Mediterranean cuisine is famous across the globe for its perfect combination of delicious yet healthy foods. Spain is a great example for this with such a huge variety of mouthwatering dishes, unique flavours and delicious locally-produced ingredients. Being one of the largest of the Mediterranean countries, Spain has noticeable differences for meals served in one part of the country as opposed to the other. That is why you should not only research what to see in Spain but also which places to visit for the most unique and authentic food experiences. Here are some of our top picks!
Granada
If you have ever heard of Granada you most likely also heard about their free tapas. Yes – you read this correctly. This charming town is famous for having local restaurants serve tapas together with the drinks you have ordered. It will typically be one or two small plates of nibbles and you will get them free of charge in most of the eateries you visit there. However, Granada is worth a visit for many more reasons than just the tapas – it is also the home city for one of the most loved traditional Andalusian dishes called plato alpujarreño.
San Sebastian
San Sebastian is commonly named the food capital of Spain with the best Mediterranean food for a reason. Located in the Basque Country, the city boasts the second most Michelin stars per capita in the world, with hundreds of restaurants raging from fine dining experience to homely local eateries. San Sebastian is most famous for its pintxos and tapas bars, serving such fresh local delicasies as gilda, anchovies, solomillo, salt cod, txuleta and kokotxas de merluza.
Valencia
Valencia is famous for a wide variety of things, including its stunning Cathedral and the Old Town, many great arts and sciences exhibitions and the Central Market. In additon to all of those, Valencia is also the birthplace of one of the most popular Spanish dishes – paella. While paella is typically served with seafood, the authentic Valencian paella includes chicken and / or rabbit meat as well as snails. Besides paella, you may also enjoyed such dishes as esgarraet, fideuà, bunyols and horchata and fartons in Valencia.
Menorca
Taking a quick detour to one of the Spain’s Balearic Islands, the high quality and freshness of the local ingredients with a balance of sustainable farming practices in Menorca is a must mention. The island was awarded the European Region of Gastronomy title in 2022 for its artisanal Mahón cheese selection and delicious locally-produced wines from ancient grapes. Amongst many traditional Menorcan dishes, you will also find such classics as queso de Mahón, arroz de la Tierra, tumbet, caldereta de Langosta and oliaigu.
Seville
Back in mainland Spain, the food scene in Seville is truly a unique combination of traditional dishes and a more modern take on their flavours. The city is most popular for being the hometown of gazpacho – a mouthwatering cold soup served across the country. The most authentic version in Seville also offers a few different variations, such as porra antequerana, salmorejo and ajoblanco. If cold soup is not your kind of dish, the city has plenty of other georgious local meals that will get your juices flowing, including croquetas, espinacas con garbanzos, carrillada and tostada de pringa.