Wood-fired ricein Elche
Rice has been the house speciality since 1990: cooked in the paella pan over a wood fire, the way Paco Gil taught us.
Good rice needs fire, time and patience. At Paco Gil we have cooked it over wood for more than thirty years.
Why a wood fire
A wood fire wraps around the whole paella pan and spreads the heat more widely than a burner. The rice cooks evenly, takes on a toasted base and a light smoky aroma that a gas kitchen simply cannot imitate.
It is a way of cooking that takes skill: controlling the flame, knowing when to stoke it and when to let it die down. We learned the technique from Francisco Gil, Paco, cook and friend of the house, and we keep refining it every service.
The house rice dishes
Rabbit and snail rice is the local classic. Paco Gil rice is our a banda, named after the man who taught us. For something special, the creamy lobster rice; for the regulars, rice with pork trotters and vegetable rice. And to order, arroz con costra, Elche's most traditional dish.
We also make gazpachos: rabbit and snails, and monkfish and prawns.
Our rice dishes and gazpachos
Rice Dishes
- Our pick: Rice with Rabbit and Snails€19.50
- Vegetable Rice€19.50
- Baked Rice with Crust (by order only)€20
- Rice with Pig Trotters€19.90
- Our pick: Paco Gil Rice (a banda)€19.50
- Creamy Rice with Lobster€26.50
Gazpachos
- Rabbit and Snail Gazpacho€19.50
- Our pick: Monkfish and Prawn Gazpacho€24
Prices from our current menu. If you have any allergies or intolerances, please tell us when ordering.
Come and try it
Calle Sucre, 10-12, Elche. Book online at least 3 hours in advance or call us on 965 92 80 33.
Book a tableGood to know
Which wood-fired rice dishes are on the menu?
Rabbit and snail rice, vegetable rice, rice with pork trotters, Paco Gil rice (a banda), creamy lobster rice and, to order, arroz con costra. We also make rabbit and snail gazpacho and monkfish and prawn gazpacho.
What is the house rice?
The Paco Gil rice, an arroz a banda named after the cook who taught us to make rice over a wood fire. Along with the rabbit and snail rice, it is one of our picks.
How much is a rice dish at Paco Gil?
Rice dishes on the menu range from €19.50 to €26.50; the creamy lobster rice is the most expensive.
What are the opening hours?
Closed on Mondays. Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday, 09:00 to 16:00. Friday and Saturday, 09:00 to 16:00 and 20:00 to 23:30.
How can I book a table?
Online from our booking page, at least 3 hours in advance, or by phone on +34 965 92 80 33.
Do I need to order arroz con costra in advance?
Yes. Arroz con costra and wood-fired gachamiga are made to order, so ask for them when you book.