TABERNA CASA MANTECA Cádiz is one of Western Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. The Phoenicians founded it, and archaeological remains date back 3,100 years. During the 18th and 19th centuries, it became a trading port with the Americas. This famous spot in the Casco Antiguo (the older part of Cádiz), which is within the remnants of the city walls and is commonly referred to as the Old Town, is an old-school Restaurant and tapas bar (the name means house of Lard!

BAR SAN JUAN After a few local recommendations, we have been meaning to come to this restaurant in Chorlton-cum-Hardy, on the outskirts of Manchester, for some time. On this cold Monday evening in November, we finally made it. This restaurant is a traditional bar, serving authentic tapas. The atmosphere indoors is cosy and full of character, with bullfighting posters. This is a nice place to go to eat in Manchester. We picked quite a few of the tapas: Jamo croquetas (ham croq

TABERNA MANOLO CATECA Tucked away in a corner alleyway, this hidden gem gives you the feel of being a local. The bar has been on this side street since 1920, when it was a wine despacho. In 1952, it became Taberna La Goleta. The current owner, Manuel Navarro, who goes by Cateca (hence the new name), took over around 12 years ago. Although small inside, it always seems popular, day and night, as it is packed with people standing outside drinking and enjoying Sevilla's nightli

LA VENENCIA The fabulous La Venencia is like stepping back into an Andalusian sherry bar from the 1920s/'30s. The bar has a great history (it is believed anti-General Franco supporters would meet up here during the Spanish Civil War). It is doubtful the place has changed much over the years, with the unassuming sign above the door, the dusty old sherry bottles behind the bar and the vintage posters on the walls, which give the place great character. This refreshingly non-mode

LA CASA DEL ABUELO We returned to one of our favourite bars on our recent trip to Madrid. A traditional Madrileño shrimp tapas bar founded in 1906 in the heart of the city. Nobody would think that over 100 years have passed since then, significantly since nothing has changed. It has passed through four generations of the same family, who have kept its traditions and authenticity. They serve all types of gambas and Langostinos. Gambas ajillo Garlic and chilli prawns Gambas a

SEGOVIA - MESÓN DE JOSÉ MARÍA Michelin plate IIO If you are looking for a traditional Spanish food experience, then Mesón De José Maria, a conventional Castilian Tavern off of Plaza Mayor, is the place for you. The restaurant has been here since 1982. Walk into the busy bar, and you will find it filled with a mix of locals, from those taking a break at the end of the day to families who wheel their baby prams into the bar to catch up with friends and family to enjoy a drink

RESTAURANTE ELKANO    One Michelin Star Getaria is the picture-postcard Basque Country fishing village that produced designer Cristóbal Balenciaga, Plácido Domingo's mother, and Juan Sebastián Elcano (the first mariner to circumnavigate the globe). You can wander down the old streets to the harbour, where you will see the fishing fleet, walking past various shops selling their wares. There are stunning little beaches on either side of town. Set on a crossroads above the harbo

COMIDAS BAR SAN JUAN UPDATED OCTOBER 2025 - The restaurant is currently closed, possibly awaiting new owners, which is a massive shame. The owners of this unpretentious tapas bar remain impervious to Ibiza's trendiness, refusing to change its wood-panelled décor and traditional Spanish menu. It has always been one of the cheapest places to eat in Eivissa (Ibiza Town). There is new staff at the bar San Juan in June 2024, completely different opening hours, and a moderate pr

RESTAURANT POMELO PLAYA (ex Sa Bresca) UPDATE SEPTEMBER 2025 The chiringuito on Cala Gracio has only opened this year. The beds are reasonable, the service is good, but since Mambo Group owns it, the prices are incredibly overpriced. It is now called Pomelo Playa. They charge €6 for a small beer (0.3 litres) and €8 for a large beer (0.5 litres). The cheapest bottle of wine is €45; the Tomato Salad is €26; the Beach Burger is €32; and the Corvina is €40. Drinks It is still a

RESTAURANTE PELAYO This is the perfect spot for a Sunday lunch with friends and family. It is a rustic, unpretentious beachside bar and Restaurant built in the true soul and spirit of Formentera. Good food is served in a lovely location on the beach, with mostly locals and a few tourists, in a relaxed, easy-going atmosphere. They serve delicious fish, octopus, and other seafood, but on Sunday, everyone goes for the Paella, which has an insane quantity of seafood! Turn off at