A casual burger spot in Benidorm, another dining option in Moraira, or a modern, sunlit venue in the provincial capital—these are among the places touched by Alberto Chicote during his visits to Alicante on Nightmare in the Kitchen. The Madrid chef spent time across the area, and the outcomes for many restaurants varied, with some owners and chefs hoping for a different result than what aired on television.
Below is a guide to the locations featured in the popular program and a look at whether the famous eateries are still open or have closed doors, with some stories ending on a positive note.
Participant ‘Nightmare in the Kitchen’ ventures later found footing thanks to Chicote
Da Vinci Restaurant
Moraira (Restaurant ‘Da Vinci’ / ‘New Da Vinci’)
The first season revelations from Kitchen Nightmare reveal a restaurant in Moraira that remained closed years later. Locals faced ongoing challenges and Chicote’s visit did not lead to a quick turnaround. After the closure, owner Rafa Soler explained that the menu had shifted away from international dishes, which led some guests to drift away, noting, “Rice cooked with vine sprouts,” was not appealing. His son added that the core issue lay in strained management and deteriorating relationships with the founder. The situation highlighted how a lack of cohesive leadership can stall progress, even when a culinary concept is ambitious. The episode aired in 2012, and the tensions captured on screen continued to echo in the town long after the cameras stopped rolling.
La Hamburguesería at its crossing from Pemadilla en la cocina
Alcoy (Restaurant ‘La Hamburguesía’ / ‘La Broqueta’)
One of the most memorable segments featured in Alcoy, marked by heated exchanges and tense moments, involved the venue previously known as La Hamburguesía. The show’s crew captured dramatic scenes as the host confronted the staff about a perceived lack of care, and the moment became a flashpoint for how the program was perceived. The relocation and rebranding to La Broqueta occurred before the episode aired, as suggested by pre-recorded advertisements by the owners Clara and her husband. They publicized details of a three-zone dining room, with spaces for families and groups, a renovated setup, and the infrastructure needed to appeal to diners. Despite a significant effort to fix issues shown on screen, the project did not endure in the long run and the venue ultimately closed after the stressful period. The advertisement history indicates that the decision to transfer ownership and rebrand was already in motion before the television exposure. The shift highlighted the fragility of a restaurant attempting a dramatic turn in a competitive market.
El Puerto on the way with Nightmare in the Kitchen
Alberto Chicote’s image was once used again in a fraudulent context, causing renewed frustration for the chef, who has long been associated with the show’s hard-hitting kitchen investigations.
Benidorm Harbour
Benidorm’s Harbour area featured episodes with challenging kitchen dynamics. Chicago-style boldness met Spanish kitchen temperament, creating moments that became talking points for viewers. The segment exposed conflicts that could derail a restaurant’s mission, yet the establishment managed to endure. The episode underscored the value of professional kitchen leadership and the importance of a calm, effective team to deliver on a concept under pressure. Over time, the venue found a steady path forward and continues to welcome guests today.
Alicante Today Beach in Nightmare in the Kitchen
Alicante (Golden Beach / Hot Beach)
After the Nightmare in the Kitchen broadcast in 2018, social channels noted that a shutdown had occurred at the original site. Yet statements from the owners suggested other restaurants under the same ownership remained open and thriving, with messages about new and improved culinary directions. The owners emphasized a commitment to a cuisine that felt both exciting and welcoming, even as the public conversation around the show continued. The broader takeaway was that a brand can survive a single televised moment when it adapts and evolves in a competitive food scene.