Restaurant Spain - The 10 best restaurants Spain in 2024

Practical information : Eating out Spain

Timetable

The Spanish schedules are different from ours: from 2 to 4 pm for the lunch, the most important one, the " comida fuerte ", and from 9 pm for the evening meal. The times are sometimes a little different in the small villages (1 to ½ hour earlier). In the big cities, restaurants are often closed on Sunday nights and Mondays. And the best ones, part of August. In the inland villages or the very touristy destinations on the coast, they sometimes close out of season or only open in the evening or on weekends.

Budget & Tips

On average, the restaurant budget will be less expensive than in France but on this basis, there will be variations depending on where you are staying. In a large city or a tourist site, a meal can vary from 25 to 40 €, more if it is an award-winning restaurant. In any case, you will find almost everywhere menus del día ranging from 9 to 15 €, served in the middle of the day and on weekdays, since they are primarily aimed at people who work. And you can indulge in the tapo for a sum of 10 to 15 € per person, drink included. Some destinations even offer free tapas with any drink (except water and coffee), as in the provinces of Jaén and Granada in Andalusia, or the city of Ciudad Real, for example. It is also the ideal country to practice street food, shopping in the beautiful markets, and then sit in a park or a nice square. If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, you can ask to take the rest away. The "doggy bag" is not yet systematized, but it will not shock anyone. Finally, remember to keep some cash to pay for your tapas or restaurants in the small villages.

What costs extra

The prices are displayed all inclusive. But bread, water and cutlery are not included. So there will be no carafe of water, the water is bottled, con gas or sin gas, sparkling or still, specifying if you want it fresh, fría or at room temperature, natural. However, the habit of asking for a glass of water (not charged) is becoming more and more widespread. Bread will be charged from 1 to 1.50 €, usually presented with the cutlery, in a basket. If you don't want bread, say no if you are asked when you order or indicate it directly. Theoretically, the service is included in the bill, but it is appreciated if you leave 5 to 10% of the bill for the service.

The local way

You will want to honor the tradition of the tapeo, born in Andalusia, but which has spread throughout Spain, by changing the creamery several times during the mid-day or evening stroll. And you will also follow another beautiful local practice, ordering a dish to share it " compare " with others. The main products of the barras de tapeo are patatas bravas; tortilla (omelette) with potatoes, mostly, but also spinach, prawns... octopus a la gallega; Russian salad; Padrón peppers; small fried food and of course, ham and chorizo. On the other hand, Spain has much more to offer than paella and this will be an opportunity to discover the richness of its gastronomy, trying the fadada of Asturias (a kind of cassoulet), the Duesos y quebrantos manchegos (stew with chorizo and bacon), the suquets of the Costa Brava (fresh fish marinade) or the pastel de carne murcien. The more affluent can also visit one of the 200 or so starred restaurants on the peninsula.

Kids

Most restaurants offer "children's" menus that cost around 10 €. They will also be very attentive if you want a modification due to an allergy or other. In general, children are welcome and you will be surprised to see how much they are present in the same areas as adults, whatever the time of day. For the very young, some have special chairs, so please ask.

Smokers

After a transition period, all establishments are smoke-free since January 2011, except for the terrace.

Tourist traps

If you see "hay paella y sangria", there is paella and sangria, check further away if you are there. In very touristy neighborhoods or areas, it is best to avoid establishments that are located very close to the most visited places. Because of the flow, the quality is rarely there.

The best restaurants Spain

CASA OZAMA

CASA ANÍBAL

EL GLOBO

MERCADO VICTORIA

VICTORIA 8

VICTOR MONTES

LIVING COCINA VIVA

ORIXE GASTRONOMÍA GALEGA

CLARITA

EL PORTAL DE ECHAURREN

LAS GOLONDRINAS

CAL MARINER

LA PALOMA

EL CABALLO DE LAS LOMAS

LA FONDA

MESÓN DE LA MOLINERA

RESTAURANTE BEI PEPE LA CABANA

VENTORILLO EL CHATO

RESTAURANTE EL TORREÓN

LOS GALAYOS

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