A food lover’s guide to Spain
Spain, land of late night dining, a vibrant wine culture, and so much glorious jamon, is a food-lover’s delight. I visited Spain in summer time and returned stuffed like an Iberian pig. Now, I’m ready to dish on how plan your own food-centric one week in Spain. On this journey we make stops in Barcelona, San Sebastian, Rioja, and Madrid! This article has been recently updated to include details about San Sebastian and Rioja.
We visited in July and got a great deal flying into Barcelona on TAP, connecting in Lisbon (hello pastel de nata!) While it was hot but bearable in Barcelona, Rioja, and Madrid, it was downright pleasant 75-ish weather in San Sebastian.
Adventurous Tastes Food Lover’s Spanish Itinerary
- 3 nights Barcelona
- 2 nights San Sebastian (Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites)
- 1 night Logroño (Rioja) (Hotel Calle Mayor)
- 1 night Madrid (Only You)
I am a fanatical Google Map maker. I use them to save all of the places I was intrigued by as I prepare for the trip. Then, I can reference my map when I’m out and about to make on-the-go decisions. Here’s the Adventurous Tastes Guide to Spain complete with the “Adventurous Tastes” stamp of approval on anywhere I actually ate.
Let’s kick of our one week in Spain with Rioja and San Sebastian!
San Sebastian: A Pintxos Paradise
We’ll start our adventure in the picturesque coastal city of San Sebastian. In this lovely seaside city in northern Spain, pintxos are king and every meal is a delightful exploration of flavors.
Accomodations in San Sebastian tend towards the expensive. Fortunately, Legazpi Doce Rooms & Suites serve as a moderately priced, well-located home base.
Why Pintxos in San Sebastian?
Ah, pintxos – the Basque Country’s answer to tapas. These bite-sized culinary treasures are not just food; they’re a way of life. The concept of a pintxos crawl is as adventurous as it sounds, and San Sebastian is the ultimate destination for this culinary adventure.
Imagine hopping from one charming bar to another, each offering a unique and delectable selection of pintxos. The playful and exploratory mood of this experience is intoxicating. It had a vibe akin to a more sophisticated spring break for adults. Convivial crowds hop from one restaurant to another, sampling whatever specialties they see lining the bars. Put simply, you walk in, point to something that looks yummy and eat it standing up. Then, you move on to the next restaurant.
Best Pintxos in San Sebastian
Let’s dive into the must-visit spots and what to savor at each:
La Cepa Bar Restaurant: This spot is known for its sublime Iberian ham and manchego sandwich. Traditional pintxos like croquettes and calamari also beckon.
Gandarias: Be sure to try their Ibérico ham, grilled squid, and Idiazábel cheese served with sweet quince.
La Cuchara de San Telmo: Here pintxos aren’t displayed on the bar as in most places. Instead, ask for their menu and enjoy delicacies like fois gras and veal cheeks.
Atari Gastroteka: Don’t miss wine-braised beef cheeks and torrija, a sublime blend of bread pudding and tres leches cake. Complement your feast with a top-notch gin & tonic for the ultimate tasting experience.
Bar Angel: Specializing exclusively in mushrooms, Bar Angel is a culinary haven. Don’t miss their towering stack of mushrooms on a toothpick, crowned with a tiny shrimp ($1.50).
Bar Lorenzo “Agus Tio”: Bar Lorenzo “Agus Tio” beckons with its exquisite grilled chistorra, a chorizo infused with sweet paprika and garlic, and succulent lamb kebabs.
Bar Soriano: Satisfy your cravings with Bar Soriano’s setas. First, they cook wild mushrooms in garlicky butter. Then, they skewer them with a succulent shrimp. It’s a decadent treat that transports your taste buds to new heights.
Borda Berri: Here “pikaña,” tender beef served with mashed grilled aubergine, takes center stage. It’s a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
Bar Sport: Bar Sport entices with its incredible Txipis a la plancha. These are grilled baby squid that are tender and packed with flavor.
Before you leave San Sebastian, make sure to visit La Viña. Its iconic “burnt” Basque cheesecake is a dessert that will leave you craving more.
And what better companion for these delightful pintxos than Txakoli white wine? Its crisp and refreshing taste perfectly complements the rich flavors of San Sebastian’s cuisine. You’ll find yourself raising your glass with newfound friends, toasting to the joy of discovery.
In between stuffing your face with pintxos, take a leisurely beach stroll along San Sebastian’s beautiful coastline.
Exploring Rioja’s Wine Country
Our one-night stay at the Hotel Calle Mayor in Logroño was perfectly situated for exploring the rich wine culture of the region.
Logroño: Wine Tour with Rioja Wine Trips
Prepare your palate for a wine adventure like no other. Logroño, nestled in the Rioja wine region, boasts a rich history of winemaking and is the perfect place to savor Rioja’s finest. To make the most of limited time, I highly recommend a wine tour such as Rioja Wine Trips or one of these tours.
La Cata del Barrio de la Estación: Here, history and wine intertwine along the cobbled streets of Haro, home to an array of venerable wineries. On our tour, we discovered Gomez Cruzado, a winery founded in 1886, nestled in the Barrio de la Estacion. It’s a small, intimate space brimming with personality, where a friendly staff welcomes you. No reservations are needed for a tasting flight, making it an accessible and delightful stop on your wine adventure.
Bodegas Finca La Emperatriz: With an idyllic outdoor seating area and a curated selection of remarkable wines, this winery beckons. It’s a place where you can bask in the warmth of the sun while sipping excellent Rioja wines.
Zaragoza’s Culinary Gem: La Jamoneria Restaurante y Terraza
During your scenic drive from Barcelona to San Sebastian, we urge you to make a pit stop in Zaragoza at La Jamoneria. It’s a hidden treasure where culinary virtuoso Felix, known for his artful jamon carving, plays the role of a gracious and friendly host. You will be treated to a plate of the finest ham you’ve ever tasted and an incredibly charming atmosphere. While parking might pose a minor challenge, the extraordinary flavors that await you will more than compensate for any inconvenience.
Read on for more tips on Spain. Next up, Barcelona!