
Ajo blanco
Playa de la Olla, s/n, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain



Moderate
Price Range
Monday: 13:00-16:00, Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday - Friday: 13:00-16:00
Saturday - Sunday: 13:00-16:00
El Cranc Chiringuito, located at Playa de la Olla in Altea, presents a blend of Mediterranean flavors in a picturesque beachfront setting. The restaurant is known for its tapas and seafood dishes, drawing both locals and visitors alike. The atmosphere is casual yet inviting, with simple decor that complements the stunning views of the sea. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for tables with oceanfront views, as the popularity of this establishment can lead to full bookings.
The menu features a variety of dishes that showcase fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Highlights include shrimp sautéed with garlic and sobrasada, which has garnered high praise for its flavor, and perfectly cooked calamares served with homemade mayonnaise and a hint of lemon. The arroz meloso con rape, while noted for its rich bouillon, received mixed feedback regarding the rice's doneness. Desserts, particularly the brownie served with ice cream, have been described as exceptional, with a lava-like texture that enhances its appeal. The alioli is also homemade, adding a special touch to the dining experience.
Service at El Cranc Chiringuito is generally efficient, with staff attentive to diners' needs without being intrusive. However, some guests have pointed out inconsistencies, particularly during peak times when the restaurant is busy. While the quality of food is often highlighted, some diners have mentioned that prices can be on the higher side, which may not always align with their expectations based on the overall experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, the combination of quality food, friendly service, and an unbeatable location makes El Cranc Chiringuito a noteworthy stop for anyone exploring the Altea coastline.
Absolutely recommendable. Lost in the Olla de Altea. Good product and good staff. The eggplants are unbeatable. The rice is very good. And the garlic shrimp with sobrasada were good, but not exceptional. That said, they were a good size and not frozen. It has a sea view, and if you book, I recommend doing it in advance to request a front row seat with a sea view.
via google · 11/16/2025
It was a good experience, but there was an unpleasant detail. We were the first to arrive for the 15:15 seating and were given a table inside, despite there being two tables with sea views in the front row. We asked and were told no, it wasn't possible, and then they seated some random foreigners they didn't know, just more customers. Such details should be taken into account for bills of €60/80 per person. The food was quite good, and the service tries to be pleasant, despite the previously mentioned detail.
via google · 11/3/2025
I was recommended by a friend, and they gave me a table at 1:30 PM with the condition that I leave by 3:15 PM. I accepted, even though it's not mealtime for the locals, but I was curious to see if it was as good as they say. Indeed, the product is of high quality and original, the service is very organized. The high price is maintained thanks to its fame, but I thought it was fine until... I asked to be treated to a glass of cava since we only had snacks (125€). The waiter said okay, and SURPRISE, I found "cheese" on the bill. Watch out for the details; you might be a regular customer who no longer checks the bill, and they are charging you for the invitations, all with great politeness, hahaha....
via google · 11/3/2025
We tried several times in the summer to get a reservation and eventually visited on our autumn trip to Spain in October, it was worth the wait. Fabulous food and service in a relaxed setting on a quiet coastline. There was so much we wanted to eat and try, we will go back in the spring!
via google · 11/1/2025
A fantastic place by the sea, with a service rating of 10, and all the dishes arrive quickly. The potato salad with fried egg is amazing, the oysters are very good, the cava sangria is perfect, and the turrón biscuit is delicious. The monkfish stew with clams and tender garlic was tasteless, which is a shame. We will return to give the rice another chance. Excellent value for money.
via google · 9/15/2025
A beachside restaurant with pebbles. We went for dinner, booked for the first shift at 8:00 PM, and it was a great decision. We enjoyed a very pleasant dinner. Good products and great cooking. The rice was very tasty. The staff was very friendly and attentive without being intrusive. A perfect dinner that we would love to repeat.
via google · 9/1/2025
Food: almost everything was excellent. We ordered: 1. the shrimp with garlic, egg and sobrasada (10 out of 10). Simply delicious. 2. Calamares with homemade mayonnaise and a bit of lemon on it (10 out of 10). Perfect calamar with a delicious lemon mayonnaise. 3. the arroz meloso con rape (8.5 out of 10). The rice needed more minutes since was undercooked. But the bouillon was excellent. 4. The brownie with ice cream was perfectly done. The brownie is the best I've ever had in a restaurant. The inner part was more like lava texture which makes the brownie a bit juicy and not dried. And the chocolate ice cream was like a frozen chocolate mousse. Just delightful. Last but not least, the alioli es homemade and exquisite. Service: fast and flawless. The staff were very friendly. Atmosphere: just beautiful. The location is stunning. A real restaurant at the beach with magical views. Simple but clean and neat decoration. The only con is the price. It is true that the drinks were fairly charged, the quality of the food was very good, the dishes well cooked and the location superb. Still the price a bit high to fully justify. But again, this place deserves the fame. You need to make a reservation! And my advise is to do it early when they open, so you have plenty of time for your coffee, desserts and the food.
via google · 7/15/2025
The food was excellent. We had the Lubina. Delicius and very well done. A very good restaurant for seafood. The service. Not all was good. Arriving you had to wait and nobody attended you. When seated. They forgot to come with the drinks when ordered. And only gave us half of the meny. Be aware that the tables right next to the beach are the best.👍
via google · 7/14/2025
Ate here twice last week, it was a gorgeous experience each time. Sophisticated food, excellent service, great wine and an unreal location. Would highly recommend to anyone in the area!
via google · 6/2/2025
Location 9,5/10 Food 7/10 Ambiance 8/10 we missed the music Service 4/10 On Monday they have reduced fish. The service can be much better. We had to ask to get our forks and knives. They delivered the wrong wine. You need better experienced people.
via google · 5/21/2024
Discover traditional dishes, regional specialties, and the authentic flavors that define the local culinary heritage.

Ajo blanco

Chicken & chorizo rice pot
16
16 dishes
Discover traditional dishes, regional specialties, and the authentic flavors that define the local culinary heritage.
Departure
El Cranc Chiringuito
Via
0.43 km
Last Stop
Product-o Restaurante Mediterráneo
dentro hotel Sh Villa Gadea, Partida la Olla, 1a planta, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
Distance
0.43 km
Rating
4.5
Departure
El Cranc Chiringuito
Via
1.19 km
Last Stop
Portosenso Bar
Partida La Galera, nº 1, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
Distance
1.19 km
Rating
4.3
Departure
El Cranc Chiringuito
Via
1.82 km
Last Stop
Restaurant Melitón Jardín
Ctra. de Callosa, 52, 03599 Altea la Vieja, Alicante, Spain
Distance
1.82 km
Rating
4.6
Departure
El Cranc Chiringuito
Via
2.24 km
Last Stop
Sushi Bar JT Ryokucha
C. Comte d'Altea, 42, 03590 Altea, Alicante, Spain
Distance
2.24 km
Rating
4.5
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