This pedestrian street is actually called San Francisco, but it is known as Calle de Las Setas, because of its emblematic mushroom monuments, a fairytale location that even includes a little house that you can climb inside. Colourful by day and lively by night, the perfect place to take a selfie (its hashtag on social media is #Mushroomstreet)… and, of course, have some tapas.

History of Las Setas Street

The truth is that this street has not been without controversy. At the end of the 20th century, the street looked bleak, was poorly maintained and was full of illegal businesses and prostitution. However, at the beginning of the 21st century, the street began to be rehabilitated, illegal businesses were closed down and local businesses were fostered, which is why today it is full of taperías and shops.

To liven up the street, in 2013 the then mayor of Alicante, Sonia Castedo, decided to theme it by commissioning the Alicante bonfire artist José María Escriva with this original design. They look like bonfire monuments, don’t they? However, they are made of solid stone.

The fact was that the project cost €70,000 in total, which was criticised by some neighbours and the opposition political party. That is why the next mayor Gabriel Echávarri started a campaign to remove them. Naturally, the mushrooms were defended by many local residents and street traders, as the Calle de Las Setas had already become a tourist attraction.

The perfect place to sample Alicante’s gastronomy

The wide variety of national and international establishments on this street allow for an extraordinary quality-price ratio in their tapas, thanks to the competition. So, if you decide to take a break from your stroll through the city to have a bite to eat… don’t hesitate. It’s a very cosmopolitan street, so you’ll find plenty of Italian restaurants (authentic!), Japanese, Galician… but we recommend the local cuisine. Here are a couple of Alicante’s must-try tapas in its restaurants, bars and taperías!

El esgarraet

This delicious and healthy tapa consists of a sauce of red peppers, cod and virgin olive oil. You can find it in many street bars and pubs or as a starter in restaurants. Ideal with a beer or a good white wine from Alicante.

El espencat

Another great and healthy tapa from Alicante, which is easy to confuse with el esgarraet, as the only difference is that it also includes aubergines, boiled eggs and garlic. Look for it in the small local bars on the street!

Pericana de Alicante

It consists of a salad prepared with ñora, capellanes and peppers. This tapa is not so easy to find, but you can ask in the bars that cook with local fish.

Cocas

It is a very popular bakery product on the Alicante coast and you will find it in both savoury (similar to pizzas, with tomato, sardines, vegetables, etc.) and sweet (with lemon, almonds, etc.) forms. Remember that on San Francisco street there are also some patisseries and bakeries, ideal for take-away!

Seafood

Prawn lovers have their stop at Llagostí, at number 15. The house speciality is baked prawns with Himalayan pink salt. A mix of tradition and innovation not to be missed! There are also many other tapas and dishes to share, always with its characteristic combination of Alicante cuisine with a creative touch.

Fresh products from the “terreta” and from the fish market

There are many restaurants in Alicante where you can have an authentic paella made with fresh products… but if you find yourself having tapas on Calle de las Setas, nothing beats Chico Calla! At number 25 of the street. Their tapas are made with fresh local produce. It also offers a sophisticated and pleasant atmosphere. However, if you prefer a more “homely” atmosphere, your stop is La Jarela or Terranosa, next to Llagostí.

Alicante wines

The most famous are the sweet wines, such as mistela, but the quality of its white and red wines is also worth mentioning. Be sure to try them in places like “Vino y más”, at number 34.

Wouldn’t you like to have some tapas on this street? Don’t wait any longer, go and try them.