Elías

The story

Elías Elda: Traditional Grill & Bib Gourmand in Alicante's Interior

A Heritage of Fire and Tradition

In the small district of Xinorlet, surrounded by the pine-covered valleys of inland Alicante, Restaurante Elías has been perfecting the art of traditional cooking since 1984. Founded by Elías Rodríguez and Antonia Abad as a modest house of food, the restaurant has transformed over the decades while holding fast to its love and respect for regional dishes.

The heart of the kitchen is a fire of vine shoots (sarmientos). This lively flame imparts a gentle, rustic aroma to everything it touches. Through a glass-walled kitchen, guests can watch the hypnotic dance of fire and smoke as their meal is prepared.

The Essence of Simple, Quality Ingredients

The philosophy here is one of essentiality: turning simple, high-quality ingredients into an experience that rediscovers the flavours of Mediterranean gastronomic history. Ingredients come from the restaurant's own garden, and the cooking is done directly over embers or vine shoots.

The menu is a celebration of the grill. Starters include local dried cured sausages and Iberian ham, while the wood-fired section features grilled octopus, fresh bay squid, and seasonal treats like grilled laminated artichokes or wild mountain snails. Signature dishes include snails in a special Elías sauce, lamb sweetbreads with young garlic, and the classic gachamiga – a simple, satisfying mix of oil, water, flour, and garlic.

A standout is the rice with rabbit and snails, marked by the trace of smoke and the taste of saffron. The wine list is equally thoughtful, with a particular emphasis on local wines made from the native monastrell grape.

A Welcoming, Contemporary Setting

The restaurant's setting blends the welcoming essence of a country house with the style and comfort of a contemporary space. Surrounded by fig, olive, and almond trees, the dining rooms – from the entrance to the private spaces – use classic, noble materials within a neutral, modern aesthetic.

This dedication to honest, wood-fired cooking and warm hospitality has earned Restaurante Elías a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, recognising its good quality, good value cooking. It is a place for reconnecting with roots, one simple, beautifully cooked dish at a time.