🍶 A Little Piece of the Basque Country in the Heart of the Mediterranean
Taberna Pikapote is the best-rated restaurant in Alcossebre and one of the great gastronomic surprises of the Castellón coast. It was born in 2010 at the hands of José Mari, a Basque chef in love with the Mediterranean who, together with Ana, Asier and Alba, shaped a project with a very clear identity: to bring the culinary culture of the Basque Country to Alcossebre without giving up the best produce of the Valencian land and sea. From that fusion came its motto, "the Basque who makes paellas", which perfectly sums up the soul of the house: Basque technique and taste applied to rice and Mediterranean flavours.
Located on Paseo Jaime Roda, right in the centre of Alcossebre and a few metres from the beach, Taberna Pikapote combines a large terrace —one of the liveliest corners of the town during the summer— with a warm and welcoming indoor dining room. Its cuisine is built on fresh, seasonal produce: fish from the market, vegetables from the Maestrazgo market gardens and meats from inland Castellón, treated with care and without artifice. The result is an informal but high-level offering, recognised with a Solete from the Repsol Guide and adored equally by locals and visitors.
💬 Reviews: Number 1 in Alcossebre
Taberna Pikapote's ratings are exceptional. On Google it holds a 4.7 out of 5 with more than 1,100 reviews, and on TripAdvisor it boasts a 4.6 out of 5 that places it as the number 1 restaurant in Alcossebre, ahead of more than 80 establishments. Few venues in the area gather such consensus among local and tourist clientele alike.
What do diners highlight? Three names come up again and again in their reviews: the homemade ham croquettes, the Valencian paella and the squid. Also the grilled octopus, a regular among the most ordered tapas. Alongside the food, the team's service is the other great praise: warm, attentive and efficient even on the busiest nights. Many visitors also underline the excellent value for money for the level on offer.
The only "drawback" that appears in the reviews is a direct consequence of its success: in high season it is very hard to get a table without a booking. The regulars' advice is clear: book several days in advance in July and August, or turn up early to have a chance at one of the free tables on the terrace.
🍴 What to Order at Pikapote
If it is your first visit, there are several must-haves. Start with the homemade croquettes and a good sharing board; follow with the grilled octopus and the squid, two of the most celebrated tapas; and do not leave without trying one of their rice dishes, with the Valencian paella as the great emblem of the house. The menu changes partly with the season and the produce available, so the best thing is to let the front-of-house team advise you.
Taberna Pikapote offers a terrace, takeaway and delivery service, wifi, wheelchair access and free on-street parking. In the summer season it opens Tuesday to Sunday, roughly from 13:30 to 16:00 and from 20:30 to 23:30, and closes on Mondays; out of season it is worth confirming hours and availability. To book, the quickest way is to call 964 41 29 02 or write to info@pikapote.com.