Covering my faves from Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia!
One of the things I look forward to the most about traveling is the FOOD. I've never been a picky eater, and I'll try almost anything. Of course, that's gotten me into some trouble before. (I tried squid sushi once, and it didn't end well).
That said, I love experiencing new and different flavors. And travel gives me the opportunity to try authentic cuisine without having the US trying to put its own "spin" on a dish. I also don't shy away from asking a waiter or cook what they'd recommend, especially if the menu is in a different language or if I don't recognize the name of a dish. And I'm glad I think to ask! Otherwise, I would have missed out on some pretty palate-pleasing cuisines abroad. And going a bit out of your comfort zone is what travel is all about, right?
I've only been in Spain for a little over a month, but I've already created a staple list of restaurants and cafes I know I HAVE to return to, as well as certain dishes, drinks and tapas I adore. And so if you're in need of some direction as to what to order when you're in Spain, allow me to give you a few of my fave suggestions...
BARCELONA
TAPAS
Must-go: La Deliciosa in Barceloneta, Las Serras Rooftop Hotel, and Café Born
Must-try: Patatas Bravas, Tacos Minis de Barceloneta, Whipped Iced Chai, Croquetas Fritas
DESSERT
Must-go: Chok Chocolate Shop, Cookona, La Pallaresa Xocolateria
Must-try: Spanish Chocolat Caliente (she thicccc), Spanish Horchata (healthier alternative to ice cream), Gelato, Churros con Chocolat
BRUNCH
Must-go: Here Bubble Tea near Arco de Triumfo, Brunch & Cake (the one in Barceloneta), Cafe Europa
Must-try: Matcha Brown Sugar Bubble Tea, Charcoal Waffles and Eggs, Lox Bagel, Cafe con Leche
FINE DINING
Must-go: The Sushi Shop, Cañete, Las Serras, Hotel Jazz Rooftop
Must-try: Oxtail Stuffed Mashed Potatoes, Traditional Catalán Meatballs, Spanish Tortilla, Sangria
MADRID
TAPAS
Must-go: Any restaurant in Plaza de España, Doros Bistro, Bi&Bi
Must-try: Hamburguesas minis, Croquetas, Patatas Bravas, Vermut
BRUNCH
Must-go: El Invernadero, Chocolatería San Ginés, Carmen Sita Bar
Must-try: Lox and Avocado Toast, Churros con Chocolat Caliente
FINE DINING
Must-go: The Hat Rooftop Bar, Nice to Meet You Skybar Terrace, La Esquina de Nabuco
Must-try: Wok, Pulpo a la Parrila, Bocadillo con Huevo y Carne, Steak Tartar
VALENCIA
BRUNCH
Must-go: Dulce de Leche Boutique Cafe, Cafe de Santa Catalina, Café de las Horas
Must-try: Yogurt con Frutas, Croissant de Dulce de Leche, Spanish Horchata, Mini Sugar Donuts, Casadielles
DESSERT
Must-go: Cappuccino Gran Cafe, Heladería la Nocciola Toscana, Pastelería Limon
Must-try: Artesian Limon y Merengue Pastry, Gelato, Chocolat Caliente, Casadilles
FINE DINING
Must-go: La Riuá, Marina Beach Club, Hotel Center Valencia
Must-try: Valencian Paella, Ravioli con Langostinos, Agua de Valencia, Spanish Tortilla, Cerdo con Patatas y Espinicas
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