Spain is a gastronomic paradise, boasting a rich culinary heritage influenced by a mix of cultures, fertile lands, and bountiful seas. Food and drink are not just sustenance here; they are a way of life, celebrated in taverns that reflect the country’s diverse regional cuisines. Start your journey in Madrid at Casa Lucio, an iconic tavern near Plaza Mayor. Known for its rustic charm and history, this establishment is famed for its huevos estrellados (fried eggs over potatoes), a simple yet divine dish. The wooden beams and dim lighting transport diners back in time, offering a taste of classic Madrid. The menu also features hearty stews and roasted meats, perfect for a satisfying meal after exploring the city. In Barcelona, El Xampanyet is a mustvisit for those seeking authentic Catalan flavors. Tucked away in the Born district, this lively bar is famous for its cava (Catalan sparkling wine) and tapas. The blue tiles and vintage decor create a nostalgic atmosphere, while the menu offers delights like anchovies, Iberian ham, and esqueixada (a traditional salt cod salad). It’s the perfect spot to mingle with locals and soak in the vibrant Catalan spirit. Head to Seville for a taste of Andalusian charm at El Rinconcillo, the oldest bar in the city, dating back to 1670. This historic tavern is a testament to Seville’s rich culinary tradition, serving classic tapas like espinacas con garbanzos (spinach with chickpeas) and pringa (a mix of roasted meats). The tiled walls and intricate woodwork make it a visual delight, while the food and wine promise an unforgettable Andalusian experience. In San Sebastián, the heart of Basque gastronomy, visit Bar Txepetxa in the Old Town. Known for its creative pintxos (Basque tapas), this bar offers a modern twist on traditional flavors. Try the gilda, a skewer of olives, anchovies, and peppers, or the txangurro (spider crab). Each bite is a culinary adventure, reflecting the Basque Country’s innovative approach to food. Finish your journey in Galicia, where Pulpería A Garnacha in Santiago de Compostela serves the region’s signature dish, pulpo á feira (Galicianstyle octopus). This simple yet delicious dish features tender octopus seasoned with paprika, olive oil, and salt, cooked to perfection in traditional copper pots. The rustic setting and friendly atmosphere make it a perfect stop for pilgrims and food lovers alike, offering a true taste of Galicia’s coastal bounty.
In the heart of Granada, the Alhambra looms majestically over the city, a stunning reminder of Spain’s Moorish past. After a day exploring its intricately designed palaces and gardens, head to Bodegas Castañeda, a traditional tavern where the Moorish and Christian influences of Granada converge in culinary harmony. Here, the tradition of free tapas with every drink is alive and well, offering a delightful array of flavors from cured hams to local cheeses. The bodega’s rustic charm, with its wooden barrels and oldworld decor, makes it a cozy spot to relax and soak in the city’s rich history. No visit to Granada is complete without trying its famous Alpujarras ham, a local delicacy cured in the mountain air, which pairs perfectly with a glass of the region’s sweet wine, Vino Costa. In Valencia, the birthplace of paella, Casa Roberto is a culinary institution that has perfected the art of this iconic rice dish. Located near the Turia Gardens, this centuryold establishment is the goto place for an authentic Valencian paella, made with rabbit, chicken, and local green beans. The chef’s meticulous preparation ensures that every grain of rice is infused with the rich flavors of the region’s ingredients. Beyond paella, Casa Roberto’s menu offers a variety of seafood dishes, showcasing the bounty of the Mediterranean. The restaurant’s elegant yet cozy atmosphere, with its classic tiled floors and wooden beams, provides the perfect setting for a leisurely meal. After dining, a stroll through the nearby Central Market, with its vibrant stalls of fresh produce, is a must for any food lover. Down in the south, Córdoba’s Mezquita, with its forest of columns and horseshoe arches, is a marvel of Islamic architecture, a reminder of the city’s golden age as a cultural and religious center. Just a short walk away, Taberna Salinas offers a glimpse into Córdoba’s culinary heritage. This 19thcentury tavern is a local favorite, known for its hearty Andalusian dishes like salmorejo, a thick tomato and bread soup, and flamenquín, a breaded roll of ham and pork. The tavern’s simple decor, with its whitewashed walls and wooden tables, reflects the unpretentious nature of its cuisine. On a warm evening, nothing beats enjoying a meal in the courtyard, surrounded by the scent of jasmine and the sound of flamenco in the background. As the sun sets, Córdoba’s old town comes alive, with its narrow streets filled with the aroma of grilled meats and the chatter of locals. In the Basque Country, Bilbao’s Guggenheim Museum is a testament to the city’s transformation from an industrial hub to a cultural powerhouse. After a day of admiring contemporary art, head to Café Iruña, a historic cafe that has been serving locals since 1903. Situated across from the Jardines de Albia, Café Iruña is famous for its pintxos, the Basque version of tapas. The cafe’s opulent interior, with its Moorishinspired tiles and chandeliers, is a feast for the eyes, while the menu offers a taste of the region’s culinary creativity. Try the bacalao al pilpil, a traditional Basque dish of cod in a garlic and olive oil sauce, or the txuleta, a succulent Basque steak. For dessert, the pastel vasco, a custardfilled cake, is a sweet way to end the meal. Café Iruña’s lively atmosphere, with its bustling bar and friendly service, captures the spirit of Bilbao’s vibrant culture. Finally, no culinary journey through Spain would be complete without a visit to Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage. After exploring the city’s magnificent cathedral, head to O Gato Negro, a rustic tavern tucked away in a narrow street near the cathedral. This nofrills establishment is a favorite among locals and pilgrims alike, known for its simple yet delicious Galician seafood. The menu changes daily, depending on the catch, but you can always count on fresh octopus, razor clams, and scallops. The tavern’s stone walls and wooden beams create a cozy atmosphere, where diners can enjoy a hearty meal after the long journey to Santiago. A glass of Albariño wine, the region’s crisp white wine, is the perfect accompaniment to the seafood feast. As the night falls, the streets of Santiago de Compostela are filled with the joyful sounds of pilgrims celebrating the end of their journey, a fitting conclusion to a culinary adventure through Spain.
