Restaurante Govana
A family-run gem in Alicante specializing in traditional cuisine, renowned for its hearty rice dishes and warm, inviting atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Restaurante Govana
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A family-run gem in Alicante specializing in traditional cuisine, renowned for its hearty rice dishes and warm, inviting atmosphere.
"Experience beautifully presented and fresh-tasting food with unique twists on traditional Spanish dishes."
Wine Value
Opt for a bottle of wine for better value than ordering by the glass.
Rice Dish Minimum
Rice dishes require a minimum of 2 people to order.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Traditional Alicante
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+34 965 21 82 50
Address
Pl. Dr. Gómez Ulla, 4, Bajo, 03013 Alacant, Alicante, Spain
Website
govana.net/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Signature Rice Dishes
Specializing in Alicante classics, their rice dishes like 'arroz pata de ternera' are a must-try for a hearty and flavorful experience.
Freshly Presented Food
Experience beautifully presented and fresh-tasting dishes, including unique twists on traditional Spanish cuisine.
Warm & Inviting Atmosphere
Enjoy a cozy ambiance with friendly staff, making it a welcoming spot for family heritage food.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wine Value
Opt for a bottle of wine for better value than ordering by the glass.
Rice Dish Minimum
Rice dishes require a minimum of 2 people to order.
Price Awareness
Check prices carefully; some items may be perceived as overpriced for the portion size.
Solo Dining Portions
If dining alone, clarify portion sizes and pricing for rice dishes to avoid surprises.
Tips
from all over the internet
Wine Value
Opt for a bottle of wine for better value than ordering by the glass.
Rice Dish Minimum
Rice dishes require a minimum of 2 people to order.
Price Awareness
Check prices carefully; some items may be perceived as overpriced for the portion size.
Solo Dining Portions
If dining alone, clarify portion sizes and pricing for rice dishes to avoid surprises.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Restaurante Govana is lauded for its beautifully presented and fresh-tasting traditional Alicante cuisine, particularly its specialty rice dishes. Diners appreciate the warm atmosphere and friendly staff. However, some reviews mention concerns about pricing and portion sizes, especially for solo diners, and a few have experienced less than ideal service from certain staff members.
"Everything is delicious.
Great staff, better food. Warm atmosphere and excellent service."
josete suarez
"Govana is an intimate restaurant near the Museo Arqueológico de Alicante. The food is very nicely presented and fresh tasting. The olives are divine. The ensalada de la casa is very good with a nice twist on the usual canned tuna as part of the salad. Here they offer sliced and cured tuna; Delicious and melts in the mouth. The gambas starter was again very tasty but for 8-9 shrimp the dish seemed over priced at 18€. For the main course we ordered the arroz con cerdo. To order any rice dish requires a minimum of 2 people. Be aware that the price on the menu is for 1 person, so it can get expensive quickly given the rice dishes begin around 15€. For dessert a flan was ordered and it was silky and lightly floating in a wonderful browned cane sugar sauce. I gave a three star review because it was quite expensive for typical dishes and not very friendly. They may assume more than they should about their guests. Finally, I recommend that one orders a bottle of wine over by the glass, most likely a better value, ( 4.80€ for a short pour of house wine). They have a good selection of wine from what I saw displayed."
SM R (Travelgirl176)
"I was nervous to enter at first as the restaurant looked very classy and we had a baby in a pram with us. However a member of staff even helped to carry the pram upstairs so I shouldn't have worried.
We had the croquettes, each of which was creamy and delicious and then for mains, the tuna and onion arroz and the castro arroz. Both were exceptional and I couldn't decide which I preferred. This place might be more expensive than other restaurants but it was well worth it and I would happily come back.
A final delight was the choice of music. Classic tunes from the 80's such as Eternal Flame by The Bangles made for a very nice atmosphere."
David Stewart
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The restaurant is particularly known for its traditional Alicante rice dishes, such as 'arroz pata de ternera'.
Rice dishes typically require a minimum of two people to order. It's advisable to clarify portion sizes and pricing if dining alone.
While the food is considered good quality, some reviewers find certain dishes to be a bit pricey or small for the cost.
The restaurant has a warm and inviting atmosphere. One reviewer mentioned staff assisting with a pram, indicating a welcoming approach.
Reviewers suggest that ordering a bottle of wine is likely a better value than by-the-glass options.
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Featured in these publications
The best restaurants in Alicante | EasyJet
Comfortably some of the best cocina tradicionale (traditional cooking) in town, chef-owner José López’s family-run spot right opposite the Museo Arqueológico de Alicante is known for its generous-sized portions of uncomplicated but still carefully finessed plates of Alicante classics. From conejo y caracoles (rabbit and snails) to pata de ternera (veal leg), rice is what to order here but, then again, that octopus…. Plaza Doctor Gómez Ulla 4govana.net
Gourmet Gorro - Cardiff food blog featuring restaurant reviews from Wales and beyond: A few great places to eat in Alicante 2025
This multi-award-winning family restaurant is a temple of rice. With its chintzy table-settings, dark wood furniture and marble floors, it’s got buckets of charm. Leg of veal rice (arroz pata de ternera) is a seriously meaty affair with a golden caramelised top.
Top 5 family friendly restaurants in Alicante
When coming to Alicante or Valencia, eating a paella is a must and Govana is a great option. Traditionally cooked and delicious. The menu is quite extensive if you want to try other typical Mediterranean dishes as well.
Restaurants in Alicante, Costa Blanca, Spain
Govana - Run by a friendly married couple, located in a lovely landscaped square. Its dining rooms, with select furnishings and an outstanding set-up, are distributed on two floors.
Restaurants in Alicante: The best places to eat
This Restaurant located in the same building as the Hotel Sol y Mar, so it shouldn't be confused with the hotel's own restaurant (
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