Spain is a country that places important emphasis on food and meal time, considering them things to be lingered over and enjoyed to the maximum with family and friends. It’s no surprise then that so many wonderful restaurants can be found all over the country. Here we have selected a few for all budgets and tastes in a variety of locations.
1. Set Portes
An elegant seafood restaurant in Barcelona near the port. This place has been going since 1836 and has had it’s fair share of important clientele over the years (see the plaques on the back of the chairs!). The place to go for a traditional paella (seafood rice) with a modern twist.
Information
- Name: Set Portes
- Address: Passeig Isabel II 14, 08003
- Phone: +34 93 319 30 33
- Hours: Daily 1 pm – 1 am
2. Casa Bigote
Right on the waterfront in Sanlucar de Barrameda, a town known for it’s spectacular seafood is Casa Bigote. You can choose between tapas in the bar area or a more formal meal in the restaurant. Do not miss the mouthwatering langostinos (king prawns) or arroz de marisco (seafood rice). High standards and a formidable reputation.
Information
- Name: Casa Bigote
- Address: Bajo de Guita s/n
- Phone: +34 956 362 696
- Opening hour: Mon- Sat 1200 – 16.30/ 1900 – 2400
3. Casa Labra
Popular Madrid establishment going since 1885 and famous for its salt cod dishes particularly the croquetas de bacalao (Cod croquettes) and cold Vermouth on tap. Casa Labra is a must- go to for a typical Madrid dining experience, authentic and delicious. Right in the center of the city and with a bustling, fun atmosphere and outside tables and chairs on the terrace.
Information
- Name: Casa Labra
- Address: Calle de Tetuan, 12 28013 Madrid
- Phone: +34 915 31 00 81
- Hours: 11am – 15.30/ 1800 – 2300
4. Zortziko
Rated as one of the finest restaurants in the Basque country (michelin starred) this is the place for traditional Basque dishes in a unique setting. There are three dining rooms, each in a different style, or you can be seated at rustic, wooden tables in the wine cellar beneath the restaurant. Try the baby squid, roasted on a bed of tomato carpaccio.
Information
- Name: Zortziko
- Address: Calle Alameda Mazarredo 17, 48001
- Phone:+34 944 423 9743
- Website: www.zortziko.es
5. Bar – Queseria Rossini
A trip to Granada should involve stopping by this little bar for a platter of traditional cheese. Watching the owner chopping cheese and putting together a tabla variada of cold meats, fish and cheese is not to be missed. Charming and original, this is almost an emblem of Granada and an all together great place to stop for tapas or something more substantial.
Information
- Name: Bar Rossini
- Address: Calle del Campo del Príncipe, 15, 18009 Granada
- Phone: +34 649 63 69 43
6. La Albahaca
In a converted palace in one of Seville’s most romantic and pretty squares La Albahaca is an original choice for tapas or a main meal. Thoughtfully decorated with azulejos and antique furniture the menu offers interesting dishes such as sea bass with apple and almond sauce. It’s a cut above some other places and reflected in the price, but well worth a visit.
Information
- Name: La Albahaca
- Address: Pl. de Sta Cruz, 12, 41004 Sevilla
- Phone: +34 954 22 07 14
- Hours: Mon – Sat 1300 – 1600/ 20.00 – 24.00
7. Casa Manteca
In the heart of the beautiful old town of Cadiz, this is authentic, traditional Spain at it’s best. A tiny place really and usually crowded as people spill onto the streets, this is photo-worthy for it’s atmosphere. The place to go for a cold beer and simple tapas of jamon, chicharrones and cheese. Meat based rather than seafood.
Information
- Name: Casa Manteca
- Address: Calle del Corralón de los Carros, 66, 11002 Cádiz
- Phone: 956 21 36 03
- Hours: 12 – 16.00 / 20.30 – 24.00
8. Fast & Bio
Taking the fast good concept and making it organic and Spanish, this place is unique and worth a mention. Located in the center of Alicante, it serves up healthy and sustainable fast food dishes like pizzas, salads and Mediterranean plates. There are vegan and gluten free options here.
Information
- Name: Fast & Bio
- Address: Calle San Agustin 1, 03002 Alicante, Spain
- Phone: +34 856681794
- Hours: 24 hrs
9. Paco Jimenez
In the intimate and beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos, Paco Jimenez serves up an eclectic and seasonal menu in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Paco serves up international and Spanish dishes with passion and expertise. Try the rack of lamb or the snapper with saffron.
Information
- Name: Paco Jimenez
- Address:Plaza de los Naranjos, 10, 29601 Marbella, Málaga
- Phone: + 34 952 77 36 10
- Website: www.pacojimenezmarbella.com
10. El Quinto Toro
Named after the fifth and supposedly best and most noble bull of the bullfight, this is a tapas bar dedicated to all things bullfighting. A warm atmosphere, friendly staff and delicious staple tapas (try the patatas) this place has tons of charm and originality. Stop by when you are in Almeria.
Information
- Name: El Quinto Toro
- Address: C/Reyes Catolicos 6
- Phone: +34 950 23 91 35
- Hours: Mon – Sat 10.30 – 16.00/ 19.00 – 24.00
11. La Bombi
An emblem of the city of Santander, La Bombi offers a gastronomical experience not to be missed. There is an extensive wine menu and an incredible range of fresh seafood and meat dishes such as hake, sea bass and steaks. Remarkable selection and a highly recommended atmosphere.
Information
- Name: La Bombi
- Address: Calle de Casimiro Sáinz, 15, 39003
- Phone: +34 942 21 30 28
- Hours: 12 – 17.00/ 20.30 – 1
12. Sollo
Michelin starred chef Diego Gallegos is known for his multi cultural vision of cuisine (he is a native of Brazil but Malagan by adoption). His vision has been translated well into Sollo, a restaurant that offers dishes focused heavily on sturgeon and also has a tasting menu. An unusual place highly recommended for foodies.
Information
- Name: Sollo
- Address: Urbanización Reserva del Higuerón, Camino del Higuerón, 48, 29640 Fuengirola, Málaga
- Phone: 951 38 56 22
13. Bodega Montana
If you’re in Valencia check out this tapas bar that’s been selling wine by the barrel since 1836. it can be found in the former fisherman’s district of El Cabanyal, and is arguably the best and most authentic joint fo tapas in the city. Choose the anchovies or the cooked fava beans for something different and typical to Valencia.
Information
- Name: Bodega Montana
- Address: Calle Jose Benlliure 69
- Phone: +34 96 367 2314
- Website: www.emilianobodega.com
14. Meson de Alberto
For traditional Galician dishes try Meson De Alberto located in Lugo, Galicia. Once just a small restaurant it’s since spread over four floors, with the tapas on the ground floor and the upper floors for a more formal dining experience. Unmissable are the octopus, calamari and lamprey, cooked to Galician traditional standards.
Information
- Name: Meson de Alberto
- Address: Rua Angel Rebollo 18. A Coruna
- Phone: + 34 981 9074 11
15. El Campero
In the Atlantic port town of Barbate, you can’t go wrong with seafood, and no better place to try than El Campero. Best known for blue fin tuna, and best chosen (there are almost 30 different tuna dishes) as the tartare, it truly melts in the mouth. Other recommendations are the tuna stew with oregano and onions or any of the variations of carpaccio.
Information
- Name: El Campero
- Address: Avda. Constitución, Local 5C, 11160 Barbate, Cádiz
- Phone: +34 956 43 23 00
- Hours: 12.30 – 16.30/ 20.00 – 23.45
There are truly so many spectacular culinary options all over Spain that it’s hard to select just a few! The country is truly pushing the boundaries of excellent cuisine and going beyond the traditional for the modern palette.
Have a good trip and travel!
