Coastal Cuisine: Northern Spain

Featured

Jul 25

Drive, eat and explore Northern Spain with all five senses.

Spain’s 17 autonomous regions offer the traveler much to explore in the way of culture, history — and of course, food.

I drove solo around the north of Spain in November 2021, starting in Vigo, Galicia, and stitching my way around the coast until turning inwards at San Sebastian to head towards Barcelona. Along the way I ate pretty much everything in my path, keeping my nose out of a plate only long enough to take a picture of it. Sharing a few of the resulting snaps & suggestions below :)

Silbario a Sede

Rúa do Príncipe, 44, 36202 Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain

Perched in an observatory-like dome adjacent to Vigo’s old town, Silbario a Sede serves up both spectacular food and views. Attentive staff, beautifully plated dishes, and if you can get a table by the window, also a stunning backdrop against which to enjoy your meal. It’s sort of like dining in a beautiful greenhouse several stories on top of the world.

Real Balneario

Av. Juan Sitges, 3, 33405 Salinas, Asturias, Spain

I’ve eaten at many restaurants with many good views, but I have to say this tops the list. I came for lunch, which is why I was able to get a (mostly clear) view. Now keeping in mind this was the north of Spain in November, so rainy season - but still, just look at that view (the food wasn’t half bad either).

The creamy yellow thing is fish dish which I wasn’t partial too (sauce was too rich for my blood) but I was more than happy with the rest.

Angle

C/ d'Aragó, 214, 08011 Barcelona, Spain

A trip to 2 Michelin star Angle in Barcelona is truly an unforgettable - and often theatrical - experience. A mixture of drama, molecular gastronomy, and a tightly-run ship all gel together to provide the diner with a once-in-a-lifetime evening.

Petit Comitè

Passatge de la Concepció, 13, 08008 Barcelona, Spain

Nestled on a side street off busy La Rambla is this Catalonian restaurant. This is a good option for those in search of elevated dining that is neither too fussy, nor too adventurous; it’s what one would call a “solid bet.”