The Ultimate Foodie Itinerary for Spain

Spanish influence is everywhere we turn. History tells us why but you can research that on your own. So the chef and I went on the ultimate foodie itinerary in Spain to discover some of the culinary traditions of the country. The mere mention of Spanish cuisine and we start dreaming of enjoying tapas at the bar or filling up on paella. While I love a great paella, Spanish cuisine goes far beyond the classics into a world of creativity that’s not to be missed. The world’s oldest restaurant (according to The Guinness World Record) is located in Spain. And if you are a foodie, you might remember the glory years of El Bulli which earned the top spot on the World’s Best List 5 years in a row but sadly closed its doors in 2011.

You’d be surprised to hear that Spain has more of the World’s Best Restaurants than any other country. Many of those distinctions have gone to restaurants outside of bustling metropolis like Madrid. So we set out on an adventure to find the heart of Spanish cuisine. Now dining out with a chef is always an adventure. To be clear, we did not try everything but certainly pushed the boundaries. Our drive took us from Madrid to Toledo, Granada, Malaga, Ronda and finally Seville.

First Stop: Madrid

We started our adventure in Madrid, the heart of Spain. Here you can find a vibrant food scene that will entice the most adventurous foodie. No foodie itinerary in Spain would be complete without indulging in tapas. And if you love tapas, there is no better place to start than Mercado de San Miguel, where you can sample an array of bite-sized delights such as jamón ibérico, croquetas, and patatas bravas. This market gets really busy throughout the day and there is good reason why. We grabbed a seat at one of the many bars in the market and swapped turns picking up treats from the different vendors. In the end, we ate way too much. So it was time for some touring around.

Since this was chefs first visit to Madrid we spent some time exploring the city. And when our digestive systems were ready for more, we headed to Casa Botín, the oldest restaurant in the world according to the Guinness World Records. We couldn’t go all in but enjoyed some croquettes and their signature dish cochinillo asado (roast suckling pig). After an indulgent day of dining, we walked it off by exploring the trendy neighborhoods of Malasaña and La Latina. I’d recommend the same for you. Of course, that means you will probably have another drink but you’re in Spain. Go for it.

Next Up: Toledo

Toledo has such a rich history. Our exploration took us to some of the iconic landmarks of the city such as the Alcázar, the Cathedral, and the Synagogue of Santa María la Blanca. We took a couple breaks from exploring the winding streets to enjoy the food. I would recommend that you grab a bite of Toledo’s famous marzipan with your morning coffee. No foodie itinerary in Spain would be complete without enjoying some local specialities. Take an afternoon break and have a glass of local wines from the nearby La Mancha region paired with local cheese. It’s in this region where manchego cheese originates using milk of the Manchega sheep.

Before you leave the area, dine at a traditional mesón (tavern) and feast on classic Castilian dishes like cordero asado (roast lamb), perdiz estofada (braised partridge), and migas (breadcrumbs with chorizo and vegetables).

Third Stop: Granada

Granada is best known for the Alhambra. This is the crown jewel of Granada and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Get lost in the lush gardens and marvel at the breathtaking architecture. Granada has a heavy Moorish influence and it showcases itself through regional specialties like gazpacho, salmorejo, andaluz, and tortilla española. In the afternoon, make your way to the Albaicín neighborhood, known for its charming tea houses which offer an array of Middle Eastern-inspired treats such as baklava, mint tea, and shisha.

In the evening, we joined the locals and immersed ourselves in Granada’s vibrant tapas culture. We popped into a few bars in search of the perfect bite. It was here the chef tried goose barnacles for the first time. He shares his experience in the video above.

Up Next: Malaga and Marbella

We desperately wanted to explore the coastal region of Spain so we headed farther south to Malaga but spent the night in Marbella. Neither are typical spots on an ultimate foodie itinerary of Spain but we wanted to better understand the regional influences on seafood. In this area local specialties include boquerones fritos (fried anchovies), espetos de sardinas (grilled sardines), and ensalada malagueña (Malaga salad). If you have a sweet tooth, try the chocolate churros. They are sure to spike your sugar intake.

What Marbella lacks in food specialities, it makes up for in luxury resorts overlooking the azure waters of the Alboran Sea. It’s a great spot to spend a night or two looking out over the waters to the top of Africa.

Fifth Stop: Ronda

Perched atop dramatic cliffs and steeped in history of bullfighting you will find Ronda. We were taken aback by the steep cliffs all around the city including the stunning Tajo Gorge. It’s incredible to look down in to what appears to be nothingness when you are only protected by a light rail/fence. In Ronda, you will find historic landmarks such as the Plaza de Toros, one of the oldest bullrings in Spain. Here bullfighting is revered. You will see markers all around the city showcasing the relevance to the city.

After chef finished pretending he was a bullfighter, we popped into a local spot to savor some regional specialties such as rabo de toro (bull’s tail stew), salmorejo (cold tomato soup), or carrillada de cerdo (braised pork cheeks). You might also want to try Criadillas de Toro (bull testicles)…I did not.

Finally: Seville

Alas Seville! This is not a drivable city. As one local pointed out, “the city was built long before cars”. The streets are sooo narrow and pretty frieghtening to navigate. If you were brave enough to drive to Seville, stop the car as soon as you get here in the nearest car park. You will thank me later.

Once we got our hearts back on track, we set out to visit some of the iconic landmarks of Seville. For your visit, I would suggest the Alcázar palace complex, the Cathedral with its towering Giralda bell tower, and the picturesque Plaza de España during your stay. While we didn’t find anything that was distinctly Seville in the foodie arena, we were able to indulge in some classic Andalusian dishes. And of course we couldn’t leave Seville without seeing a live flamenco show at a local tablao. Here passionate dancers and soulful guitarists will transport you to the heart of Andalusia’s cultural heritage.

My Perspective

I am well aware that this post does not include Barcelona or San Sebastián. I’m saving those for another post. Spain offers an unrivaled gastronomic experience that will delight even the most discerning foodie. From the busy streets of Madrid to the coastal charm of Marbella and the historic towns of Toledo and Ronda, each city offers a unique culinary experience that promises to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. So pack your appetite and prepare for a culinary adventure of a lifetime as you savor Spain’s delights.