In contrast to the UK, Chinese food is cheaper than Indian. To be honest, although I like a curry I refuse to pay the prices here. If your taste for Chinese is hot, then the best restaurant has to be 'Big House' in La Mata (about 10 Km from you), a meal for 4 including drinks would not cost much more than 50 Euro in total. See the difference?!!!!
Slightly blander food can be had at the 'Dynastia' at Punta Prima (nice decor and gardens).
For the biggest T-bones outside of America you will have to try Federicos. Take the N332 north towards Alicante, at the roundabout just past the San Jaime hospital turn right and follow the road for about 1Km, the Chinese restaurant at the traffic lights does a Menu del Dia for 5:50 Euro (Including wine), further on the left is Federicos restaurant, and a few doors down Federicos cafe bar. The restaurant is a little posher, but the food in both places is excellent. Enormous T-bones for less than 15 Euro. At the very end of this parade is Magani's bar, beer 2 Euros a pint .and sensible (Spanish) measures of spirit.
Past Magani's you will come to the Torre del Moro, turn left here and just past the Cabo Cervera hotel is Don Marianos restaurant, and a little further Barlovento, these two restaurants, along with Maison de la Costa (Torrevieja centre) and La Finca de Eduardos' (Nr. Campoamor) should be visited on 'special' occasions (ie. nights that your friends are paying!). To shorten this post I will give directions if asked by email. La Torre is good for lunchtimes, take the road directly opposite the entrance of the hotel Masa (nr. Torre del Moro). Menu is 7 Euros, with wine.

Nights out. On the N332 head south ignoring the areas of Cabo Roig and La Zenia (punterville). Try the bars and salsa clubs at Lo Pagan. Remember, things do not warm up in Spanish areas 'til late.
A dinner and show at the Santa Pola Palace could be worth doing as well. There is a casino near the Carrefour shopping centre.

Trips and sightseeing.
Torrevieja town"¦"¦Street market selling some reasonable stuff. Cafes around the square. Good seafood restaurant on Ramon Gallud. Nice marina. Submarine to explore.

Santa Pola"¦"¦Boat ride to Tabarca island. Nice beaches.

Elche .Priests Garden ( Huerto del Cura), take a picnic. Also some well preserved Arab fortifications. Nice old part to the town.

Also try .Rio Safari (zoo)"¦"¦The caves at Busot (amazing) Waterfalls at El Algar (stunning)"¦"¦A trip to Guadalest (historic) .Cartagena marina ..Alicante town.

Best beaches can be found at La Marina .nice sand, sea shallow for a long way out. No hassle. Large nudist area (if you are into that!).

Much has been said about crime. I will not dwell on this too much except to tell you how thieves operate and how to avoid being a victim.
The shunt .A car will deliberately rear end you, when you get out to investigate your car will get nicked.
Distraction .Somebody (usually a pretty girl) will engage you in conversation whilst her friend rifles your car, sometimes with you in it!
Opportunist Hire cars generally are not alarmed, neither are rental properties. Use bum bags rather than handbags and stay alert, even on beaches and especially in markets. Carry only what you need and hide the rest somewhere that is not obvious.