Hidden in the mountains of Cocentaina, in the interior of Alicante, L’Escaleta has spent more than four decades turning the flavours of its surroundings into something remarkable. Founded in 1980 as the dream of two young couples, the restaurant began life in a modest semi-basement and gradually became one of the region’s most respected gastronomic addresses.
Today, that family story continues through the next generation. Chef Kiko Moya leads the kitchen, while Alberto Redrado oversees the wine programme. Interestingly, their professional roles represent a kind of family switch: Moya is the son of the original maître, while Redrado is the son of the original chef. Since 2005, they have taken the restaurant in a more contemporary and ambitious direction while keeping its connection to the region firmly intact.
Local identity, elevated
L’Escaleta describes its cuisine as author-driven and intimate, built around traditional flavours from the comarca and expressed through modern technique. Local products remain central, with each element treated with precision and care to highlight its flavour, texture and aroma. The result is cuisine that feels deeply connected to Alicante while speaking confidently to the wider world of fine dining.
The experience extends into the dining room and cellar. Redrado’s wine list contains more than 1,000 selections, with a strong emphasis on European wines alongside a particular interest in the evolving wine scene of southeastern Spain and the Mediterranean. Wine pairings are designed around the progression of the menu, making the cellar an integral part of the experience rather than an afterthought.
A destination worth the drive
With two Michelin stars and three Repsol Suns listed among its distinctions, L’Escaleta has firmly established itself within Spain’s gastronomic landscape. Yet its appeal lies in more than accolades. This is a restaurant where landscape, family history, local produce, technique and wine come together, making a visit to Cocentaina feel like a genuine gastronomic discovery.
L’Escaleta
Subida a la Estación del Norte, 205, Cocentaina, Alicante
lescaleta.com
