restaurants
Here you’ll find a list of our favorite restaurants throughout the different regions of Spain. From pintxos to paella and everything in between, we’ll show you the best places to dig in.
Seafood paella at Central Quesera Montesinos, in Jumilla, Murcia.
andalusia
Café de Paris | rcafedeparis.com | Plaza de la Capilla | Puerto de Malaga 29001
Tel: 34 952 003 588 | 1 star Michelin restaurant
Blog Post: Spain Scrapbook
A gorgeous new Michelin star earning restaurant in a recently developed waterfront area of Malaga. We don't usually visit fancy restaurants on our trips, but this one managed to be delicious and satisfying. Definitely go for a phenomenal fine dining experience.
El Tabernaculo Tapas Bar | Calle Navas | Granada
Blog Post: Spain Scrapbook
In Granada, they still practice "free tapas" - you get a bite with every drink you order. El Tabernaculo perfects it, starting you with something as simple as toast with bacon and garlic aioli with your first drink. Get on to three or four glasses and they start frying quail eggs over local sweet chorizos. For drink of choice, I recommend the bottle of vermouth with the handwritten label they keep hidden under the bar.
The owner of El Tabernaculo:
Los Diamantes| Calle Navas, 28 | Granada 18009
Tel: 34 958 227 070
This restaurant is a revelation in how to do fried food. Chipirones, sweetbreads, setas a la plancha, pescado frito, razor clams, gambas pil pil, and kumato tomatoes… Did I mention that was just for lunch? Welcome to Granada! The more you drink, the more you eat.
Restaurante Barbiana | restaurantebarbiana.com | Calle Albareda, 11 | Sevilla 41001
Tel: 34 954 21 12 39
I sat at the ancient wood and Moorish tiled bar here and got a serious lesson in shrimp. Everything from the brightest red Gambas you've ever seen to the infamous Tortillita de Camarones, a thin, crisp chickpea and baby shrimp pancake.
Sol y Sombra | tabernasolysombra.com | Calle Castilla, 147, 149, 151 | Triana, Sevilla
Tel: 34 954 33 39 35
It takes a little walking to get here, but when you tuck in to this dark bar with all the daily specials stapled to the wall on colored paper, you know you're in for something special. Pork Stewed with Garlic and every type of ham-based tapa imaginable ... they are all done straightforward and to the perfect point here.
La Moraga | lamoraga.com | Calle Fresca, 12 | Málaga 29015
Tel: 34 952 22 68 51
A really fun, informal tapas bar by Andalusian celebrity chef Dani Garcia. This place plays the line between modern and traditional dishes.
La Puerta Del Carmen | puertadelcarmenrestaurante.com | Plaza del Carmen 1 | Granada 18001
Tel: 34 958 22 37 37
We feasted on artichokes with a sweetbread and foi terrine, a mixed plate of lambchops, papas fritas and pardon peppers as well as a simple dish of octopus with dea salt and smoked pimenton. No one
walked out hungry, that’s for sure!
Bar Juanito | bar-juanito.com | Calle de Pescaderia Vieja, 8 | 11403 Jerez, Cadiz
Tel: 34 956 34 12 18
Located in the quaint town of Jerez, we went to lunch at Bar Juanito, where we tried many delicious dishes typical to Jerez such as ox stew, potato salad, and several fried fish. The best dish of the day was fried shark, marinated with sherry, vinegar, cumin, oregano and lemon. The breading was light and tasted fresh and tender. It was a simple and delicious dish whose flavors were complimented by amontillado sherry.
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basque country
La Cepa Bar-Restaurante | barlacepa.com | Calle 31 de Agosto |San Sebastian
Tel: 34 943 426 394
This is a place that we had really amazing croquetas, albondigas, and cheesecakes (a house specialty).
Blog Post: When in Spain…
The cheesecake at La Cepa is a must-have:
La Cuchara de San Telmo | lacucharadesantelmo.com |Calle 31 de Agosto 28/Corredor de San Telmo | San Sebastian
Tel: 34 943 43 54 46
Blog Post: When in Spain…
La Cuchara de San Telmo was by far the best place for tapas in the old part of town. This was not a pintxos bar, it specialized in hot tapas that were ordered. Our favorites were “Queso Ahumado” – baked Caña de Cabra goat cheese with a crisp caramelized sugar cap and pesto sauce; Fried pigs’ ears pancakes with jus; braised beef short ribs and plancha grilled Foie Gras. Everything was simply prepared, minimal ingredients, but managed to be decadent and satisfying, exactly the kind of food we like to serve at the restaurants.
Pig's Ears at La Cuchara:
Sidreria Asador La Gabarra| lagabarra.es | Botica Vieja, 18 | Duesto-Bilbao 48014
Tel: 34 944 477 062
Blog Post: When in Spain…
Just across the river from the Guggenheim in Bilbao, this is a fun spot for aged wood-grilled steaks and sparkling hard cider.
A display case at the Sidreria:
Bar Asador Mayflower | Katrapona Plaza 4 | Donostia-San Sebastián 20808
Tel: 34 943 14 06 58
Sit by the old port at the end of town and eat txipirones (baby squids) and whole wood-grilled rodoballo (turbot) as you bask in the sun and down fresh, tart glasses of Txakoli wine.
Kaia Kaipe | kaia-kaipe.com | Calle del General Arnao, 4 | Getaria 20808
Tel: 34 943 14 05 00
This is the best seafood restaurant in Getaria, with a beautiful window lined dining room looking at the ocean. It's a traditional place, that serves literally hours-fresh fish that are grilled whole on the outdoor grill, served with lemon and roasted garlic. They also happen to have one of the best wine lists in Spain, boasting a rare collection of aged bottles from all of Spain's major wineries.
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castilla y leon
Vino Tinto | vinotintoparrilla.com | C/ Campanas, 4 | Valladolid 47001
Tel: 34 983 34 22 91
Blog Post: Day 4 in Spain
Our importer, Dominic Rodriguez introduced us to this place, and is now a favorite to always visit. One of the best grilled steaks you can have in Spain, and with all the great Ribero del Duero wines on the menu you can't go wrong. Casual atmosphere, no need to get dressed up.
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catalunya
Bar Central | boqueria.info | 91 La Rambla |Mercat de la Boqueria, No. 494-498 | Barcelona 08002
Tel: 34 93 301 10 98
One of several great tapas bars in the Mercat de la Boqueria in Barcelona. A great place for traditional, super fresh tapas and vegetables a la plancha. Ask them to prepare eggs with fries and shaved foie gras, not on the menu but almost always available. Mario, who owns Bar Central, is the uncle of Antonio, who owns and runs Kioso Universal on the other side of the market.
Blog Post: Day 1 in Spain: Barcelona
Bar Pinotxo | boqueria.info | 91 La Rambla | Mercat de la Boqueria, No. 466-470 | Barcelona 08002
Tel: 34 93 317 17 31
Another tapas bar in Mercat de la Boqueria. Known for great croquetas and "country food" like tripe and chickpea stew.
Blog Post: Day 1 in Spain: Barcelona
Cheese Me | cheeseme.org | Pl. Jacint Reventos (in front of Argenteria, 53) | Barcelona 08003
Tel: 34 93 268 11 27
Very casual cafe with a great cheese selection, and many vegetarian options. A nice break from typical Spanish food served at every single restaurant, and located in a cozy plaza in the gothic quarter. A great place to stop for a cappuccino while shopping in the neighborhood.
Comerc 24 | comerc24.com | Carrer Comerc 24 | Barcelona 08003
Tel: 34 93 319 21 02
This is the first restaurant in the group, and is a local favorite for fine dining, creative food, in a very hip environment. The wine list is one of the best Catalan selections of wine in Barcelona.
Tapas 24 | projectes24.com | Carrer de la Diputació, 269 | Barcelona 08007
Tel: 34 934 88 09 77
This new-ish younger cousin of Comerc24 is where we took multiple trips to during our visit to Alimentaria, the giant Barcelona gastro-fest. The line is long, so go early or be prepared to wait. But, anywhere we go back to multiple times in the same trip is worth some time in line.
El Celler de l’Aspic| cellerdelaspic.com | Miquel Barcelo 31 | 43730 Falset (Tarragona)
Tel: 34 977 831 246
Located in the tiny town of Falset. If you are planning on visiting Priorat and Montsant, this is a must visit restaurant during your stay. High end food, but still traditional. One of our favorite places for great rice dishes in Catalunya, and we always pick up a few bottles of local vermouth to take with us on the rest of the trip.
Blog Post: When in Spain…
El Quim | elquimdelaboqueria.cat | 91 La Rambla |
Mercat de la Boqueria, No. 584-585, 606-609 | Barcelona 08001
Tel: 34 93 301 98 10
Another favorite in the Mercat de la Boqueria. One of the busiest bars in the market, so go early, 11am for lunch is advised if you want a seat. This is a great place for gambas al ajillo and vegetables a la plancha.
Kiosko Universal | boqueria.info | 91 La Rambla |Mercat de la Boqueria, No. 691 | Barcelona 08002
Tel: 34 93 317 8286
Blog Post: When in Spain…
Great for breakfast.
We ate at Kiosko Universal where items off the plancha are the specialty. Scrambled eggs with fries and shaved foie gras torchon…says it all. Also had wild mushrooms a la plancha, simply prepared with olive oil and green onions, white beans a la plancha with lamb sausage, grilled langoustines, and fresh mussels with salsa verde. Everything we ordered was incredibly fresh – the restaurant gets all its products for the day from the market its sitting in, so everything is beyond the best ingredient you’ve ever tried, prepared very simply. And this was just breakfast!
Kiosko Eggs with fries and shaved foie gras:
Paco Meralgo | pacomeralgo.com | C/ Muntaner 171 | Barcelona 08036
Tel: 34 93 430 90 27
This is the restaurant in Barcelona that we take EVERYONE to. It's name is a play on "Para Comer Algo..." or "To Eat Something..." and we tend to gorge ourselves here on an array of deceptively simple tapas. The service comes on like a circus troupe trying to contain their antics by putting on nice clothes. Everything from the croquettes to the langostines shines.
Restaurante Lo Goleró| logolero.com | Platja de l’Arenal, s/n | L’Ampolla 43895
Tel: 34 977 46 08 39
You likely won't find this place, hidden on a lost beach outside a tiny port town near the eel and crab farms off the coast. Look it up on the web and contact them for a tour of the surrounding rice-growing region and you'll land here to find not only eel five-ways, but remarkable clams steamed with almonds and paprika - and the best rice dishes we've experienced in Spain.
Santa Maria | santarestaurant.wordpress.com | Carrer Comerc 17 | Barcelona 08003
Tel: 34 93 125 38 79
This is right across the street from Comerc 24, and is a local favorite for creative tapas. It has a tiny dining room so come early as it is always busy. There is a great value tasting menu here, so it is always my top recommendation for travelers looking for something special on a budget.
Taller de Tapas | tallerdetapas.com | L’Argenteria 51 (Born) | Barcelona
Tel: 34 92 268 85 59
This is a super popular pintxos bar in the Gothic quarter. Also stop here for a beer and a variety of snacks while seeing the sites.
Vila Viniteca | vilaviniteca.es/es/inicio | Agullers, 7-9 | Barcelona 08003
Tel: 34 902 327 777
Blog Post: When in Spain…
Antonio knows a thing or 2 or 2000 about jamon iberico, and let me tell you, he told us every single bit of it. It was fascinating! And you really haven’t lived until you’ve tasted Presa – it’s the cured meat that comes from the base of the pig’s neck (considered the best part of the animal).
Ideal Cocktail Bar| idealcocktailbar.com | Calle Aribau, 89 | Barcelona 08036
Tel: 34 934 53 10 28
Love Scotch? Imagine your favorite single-malt ... or that elusive single-barrel, vintage sip that is reportedly "impossible to find". You'll find it here.
Suquet de l'Almirall | suquetdelalmirall.com | Passeig de Joan de Borbó, 65 | La Barceloneta
08003
Tel: 34 932 21 62 33
Chef Quim introduced us to Antonio - the Maestro de Jamon at Vila Viniteca. Parked near the beach in Barceloneta, this place is so small that most of the tourists miss it, but if you've got a hankering for Black Rice or the eponymous Fisherman's Stew, head in to this little cave of a restaurant.
Quimet Quimet | suquetdelalmirall.com |C/Poeta Cabanas 25 | Barcelona 08004
Tel: 93 442 31 42
Quimet Quimet is a small tapas bar where all foods are prepared on the fly in front of you. The wine list here is extensive, and service is on point. One quirk of this tapas bar is that you can drop dirty napkins on the floor, instead of on the table.
41 Grados |41grados.es | Avinguda Paral-lel 164 | Barcelona 08015
This cocktail bar is one that resembles Superman’s lair on Krypton, with hanging Plexiglas stalagtites and movie projectors everywhere. Professionals here are mixologists who take their art very seriously. One of the local favorites in this bar is the gin and tonic.
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ibiza
Can Pujol |Carretera Port des Torrent | Ibiza
Tel: 34 97 1341 407
It is the best seafood restaurant and is kid-friendly. The espardenyes (sea cucumber) is delicious.
La Paloma |palomaibiza.com | San Lorenzo Apartado 156 | Ibiza
Tel: 34 971 325 543
Has their own organic vegetable garden.
Plaza Del Sol | plazadelsolibiza.com | Plaza Del Sol 7 | Ibiza Town, Ibiza
Tel: 34 97 1390 773
This restaurant is a favorite amongst the locals. Although it's not overlooking the ocean, it does overlook the town and it is a very romantic setting. The potatoes with goat cheese was a great dish.
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la rioja
Bar Soriano| Travesia Laurel 2 | Logroño 26001
Tel: 34 941 22 88 07
All they serve here are big button mushrooms cooked on a plancha with garlic oil and tiny shrimp on top. It's all you need to eat in Logrono - as the mad crowds will attest to.
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madrid
Botin | botin.es | Calle de los Cuchilleros 17 | Madrid
Tel: 34 91 366 42 17
Hemingway ate a suckling pig alone here, so I figured "why can't I?" I waited for an hour to get in - at the tiny vermouth bar across the road - and then ignored the large feasting groups and surprised servers as I dug into a piglet all of my own.
Casa Paco | casapaco1933.com | Puerta Cerrada 11 | Madrid
Tel: 34 91 366 31 66
Try the pisto manchego (Spanish version of ratatouille).
Julian de Tolosa | casajuliandetolosa.com | Cava Baja 18 | Madrid
Tel: 34 91 365 82 10
Wine list filled with wonderful Riberas.
La Chata| Calle Cava Baja, 24 | Madrid 28005
Tel: 34 91 366 14 58.
The place to enjoy copitas of wine and taste cheeses and jamón.
La Trainera |latrainera.es | Calle Lagasca, 60 | Madrid
Tel: 34 91 576 80 35
Great for seafood.
La Trucha | Calle Manuel Fernandez Gonzalez 3 (just off Plaza de Santa Ana) | Madrid
Tel: 34 91 429 5833
Best tapas in Madrid.
Cerveceria La Ardosa | laardosa.com | Calle Colón, 13 | Madrid 28004
Tel: 34 915 214 979
We really loved the potato tortilla at Bodega de La Ardosa. Below: empanadas, tortilla, olives, vermut, and canas at La Ardosa.
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navarra
La Galera | rtelagalera.es | C/Mayor, 11 & C/Palomar, 10| Mendavia 31587
Tel: 34 948 695218
Excellent sideria in Mendavia just outside of Rioja. Great place for steak (that gets cooked on a hot plate at the table) and house-made cider.
Sidreria Casa Armendariz | casaarmendariz.es/sidreria.html | C/ Navarro Villoslada, 19 | Viana
Tel: 34 948 64 50 78
Another great steak and cider house, but cozier and more traditional than La Galera.
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valencia community
Casa Montaña| emilianobodega.com | C/José Benlliure, 69 | Valencia 46011
Tel: 34 96 367 23 14
Good classic tapas, wine selection. Here we had a full-on feast of dishes that were almost exclusively popped out of cans, jars and barrels. Every type of preserved fish, potted meat and pickled vegetable shines here - and together they make a spot-on meal.
Casa Roberto | elreydelaanchoa.com | Marina Real Juan Carlos, 9 | Valencia 46011
Tel: 34 689 90 92 77
Considered on of the best restaurants for Paella in Valencia. We particularly loved the vegetable paella above all.
El Albero Andaluz Tapas Bar | tabernaelalbero.com | Calle Ciscar, 12 | Valencia 46005
Tel: 34 607 791 057
Always busy tapas bar in Valencia, specializing in Andalucian food. Go for the shirmp cakes and really good pata negra.
Tasca Angel | C/Purisima, 1 | Valencia 46001
Tel: 34 96 391 78 35
Tiny little spot (as in too tiny for chairs or stools), but great for sardines, sea snails and other funky ocean food.
Central Bar | centralbar.es | Mercat Central Puesto 105 a 131 | Placa del Mercat | Valencia
Tel: 34 963 829 223
Located in the market, Central bar is the perfect place to grab a drink and enjoy great tapas before heading home for dinner. The salted cod croquettes and calamari a la plancha we had were fantastic.
La Comisaria | restaurantelacomisaria.com | Plaza del Arbol 5 | Barrio del Carmen | Valencia
Tel: 34 96 391 0739
A modern tapas restaurant with Asian influence, La Comisaria was a treat. It was interesting to see how the chef combined Asian cuisine with Spanish tapas. Tomato manage a trios—sliced diced and moussed—was amazing, as were the morcilla spring rolls.
other regions
MALLORCA
Ca’n Calent | cancalent.com | Ronda de l’Estacio, 44 | Campos 07639
Tel: 34 971 65 14 45
Located in the sleepy town of Campos, Ca’n Calent can only be described as lunch because it came as our second meal of the day. A surplus of croquetas, foie grass, truffle and meat were served. I could die happy after the potatoes with truffle, button mushroom and egg yolk. The meal was like nothing I’ve ever had before, made not by the food or wine, but the people who were at the table. We were strangers who didn’t speak their language at all and were treated like old friends
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