The toy-making town in Alicante that wins hearts with its cuisine: this is the town where you can eat best in Spain
Surely you too have felt that need to escape the hustle and bustle of the Alicante coast.
There's a corner of Alicante that's on everyone's lips in 2026. It's not just a place to relive childhood memories of dolls and trains, but the new temple of Spanish gastronomy. It's called Ibi, and if you haven't been yet, you're missing out on booking.
Ricardo Moltó's "obsession" that has conquered the Michelin Guide
In this town, nobody gives up. Just ask Ricardo Moltó. This chef from Ibi is a prime example of how perseverance pays off. After closing his old family business, he decided he couldn't throw in the towel. His new project has a name that's a clear statement of intent: Erre que Erre (Stubbornness).
The key fact: The tasting menu costs around 70 euros. A smart investment for an experience that, in any capital city, would cost you twice as much.
This restaurant, already an open secret among the most discerning foodies, has achieved the unthinkable this year. It has added a Michelin star and a brand-new Repsol Sun to its trophy cabinet. This is recognition of a cuisine that leaves nothing to chance and that, above all, respects the produce of the l'Alcoià region.
Delicacies between the countryside and the sea: What do you eat in Ibi?
Moltó's concept is a sensory journey. Here, you come to savor the landscape. Imagine starting with a melt-in-your-mouth anchovy croquette, or a poached oyster that plays with the contrast of cherry caviar. It's pure visual and gustatory magic.
But what will truly blow your mind is the sagí. It's lard seasoned with the oil from the legendary local pericana, infused with thyme and rosemary from the Carrascal de la Fuente Roja. It's served with a raisin and walnut bread that is, quite simply, addictive. (Be warned: you'll want seconds, and we won't judge you.)
For those seeking the pure essence, the dried pepper salad with shredded cod remains the star of the menu. It's the classic taste of Ibi, elevated to its full potential thanks to the technique of a chef who was a right-hand man at the iconic Monastrell restaurant.
Ibi: Much more than a toy paradise
Ibi is known worldwide as the Toy Town. Strolling through its streets is like rediscovering your inner child. The Valencian Toy Museum is a must-see, as is the amazing Vintage Arcade Museum, a sanctuary for retro video game lovers that will transport you back to the 80s in an instant.
But there are more secrets hidden in the shadow of Mount Teixereta. Ibi is also a land of artisan ice cream makers. Its history is intertwined with the cold and snow, something you can discover by visiting the old snow wells in the Sierra de Biscoi. It's the perfect contrast: manufacturing and wild nature just 27 kilometers from the coast.
Parties that are veritable (flour) battles
If you're planning your visit, mark these dates on your calendar. In September, the city transforms with the Moors and Christians festival, a historical reenactment of the Reconquista that will give you goosebumps. But if you're looking for something truly unique, you have to come on April Fools' Day.
Every December 28th, Ibi celebrates "Els Enfarinats." An epic battle where rotten eggs and flour are the only weapons. It's a visual spectacle that always ends in agreement and, of course, with a good meal. It's the essence of a town that knows how to work, but above all, knows how to enjoy life.
Expert tip: Don't leave without climbing to the Hermitage of Santa Lucía. The views of the Foia de Castalla valley are the perfect ending to your getaway.
Ibi is the perfect destination for your Instagram feed and your stomach this weekend. It's authentic, it's delicious, and it has that touch of nostalgia we all crave sometimes. Ultimately, choosing this town to get lost in is undoubtedly the smartest decision you can make today. See you there?
