Large, comfortable dining room suited to groups, families, and celebratory lunches
Tips for visiting
- Arroz a banda is the essential order at Piripi — it is one of the city's best versions.
- The rice is cooked to order; expect a 20–25 minute wait after ordering.
- The alioli served with arroz a banda should be applied generously — it is an integral part of the dish.
- Book in advance for weekend lunch, which is often the busiest and most celebratory service.
- Fritura mixta is best ordered as a starter or second course alongside the rice for a full Alicantino meal.
Accessibility
Restaurante Piripi is in Alicante's flat commercial district on Carrer d'Oscar Esplá. The restaurant is on the ground floor with street-level entry. The spacious dining room is on one level and accessible for wheelchair users. The surrounding streets are flat and well-paved.
Frequently asked questions
What is arroz a banda?
Arroz a banda is a Valencian rice dish cooked in a rich fish stock ('caldo'). Unlike paella, the rice is the star — no meat or seafood is mixed into the pan. It is traditionally served with alioli and preceded by the fish that gave flavour to the stock.
Is Piripi appropriate for a special occasion?
Yes. Piripi is a go-to Alicante destination for celebrations. The professional service, comfortable room, and consistently high-quality food make it well suited to birthdays, anniversaries, and group lunches.
Does Piripi serve paella?
Piripi focuses on the Alicantino rice tradition rather than Valencian paella specifically. Arroz a banda and arroz con bogavante are the signature preparations. These are rice dishes in the same broad family as paella but distinct in technique and ingredient approach.
How long has Piripi been open?
Restaurante Piripi has been open since 1970, making it one of the longest-established restaurants in central Alicante with a consistent culinary identity.