No secrets that Spain is known for its great food, which makes it an amazing country for foodies. Eating and drinking are such a big part of Spanish culture that one of the best ways to explore Spain slowly is through its cuisine.
By tasting dishes from different regions, you’ll get to know more about the people, traditions and local way of life. Spanish gastronomy is unique, and some traditional recipes and meals alone are worth a journey.
In this article, guest blogger Maerle from TraveltoCatalonia will give you more insight into the food culture of Northern Spain with some of the best foodie experiences you shouldn’t miss in this part of the country.
Guest Post by Maerle from TraveltoCatalonia
No secrets that Spain is known for its great food, which makes it an amazing country for foodies. Eating and drinking are such a big part of Spanish culture that one of the best ways to explore Spain slowly is through its cuisine.
By tasting dishes from different regions, you’ll get to know more about the people, traditions and local way of life. Spanish gastronomy is unique, and some traditional recipes and meals alone are worth a journey.
In this article, guest blogger Maerle from TraveltoCatalonia will give you more insight into the food culture of Northern Spain with some of the best foodie experiences you shouldn’t miss in this part of the country.
Guest Post by Maerle from TraveltoCatalonia
In Northern Spain, food plays a big role in daily life. People really take the time to enjoy a meal, often with friends or family. In regions like the Basque Country, Galicia and Catalonia, lunch is usually the main meal of the day.
It’s quite normal to go out for a ‘menú del día’, which is a three-course meal served in many restaurants for a good price (usually between €12 and €20). It’s a great way to try local dishes without spending too much.
Dinner is often simpler and smaller. When going out for dinner, people often order smaller bites, such as pintxos, sandwiches or dishes to share. And just like in the rest of Spain, all meals are eaten a bit later than you might be used to.
When travelling through the different regions of Northern Spain, you’ll notice that eating is more about enjoying the moment than just the food itself. This criterion only makes Spain one of my top destinations for slow travel. Ready to make your mouth water?
In Northern Spain, food plays a big role in daily life. People really take the time to enjoy a meal, often with friends or family. In regions like the Basque Country, Galicia and Catalonia, lunch is usually the main meal of the day.
It’s quite normal to go out for a ‘menú del día’, which is a three-course meal served in many restaurants for a good price (usually between €12 and €20). It’s a great way to try local dishes without spending too much.
Dinner is often simpler and smaller. When going out for dinner, people often order smaller bites, such as pintxos, sandwiches or dishes to share. And just like in the rest of Spain, all meals are eaten a bit later than you might be used to.
When travelling through the different regions of Northern Spain, you’ll notice that eating is more about enjoying the moment than just the food itself. This criterion only makes Spain one of my top destinations for slow travel. Ready to make your mouth water?
6 Best Foodies Experiences in Northern Spain
1/ Going Bar Hopping with Pintxos in the Basque Country
During my itinerary across the Spanish Basque Country, I noticed the amazing food scene, and one of the best-known dishes is pintxos. These are small bites, often (but not always) placed on a piece of baguette with a skewer inside.
Think of things like tomato and ham, a Spanish potato omelette, cheese or a sausage, etc. There are countless options to choose from. At the end, the waiter counts the skewers you have, and this makes up the price.
During my itinerary across the Spanish Basque Country, I noticed the amazing food scene, and one of the best-known dishes is pintxos. These are small bites, often (but not always) placed on a piece of baguette with a skewer inside.
Think of things like tomato and ham, a Spanish potato omelette, cheese or a sausage, etc. There are countless options to choose from. At the end, the waiter counts the skewers you have, and this makes up the price.
Pintxos: Cost, Where to Eat, and Culinary Tips
Prices are usually quite affordable, with most pintxos costing between €2 and €5, so you can easily enjoy a full evening of food for around €15 to €25 per person. The fun thing is that you can go bar hopping.
Have a drink with a few pintxos at one bar, and head to another to do the same. You can continue doing this all night, and what I like most is that you get to try so many different things and truly experience the local food.
If you ask me, you cannot miss out on pintxos in the Basque Country and if you are going there, head to San Sebastian. This is truly the best place for foodies in this region of Northern Spain. Both La Cuchara de San Telmo and Bar Txepetxa are great places to try different pintxos while you’re in San Sebastián.
Pintxos Prices: 2-5€
Best Time to Eat Pintxos in Northern Spain: All year round
Maerles’s favourites to Try Pintxos: La Cuchara de San Telmo & Bar Txepetxa – San Sebastián
Prices are usually quite affordable, with most pintxos costing between €2 and €5, so you can easily enjoy a full evening of food for around €15 to €25 per person. The fun thing is that you can go bar hopping.
Have a drink with a few pintxos at one bar, and head to another to do the same. You can continue doing this all night, and what I like most is that you get to try so many different things and truly experience the local food.
If you ask me, you cannot miss out on pintxos in the Basque Country and if you are going there, head to San Sebastian. This is truly the best place for foodies in this region of Northern Spain. Both La Cuchara de San Telmo and Bar Txepetxa are great places to try different pintxos while you’re in San Sebastián.
Pintxos Prices: 2-5€
Best Time to Eat Pintxos in Northern Spain: All year round
Maerles’s favourites to Try Pintxos: La Cuchara de San Telmo & Bar Txepetxa – San Sebastián
2/ Eating Calçots: A Traditional Catalan Food Experience
In spring, the Catalans love eating calҫots and if you are a foodie, I totally recommend you try them when visiting Catalonia, because it’s such a great experience. Calҫots are long sweet onions, grilled until they have a black outer layer. You have to peel them and dip them in romesco sauce.
From January to March, you often see them on restaurant menus, but if you want the true experience, you should go to a Calҫotada. It is a gathering organised specially to eat calҫots, a big social thing in Catalonia. You sometimes even see them being organised in the local villages.
In spring, the Catalans love eating calҫots and if you are a foodie, I totally recommend you try them when visiting Catalonia, because it’s such a great experience.
Calҫots are long sweet onions, grilled until they have a black outer layer. You have to peel them and dip them in romesco sauce.
From January to March, you often see them on restaurant menus, but if you want the true experience, you should go to a Calҫotada.
It is a gathering organised specially to eat calҫots, a big social thing in Catalonia. You sometimes even see them being organised in the local villages.
How to Eat Calçots: Prices and Tips
A full calҫotada menu (which consists of a three-course meal) usually costs between €25 and €50 per person, depending on the location. One of my favourite places to eat calҫots is restaurant Cals Frares in Cabrera de Mar.
Since peeling the calҫots is quite a nasty task, you often get a special bib to prevent yourself from getting completely covered in the black, greasy stuff, but some Catalan friends of mine have told me that only tourists use these.
So, if you go ahead and try the calҫots, you might want to do it without the special bib. If you want to explore more of Catalan cuisine, a road trip through Catalonia is a great way to do so.
Calҫots Prices: 2-5€
Best Time to Eat Calҫots: January – March
Maerles’s favourites to Try Calҫots: Cals Frares – Cabrera de Mar
A full calҫotada menu (which consists of a three-course meal) usually costs between €25 and €50 per person, depending on the location. One of my favourite places to eat calҫots is restaurant Cals Frares in Cabrera de Mar.
Since peeling the calҫots is quite a nasty task, you often get a special bib to prevent yourself from getting completely covered in the black, greasy stuff, but some Catalan friends of mine have told me that only tourists use these.
So, if you go ahead and try the calҫots, you might want to do it without the special bib. If you want to explore more of Catalan cuisine, a road trip through Catalonia is a great way to do so.
Calҫots Prices: 2-5€
Best Time to Eat Calҫots: January – March
Maerles’s favourites to Try Calҫots: Cals Frares – Cabrera de Mar
3/ Tasting the Best Seafood in Galicia
If you love seafood, Galicia is the place to be. Thanks to its location on the Atlantic Ocean, many dishes here come from the sea, and you’ll find some of the best fish and seafood in the country.
When you are visiting this region of Northern Spain, it’s a great experience to visit some local markets to check out the variety of seafood that comes in straight from the Atlantic Ocean.
If you love seafood, Galicia is the place to be. Thanks to its location on the Atlantic Ocean, many dishes here come from the sea, and you’ll find some of the best fish and seafood in the country.
When you are visiting this region of Northern Spain, it’s a great experience to visit some local markets to check out the variety of seafood that comes in straight from the Atlantic Ocean.
Galician Seafood: Where to eat, prices, and local traditions
But of course, you want to taste the seafood as well. Restaurants offer various dishes, from mussels to razor clams and fresh fish. However, the most famous dish is probably Pulpo a la Gallega, which is octopus prepared in a Galician style (with paprika and olive oil).
Nowadays, it’s often served in other parts of Spain too, but it’s originally from Galicia, and of course, you must try it here when you can. A meal in a local seafood restaurant usually costs between €15 and €40 per person, depending on what you order.
The best seafood is found in coastal towns in Galicia, like O Grove. If you happen to make it here, definitely try the food at Marisquería A Solaina or Tapería Adrede, it’s amazing. While you can eat seafood in Galicia all year round, it’s even more fun to visit during the Fiesta de Exaltación del Marisco. During this local festival, you can try all sorts of dishes from the ocean.
Seafood in Galicia Prices: 15-40€
Maerles’s favourites to Try Seafood in Galicia: Marisquería A Solaina or Tapería Adrede – O Grove & during Fiesta de Exaltación del Marisco
But of course, you want to taste the seafood as well. Restaurants offer various dishes, from mussels to razor clams and fresh fish.
However, the most famous dish is probably Pulpo a la Gallega, which is octopus prepared in a Galician style (with paprika and olive oil).
Nowadays, it’s often served in other parts of Spain too, but it’s originally from Galicia, and of course, you must try it here when you can. A meal in a local seafood restaurant usually costs between €15 and €40 per person, depending on what you order.
The best seafood is found in coastal towns in Galicia, like O Grove. If you happen to make it here, definitely try the food at Marisquería A Solaina or Tapería Adrede, it’s amazing.
While you can eat seafood in Galicia all year round, it’s even more fun to visit during the Fiesta de Exaltación del Marisco. During this local festival, you can try all sorts of dishes from the ocean.
Seafood in Galicia Prices: 15-40€
Maerles’s favourites to Try Seafood in Galicia: Marisquería A Solaina or Tapería Adrede – O Grove & during Fiesta de Exaltación del Marisco
4/ Tasting Anchovies in Cantabria
If you’re a fan of anchovies, you’d better head to Cantabria, because here you can find the best of the best. The fishing village of Santoña, situated on the coast between Santander and Bilbao, is famous because of it.
The anchovies here are placed in salt for 6-8 months, and after this, they are filleted by hand. They are best eaten on a piece of toasted bread or a cracker, but you can also eat them in a salad or even on their own. The taste of this fish is much softer and less salty than in other parts of the world, and this makes it so special.
If you’re a fan of anchovies, you’d better head to Cantabria, because here you can find the best of the best. The fishing village of Santoña, situated on the coast between Santander and Bilbao, is famous because of it.
The anchovies here are placed in salt for 6-8 months, and after this, they are filleted by hand. They are best eaten on a piece of toasted bread or a cracker, but you can also eat them in a salad or even on their own.
The taste of this fish is much softer and less salty than in other parts of the world, and this makes it so special.
Cantabria Anchovies: When & Where to try, and Prices
Although anchovies can be found along the coast of Cantabria all year round, the best are caught in spring, when the fish has the best quality. After that, they are preserved and matured, which is why you can still enjoy them throughout the rest of the year.
I can recommend a guided tour in Santoña to learn more about how it’s made, but you should also head to Anchoateca La Mutua to try all sorts of anchovies dishes. Prices here range from €2 to €25 per dish.
Anchovies in Cantabria Prices: 2-25€
Best Time to Eat Anchovies in Northern Spain: All year, but best in Spring
Maerles’s favourites for Anchovies in Cantabria: Anchoateca La Mutua – Santoña
Although anchovies can be found along the coast of Cantabria all year round, the best are caught in spring, when the fish has the best quality. After that, they are preserved and matured, which is why you can still enjoy them throughout the rest of the year.
I can recommend a guided tour in Santoña to learn more about how it’s made, but you should also head to Anchoateca La Mutua to try all sorts of anchovies dishes. Prices here range from €2 to €25 per dish.
Anchovies in Cantabria Prices: 2-25€
Best Time to Eat Anchovies in Northern Spain: All year, but best in Spring
Maerles’s favourites for Anchovies in Cantabria: Anchoateca La Mutua – Santoña
5/ Visiting Food Markets in Santander, Oviedo or Barcelona
As a food lover, I love going to food markets and discovering more about local specialities. You can find amazing cheeses, seafood, meats, fruits, etc. Some food markets in Northern Spain are mostly tourist setups, but many are still traditional and authentic.
For instance, Mercado El Fontán in Oviedo, Mercat del Clot in Barcelona or Mercado de la Esperanza in Santander. It’s best to go there in the morning, when all the locals are doing their groceries, and all shops are open.
And if you get hungry after seeing all the goodies, you can enjoy a bite for around €5 – €15 in one of the bars that serve ready-to-eat food and drinks.
Spanish Market Bites Prices: 5-15€
Maerles’s favourite food markets in Spain: Mercado El Fontán – Oviedo, Mercat del Clot – Barcelona & Mercado de la Esperanza – Santander
As a food lover, I love going to food markets and discovering more about local specialities. You can find amazing cheeses, seafood, meats, fruits, etc. Some food markets in Northern Spain are mostly tourist setups, but many are still traditional and authentic.
For instance, Mercado El Fontán in Oviedo, Mercat del Clot in Barcelona or Mercado de la Esperanza in Santander. It’s best to go there in the morning, when all the locals are doing their groceries, and all shops are open.
And if you get hungry after seeing all the goodies, you can enjoy a bite for around €5 – €15 in one of the bars that serve ready-to-eat food and drinks.
Spanish Market Bites Prices: 5-15€
Maerles’s favourite food markets in Spain: Mercado El Fontán – Oviedo, Mercat del Clot – Barcelona & Mercado de la Esperanza – Santander
6/ Trying Traditional Vermouth Culture in Catalonia
Going for drinks around noon? Yes, this is what people do in Catalonia. But going for a vermouth (or vermut as it’s called locally) is more than just having a drink. It’s a local tradition.
You often see signs outside around this time with an offer for vermouth with a small bite like olives or crisps, usually for €3 to €6. It’s a great way to experience the social side of Spanish food culture, because locals often go for a vermouth with friends.
When I first came to Spain, I thought vermouth was a nice way to start the evening, but no, this is not the time of day Catalans usually drink it. If you want to try it yourself, places like Vermuteria Oxiterraneo in Barcelona or Morro Fi are great options, especially during weekends when the atmosphere is at its best.
Vermouth Glass Prices: 3-6€
Maerles’s favourites for Vermouth in Catalonia: Vermuteria Oxiterraneo & Morro Fi – Barcelona
Going for drinks around noon? Yes, this is what people do in Catalonia. But going for a vermouth (or vermut as it’s called locally) is more than just having a drink. It’s a local tradition.
You often see signs outside around this time with an offer for vermouth with a small bite like olives or crisps, usually for €3 to €6. It’s a great way to experience the social side of Spanish food culture, because locals often go for a vermouth with friends.
When I first came to Spain, I thought vermouth was a nice way to start the evening, but no, this is not the time of day Catalans usually drink it.
If you want to try it yourself, places like Vermuteria Oxiterraneo in Barcelona or Morro Fi are great options, especially during weekends when the atmosphere is at its best.
Vermouth Glass Prices: 3-6€
Maerles’s favourites for Vermouth in Catalonia: Vermuteria Oxiterraneo & Morro Fi – Barcelona
Where to go for Food Experiences after Northern Spain?
Valencia: Mediterranean Food Experiences, Market Culture & Paella
👉 coming soon, adventure in the process…
👉 coming soon, adventure in the process…
Andalusia: Street Food, Tapas Culture and Local Traditions
👉 coming soon, adventure in the process…
👉 coming soon, adventure in the process…
Mallorca: Island Food Experience and Mediterranean Cuisine
👉 coming soon, adventure in the process…
👉 coming soon, adventure in the process…
France: Traditions & Savoir-Faire
👉 coming soon, adventure in the process…
👉 coming soon, adventure in the process…
Best Food Experiences in Northern Spain - FAQs
What are the best food experiences in Northern Spain?
Some of the best food experiences in Northern Spain include pintxos bar hopping in the Basque Country, eating fresh seafood in Galicia, attending a traditional calçotada in Catalonia, visiting local food markets, and tasting anchovies in Cantabria.
Some of the best food experiences in Northern Spain include pintxos bar hopping in the Basque Country, eating fresh seafood in Galicia, attending a traditional calçotada in Catalonia, visiting local food markets, and tasting anchovies in Cantabria.
Which region offers the best food experience in Spain?
Northern Spain is often considered one of the best areas in the country for food lovers because each region has its own culinary identity. The mild climate contributes to a wide diversity of locally-grown products, unavailable elsewhere in Spain, creating some of the best food experiences in Spain.
Northern Spain is often considered one of the best areas in the country for food lovers because each region has its own culinary identity.
The mild climate contributes to a wide diversity of locally-grown products, unavailable elsewhere in Spain, creating some of the best food experiences in Spain.
What foods should you try in Northern Spain?
Some traditional foods you should try in Northern Spain are:
- Pintxos in the Basque Country
- Pulpo a la Gallega in Galicia
- Calçots with romesco sauce in Catalonia
- Anchovies from Santoña in Cantabria
- Fabada Asturiana in Asturias
- Tortilla Española and local cheeses throughout the region
Some traditional foods you should try in Northern Spain are:
- Pintxos in the Basque Country
- Pulpo a la Gallega in Galicia
- Calçots with romesco sauce in Catalonia
- Anchovies from Santoña in Cantabria
- Fabada Asturiana in Asturias
- Tortilla Española and local cheeses throughout the region
Is Northern Spain good for food lovers?
Yes, Northern Spain is one of the best destinations in Europe for food lovers. The region combines fresh local ingredients, strong culinary traditions, Atlantic seafood, mountain cuisine, local markets, and social dining experiences.
Yes, Northern Spain is one of the best destinations in Europe for food lovers. The region combines fresh local ingredients, strong culinary traditions, Atlantic seafood, mountain cuisine, local markets, and social dining experiences.
What is the difference between tapas and pintxos in Spain?
Tapas are small dishes commonly served throughout Spain, while pintxos are a speciality from the Basque Country in Northern Spain. This popular food experience in Spain is often served on a slice of bread and held together with a skewer alongside local wines.
Tapas are small dishes commonly served throughout Spain, while pintxos are a speciality from the Basque Country in Northern Spain.
This popular food experience in Spain is often served on a slice of bread and held together with a skewer alongside local wines.
Where can you find the best seafood in Northern Spain?
Galicia is widely considered the best region in Northern Spain for seafood. Coastal towns like O Grove, A Coruña, and Santiago de Compostela are famous for fresh fish, mussels, razor clams, and octopus dishes like Pulpo a la Gallega. Don’t skip visiting seafood markets for a deeper culinary experience!
Galicia is widely considered the best region in Northern Spain for seafood. Coastal towns like O Grove, A Coruña, and Santiago de Compostela are famous for fresh fish, mussels, razor clams, and octopus dishes like Pulpo a la Gallega. Don’t skip visiting seafood markets for a deeper culinary experience!
What is a calçotada in Catalonia?
A calçotada is a traditional Catalan gathering centred around eating calçots, a type of sweet grilled onion served with romesco sauce. This social Spanish food tradition usually takes place between January and March and often includes grilled meats, wine, and local desserts.
A calçotada is a traditional Catalan gathering centred around eating calçots, a type of sweet grilled onion served with romesco sauce.
This social Spanish food tradition usually takes place between January and March and often includes grilled meats, wine, and local desserts.
When is the best time to enjoy food experiences in Northern Spain?
Northern Spain offers great culinary experiences year-round, but some seasons are more interesting for food travel. Travelling during local festivals and harvest seasons allows visitors to experience Spanish food culture at its most authentic.
Northern Spain offers great culinary experiences year-round, but some seasons are more interesting for food travel. Travelling during local festivals and harvest seasons allows visitors to experience Spanish food culture at its most authentic.
How expensive is food in Northern Spain?
Food prices in Northern Spain can suit different budgets. A menú del día usually costs between €12 and €20 in most restaurants. Pintxos often range from €2 to €5 each, but seafood restaurants and fine-dining experiences are more expensive, especially in popular cities like San Sebastián.
Food prices in Northern Spain can suit different budgets. A menú del día usually costs between €12 and €20 in most restaurants.
Pintxos often range from €2 to €5 each, but seafood restaurants and fine-dining experiences are more expensive, especially in popular cities like San Sebastián.
Which cities are best for foodie experiences in Northern Spain?
Some of my favourite cities for the best foodie cities in Northern Spain are San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, and Barcelona… The list is longer, and each city offers a different perspective on Spanish food culture and regional culinary traditions.
Some of my favourite cities for the best foodie cities in Northern Spain are San Sebastián, Bilbao, Santiago de Compostela, Oviedo, and Barcelona… The list is longer, and each city offers a different perspective on Spanish food culture and regional culinary traditions.
Are food markets worth visiting in Northern Spain?
Yes, visiting food markets is one of the best ways to experience local life and discover authentic Spanish cuisine. When visiting a destination in Spain, look for a local market to taste local cheeses, cured meats, seafood, seasonal produce, and traditional snacks while interacting with local vendors.
Yes, visiting food markets is one of the best ways to experience local life and discover authentic Spanish cuisine. When visiting a destination in Spain, look for a local market to taste local cheeses, cured meats, seafood, seasonal produce, and traditional snacks while interacting with local vendors.
Is Northern Spain good for slow travel and culinary travel?
Northern Spain is perfect for slow travel because food culture here is deeply connected to local traditions, social gatherings, and regional identity. Combining slow travel with culinary experiences makes it easier to connect with the culture and local people.
Northern Spain is perfect for slow travel because food culture here is deeply connected to local traditions, social gatherings, and regional identity. Combining slow travel with culinary experiences makes it easier to connect with the culture and local people.
Can you enjoy vegetarian food experiences in Northern Spain?
Although Northern Spain is famous for seafood and meat dishes, vegetarian travellers can still enjoy many local specialities. Grilled vegetables, tortilla española, local cheeses, mushroom dishes, padrón peppers, and vegetarian pintxos are commonly found across Northern Spain.
Although Northern Spain is famous for seafood and meat dishes, vegetarian travellers can still enjoy many local specialities. Grilled vegetables, tortilla española, local cheeses, mushroom dishes, padrón peppers, and vegetarian pintxos are commonly found across Northern Spain.
Final Thoughts on Northern Spain Culinary Experiences
Northern Spain is just as diverse in its landscapes as it is in flavours. This is why it’s such a great destination for food lovers. Whether you’re visiting multiple regions on a road trip or just one at a time, it’s fun to discover all of these local specialities and traditions and truly experience Northern Spanish culture.
However, there are plenty of destinations to explore across Europe with unlimited food experiences. Pick one and let the journey unfold as you dive into local savoir-faire and cuisines in each country.
To uncover more Spanish food experiences, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path destinations, why not start a road trip? If the adventure sound is bumping through your chest, explore this unique northern Spain travel itinerary and let the magic unveil.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
Northern Spain is just as diverse in its landscapes as it is in flavours. This is why it’s such a great destination for food lovers.
Whether you’re visiting multiple regions on a road trip or just one at a time, it’s fun to discover all of these local specialities and traditions and truly experience Northern Spanish culture.
However, there are plenty of destinations to explore across Europe with unlimited food experiences. Pick one and let the journey unfold as you dive into local savoir-faire and cuisines in each country.
To uncover more Spanish food experiences, hidden gems, and off-the-beaten-path destinations, why not start a road trip?
If the adventure sound is bumping through your chest, explore this unique northern Spain travel itinerary and let the magic unveil.
Bon voyage!
Wander with Purpose – Connect with Heart.
