When you think of Spain, you might picture sun-soaked plazas, lively flamenco music, and the enticing aromas of authentic Spanish cuisine. If you’re planning a trip and want to immerse yourself in the rich flavours of Madrid, you’re in for a delightful experience. Today, I invite you to embark on a culinary journey to explore the unique charm of one of Madrid’s treasures. Casa Toni Madrid is a small, unassuming bar and restaurant that may not look like much at first. However,

IBIZA’S FAMOUS CHIRINGUITOS HAVE STARTED TO OPEN AROUND THE ISLAND. Sunbeds and plastic chairs suddenly appear. Wooden tables are dragged across sand that sat empty all winter, and music quietly drifts across the empty sand out to sea. CLICK HERE TO SEE A FEW OF THE CHIRINGUITOS DOTTED AROUND THE ISLAND And just like that, after months of silence and closed shutters, the chiringuito is open again. Where does the word actually come from, and it’s not Spain; Chiringuitos d

RESTAURANTE VENTORRILLO DEL CHATO This restaurant is a beautiful historic Goya-esque 18th-century roadhouse, situated near the beach dunes, an oasis in the heart of a desert strip. Jose Manuel Cordoba makes magic with fish here. We come here for the Tortillitas de Camarones (shrimp fritters). The ones here are larger but also incredibly crispy, with more batter edges and significantly more shrimp than any others we had. They are great with a cold fino sherry. Other excellen

CASA BIGOTE Michelin Bib Gourmand It was in 1951 when a local sailor, Fernando Hermoso, opened a despacho de Vinos selling manzanilla to fishermen. Fernando grew an Errol Flynn-style moustache, and his friends started calling him “El Bigote”. Manzanilla, a salty, extremely dry sherry (the salt comes from the local bodegas’ proximity to the sea air), originates from Sanlúcar de Barrameda, and you will still find it on almost every table. In 1970, Fernando Jr. took over t

If you’re heading to Ibiza, you’re probably already dreaming of sun-soaked beaches and vibrant nightlife. But let me tell you, the island’s culinary scene deserves just as much attention. Ibiza’s local dishes are a delicious blend of Mediterranean flavours, fresh seafood, and traditional Spanish recipes with a unique twist. So, what should you order when you sit down at a local restaurant? Let’s dive into the Ibiza top local dishes that you cannot miss. This guide will help y

RESTAURANTE CAN RAFALET After a few years away, we returned to Restaurante Can Rafalet, in Es Caló de Sant Agustí, on the Island of Formentera, which boasts some of the most stunning views in the Balearic Islands. The sea is at its fabulous best here, and from our reserved front table, we could see it in all its stunning turquoise glory. When you sit down, you receive a delicious bowl of aioli (rich with garlic) and olives, along with a basket of crusty rolls to scoop up the

LA BODEGA DEL CANTINERO Mark Walsh returned to another of his favourite spots in San Pedro de Alcántara, just outside the famous resort of Marbella. La Bodega del Cantinero, often known as “Casa Alberto,” is a modern restaurant with a family-run structure, Alberto manages the front of house and hosts guests, while his wife handles the kitchen. This owner-chef partnership is typical of newer Spanish “personal” restaurants, which contrast with traditional taverns. La Bodega de

CAN RAMONET UPDATE APRIL 2026: We believe the restaurant is now owned by Pikes Hotel (just down the road), so prices, opening times, and conditions may have changed, and unfortunately, there have been a few disappointing recent reviews regarding the newer staff. This is a typical roadside café/bar/restaurant you will find when driving inland, looking for tapas in Ibiza. It’s a wonderful spot to escape the hustle and bustle of the island. Just past Pikes, on the route from Sa

CASA LOLA We were with Mark Walsh of @walshjewellery , looking for a few tapas in Malaga, so we stopped by the buzzy Casa Lola for lunch. Located in the centre of Málaga, Casa Lola is a popular bar favoured by locals. It offers a wide selection of tapas at very reasonable prices, along with a daily special that provides excellent value for those on a tight budget. You can choose a few pinchos and tapas to enjoy at the bar with a drink or take a seat at a table. We had a pin

BODEGA BAR EL PIMPI We were with Mark Walsh of @walshjewellery in Malaga and popped into this lively bar, located in the historical city centre next to the Alcazaba, which is among Málaga’s most renowned establishments. El Pimpi is featured in virtually every tourist guide imaginable. Even with its popularity as a tourist destination, El Pimpi has preserved the high-quality food that made it renowned. It is reasonably priced. Bodegas Bar El Pimpi is an interesting maze-like