Mérida
You don't find it in many places these days, but pestorejo (a fleshy cut of pork from the nape of the pig's neck) is an old Mérida favourite. The taste is…
Must-see restaurants in Spain
Barcelona
At this fuss-free tapas counter within the 19th-century Mercat de la Llibertat, chef Paco González, who trained at swish Gràcia seafood restaurant…
Mérida
The downtown tapas outpost of Restaurante Milanesa, Sybarit is great for tapas, especially outside near the Arco de Trajano on a warm, summer's evening.
Barcelona
A culinary jewel just outside the FC Barcelona grounds, Michelin-starred chef Carles Abellán's Tapas 24 delivers all his beloved updated-Catalan…
Marbella
Tucked into a pretty old town square, this friendly newcomer wins accolades for its reasonably priced homemade tapas (six for €10), including vegan,…
El Raval
Tucked into the MACBA's sunny ground floor, the latest branch of Eixample-born Chichalimoná does globally inspired brunches (with organic eggs), roast…
Costa del Sol
A stone's throw from Mijas' central plaza, Alboka's fusion-themed menu encompasses creatively enhanced Spanish classics (Galician octopus with mango and…
Antequera
Classy, casual Recuerdos stands out for its innovative home cooking, backed by a varied lineup of wines and cocktails. Three dozen flavourful offerings –…
Nerja
On a busy corner in the heart of the pedestrian zone, Pápalo is the newest venture of one of Nerja's long-standing star chefs. Artistic presentation and…
Madrid
The best cooking from the Murcia region of southeastern Spain is the raison d'etre of El Caldero – it's all about soupy rice dishes, seafood and…
Madrid
Taquería La Lupita shakes up Calle de Ponzano's food scene with zesty tacos, sharable snacks and spicy drinks. Festive music and bright colours make it…
Madrid
Ginger serves modern versions of classic Mediterranean dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. With a comfortable, elegant interior and an unbeatable…
Madrid
A traditional Spanish bakery and pastry shop with a US-inspired twist, Brown Bear offers local and international favourites. With buttery palmeras de…
Madrid
Famous for having appeared in Pedro Almodóvar’s 1997 film Carne trémula (Live Flesh), and equally beloved by first-time visitors to Spain for the sight of…
Madrid
Housed on the ground floor of one of Madrid's coolest bookstores, this highly recommended cafe-bistro serves up an excellent three-course lunch menu (€14)…
Madrid
With a menu packed with everything from beetroot hummus to jamón or croquetas, La Malcriada spans cuisines and draws a suitably diverse crowd (although it…
Valencia
Pretty tasty montaditos at just €1 a pop, accompanied by cheap beer and decent-sized raciones for a pittance, make this the antithesis of the posher…
Chueca
In search of Madrid’s best croissant? Fans claim it can be found inside this tiny cafe that lures passersby with the scent of butter and sugar. Indulge in…
Madrid
The turning, wedding-cake-like display in the window, laden with sweets, cakes, fat pastries and candied fruits, has to be seen to be believed. The shop…
Santa Cruz de Tenerife
La Hierbita was first restaurant to be licensed in the city, in 1893. Back then Calle Clavel was at the heart of the red-light district; part of the…
Zaragoza
The bar groans under the weight of prepared tapas including many varieties of montado (bread slices with assorted toppings) while other offerings are made…
Zaragoza
Ruby-red walls covered with copies of pre-civil war posters and photos, combined with discreet lighting, an animated atmosphere and tasty tapas and…
Asturias
This reliable seafood restaurant facing the river a few steps back from the harbour has been delighting customers with its daily changing menu of local…
Los Cristianos, Playa de las Américas & Costa Adeje
This gourmet restaurant combines exotic decor with an exotic menu of innovatively prepared Asian-inspired dishes, ranging from red tuna with yuzukoshō,…
Córdoba
A meal here makes a fine complement to the nearby Casa de Sefarad museum, as it brings the Sephardic tradition to the table, along with some andalusí …
Madrid
Across Madrid you'll find delis from Spain's jamón-producing regions selling jamón (ham), chorizo and the like. But Viandas de Salamanca was one of the…
Bar Restaurante El Albaricoque
Gran Canaria
This restaurant on your left as you drive up from Maspalomas has decent local fare, including gofio (ground, roasted grain; €3.20), ropa vieja (chickpea…
Galicia
A rustic-looking stone building on the road up to the Monte de San Vicente, O Grelo has a large bright upstairs dining room adorned with modern art, and…
Extremadura
Modern and laid-back, Tentempié is a hit for its gastrobar take on local ingredients. The creative Spanish-international menu, bang on trend, specialises…
Castilla-La Mancha
The vast menu of raciones (large tapas servings) includes salmorejo (thick garlicky gazpacho), almoronía (similar to ratatouille topped with cheese) and…
Zaragoza
Who would have thought you could do so much with migas (fried breadcrumbs)… La Miguería serves this filling quick-fix food in some 30 ways, including…
Barcelona
Still owned by the same family, this venerable tavern has been in business since 1952. The dizzying range of dishes mixes traditional Catalan faves like…
Andalucía
No-frills but often packed to the gills, the 'Red Duck' concentrates on one thing – top seafood tapas. Unless you've grabbed one of the few tables out on…
Oviedo
Overlooking Oviedo’s main cider street, this buzzing eatery puts a modern gastrobar spin on the traditional Asturian sidrería. Faux-faded furniture and…
Extremadura
With attentive service under arched brick ceilings, this lively hotel cafe-restaurant is reliably good. Keep it simple in the cosy cafe with local cheese…
Fuerteventura
Adjoining the museum complex, this restaurant looks like it was transplanted from Andalucía. Try to get a table in the flower-lined courtyards. The menu…
La Gomera
With an outdoor terrace overlooking the banana groves, this is a popular town-centre place for drinks, snacks and a chat. The house special is the octopus…
Gijón
Brave the ugly apartment-block exterior and jump in line at this buzzing sidrería-restaurant, a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Sizzling meats…
Cáceres
Spread across a townhouse, this appealing side-street choice has an upmarket yet homey feel. Succulent wood-oven meats (such as cochinillo; suckling pig)…
Barcelona
Held at the hillside 20th-century Observatori Fabra in northern Barcelona, this astronomical evening includes an outdoor meal, a tour of the observatory,…
