Por Manu Buffara.
1 / 10

Restaurante J.Manu

4.6
·491k reviews·,

A true Benidorm gem, this restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine, specializing in exceptional paella and warm hospitality. Don't miss the homemad...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Wed/Fri 18-21h

Blue hour photography, calmer galleries

CrowdLow
Por Manu Buffara.

Restaurante J.Manu

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A true Benidorm gem, this restaurant offers authentic Spanish cuisine, specializing in exceptional paella and warm hospitality. Don't miss the homemade alioli!

4.6
(491k reviews)

"This is simply the best eatery that I have ever had the good fortune to step foot into."

TIP

Cash Only

Remember to bring cash for your meal, as this establishment is cash-only.

Off-Peak Visits

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.

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Quick Facts

Closed·Opens 7:30PM

Cuisine

Spanish, Mediterranean

Price

Mid-range

Phone

+34 659 77 94 66

Address

C/de la Palma, 15, 03501 Benidorm, Alicante, Spain

Insta-Factor

Medium

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Best Paella in Benidorm

Best Paella in Benidorm

Experience authentic, flavorful paella, including vegetarian options, praised as the best in Benidorm and beyond.

⭐ The 6 best paellas in BenidormGoogle Review+3
Exceptional Sangria & Alioli

Exceptional Sangria & Alioli

Enjoy expertly made sangria, even sharing the recipe, and homemade alioli that's been called the best ever.

Google Review+2
Hidden Gem with Warm Hospitality

Hidden Gem with Warm Hospitality

A modest exterior hides a welcoming atmosphere with attentive staff who make guests feel right at home.

Google Review+2
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Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Cash Only

Remember to bring cash for your meal, as this establishment is cash-only.

Off-Peak Visits

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.

Don't Judge by Decor

Focus on the exceptional food quality and service, as the decor is modest.

Engage with Staff

Friendly staff are happy to help with special requests or provide recommendations.

Tips

from all over the internet

Cash Only

Remember to bring cash for your meal, as this establishment is cash-only.

Off-Peak Visits

Visit during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.

Don't Judge by Decor

Focus on the exceptional food quality and service, as the decor is modest.

Engage with Staff

Friendly staff are happy to help with special requests or provide recommendations.

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Diners rave about Restaurante J. Manu, consistently calling it a 'hidden gem' with the best paella in Benidorm and outstanding hospitality. While the unassuming exterior and simple decor might be overlooked, the authentic flavors, fresh ingredients, and warm service create an unforgettable dining experience. Most guests highly recommend it, though one reviewer found it a 'gastronomic disappointment' due to perceived lack of choice and high cost.

"A beautiful dinner. Was skeptical at first given the building, but trusted past reviews and went in for my favourite meal during my stay. In particular, I enjoyed the vegetarian paella (very hard to find in Benidorm as Spanish people seem to think fish/chicken are vegetables!). You are getting great value for your money here and the place isn’t rammed with loud tourists. A real local gem!"

Rafael Campos

"Stumbled across this place whilst exploring the old town the previous day. And what a find it turned out to be. The term hidden gem is often overused, however in this case it is entirely justified. We nearly didn't enter as the restaurant was empty, but based on the previous reviews we took the plunge and I am so happy we did. As soon as we entered we were made to feel very welcome and soon felt right at home. The host, I think his name is Alex, sorry but we didn't ask, was fantastic, helpful and great fun. We ordered meatballs and grilled cuttlefish for starters and we're persuaded to try the bread and aioli which is made in house, all of it was fantastic. We had the arroz negro (paella prepared with squid ink) for our main, expertly prepared fresh by the chef, I think he is Manu. The food here is amazing and I think you would be hard pressed to find better in Benidorm. Extremely good value for money as well. The decor is plain and rustic, nothing fancy, but the food and service are outstanding. Places like this deserve to be supported, an empty restaurant shouldn't always be bypassed. If you're in Benidorm, please give it a try, I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
All the best, Peter and Patrick x"

Peter Barnard

"You can't go to Benidorm without a visit to this hidden gem. It is located down a side street in the Old Town and looks totally inconspicuous from the outside, but inside the decor is welcoming and authentically Spanish and the place is really clean. The owners were friendly ,welcoming and attentive . one of us is a vegetarian and they offered to make a tartare sauce from scratch that was completely vegetarian and was delicious. This was followed by a tasty and filling vegetable paella. The sangria was fresh, the owner even told us his recipe so we could make it ourselves when we got home . All in all this was one of the highlights of our holiday and we will definitely return."

Steve Booth

What People Like

Incredible paella and rice dishes
Warm, welcoming hospitality
Homemade alioli and sangria

What People Dislike

Modest decor/exterior
One review cited a lack of choice and high price

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, many reviewers describe it as a 'hidden gem' with excellent food and hospitality, despite its unassuming exterior.

⭐ The 6 best paellas in BenidormGoogle Review+2

The paella is frequently cited as the best in Benidorm, with vegetarian options also highly recommended. The homemade alioli is also a must-try.

Google Review+5

No, the restaurant is cash only. It's advised to bring cash for your meal.

Google Review

Yes, they offer a delicious vegetarian paella and can accommodate other special requests.

Google Review+2

Absolutely! Several reviewers visited when the restaurant was empty and were delighted with the food and service, urging others to give it a try.

Google Review+1

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The best paella

⭐ The 6 best paellas in Benidorm

Appearances can be deceiving, don’t be surprised by the place, although it’s a bit old, it’s a very good paella restaurant. Small restaurant in the centre of Benidorm. A lot of hand with the rice dishes, one of the best rice dishes in Benidorm, the black rice and the mixed paella, very tasty.

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Holiday Extras

Best places to eat in Benidorm

Amigos Bistro, Taita, La Cofradia and Restaurante J Manu are just three other eateries at which you can expect to find delicious local cuisine on the menu.

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