CASA PUGA There is no more classic bar in all of Almería than this one. It is an old-style bar known for traditional Andalusian tapas steeped in history. It dates back to 1870, undoubtedly one of the oldest in Almería. Overloaded with ancient wine bottles on dusty shelves, tiled walls, a marble bar, an exposed iron grill, and hanging Jamónes, these are key parts of the decoration, as are the several non-stop waiters. All the tapas are excellent but straightforward. Try, Ques

RESTAURANTE SACHA This is not the most straightforward restaurant in Madrid to find, even with GPS, as it is at the rear of where it should be and hidden away in a corner on the right side of the building. Everything looks great, small but cosy, busy and traditional upon entering. It was opened in 1972 by a couple (he was from the Basque Country, she was from Galicia) in this neighbourhood just north of Real Madrid’s Santiago Bernabeu stadium. It is now run by their son, Sac

RESTAURANTE VICTOR MONTES After a long day and with many places closed on Sunday, we decided to stay close to the hotel and have dinner at Víctor Montes in Plaza Nueva. This famous local landmark is nicely rowdy downstairs at peak times. Locals and a few tourists prop up the bar, chat loudly, and snack on pintxos like the txangurro (spider crab in puff pastry) while downing a glass of wine or a caña. The vaulted wine cellar holds Rioja vintages dating back over a century, al

EL BIGOTES Known as "The Fish Shack at Cala Mastella" or El Bigotes (The Moustache), this refers to the proprietor's whiskers!) El Bigotes still sits at his table for lunch whilst devouring a flagon of red wine. Unfortunately, he is 97 years old and does not come to the restaurant much anymore. (update 2025, we believe, although we can't confirm, that El Bigote passed away in 202 RIP). There are two sittings, noon for fried fish (€25pp) or 2 pm for Bullit de Peix (€34pp). F

RESTAURANTE PELAYO UPDATE PERM A NENTLY CLOSED 2026 From October 5, 2025 (unless a miracle occurs), the time for another historic site in Formentera will end, and we don’t yet know what will happen in 2026. Thank you for all the parties (including Zucchero Fornaciari’s birthdays and his impromptu concerts), for all the Sunday Paellonas for hundreds of people, and for all the family and workers who ran it and always treated us like friends rather than just customers. Good l

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. It as 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 or tapa. Thi

RESTAURANT SALVADÓ This is an old-school, typical Ibicencan fish restaurant north of the island in Sant Carles de Peralta (San Carlos). Featuring fresh fish and rice dishes with a solid wine list and stunning sea views overlooking the little coves of Canal d’en Marti and Pou des Lleó Any lunch or evening meal at restaurant Salvadó is quintessentially Ibicencan and worth the trip. You start with an appetiser of high-quality bread, aioli, and olives. Mejillones picantes (spicy

TABERNA LA NIÑA DEL PISTO This is one of our favourite bars/restaurants in the old town of Marbella. You will find it hidden, down a small, narrow pasaje (passageway), but you won’t if you don’t pay attention to where you are going. This authentic Andalusian tapas bar is always busy with locals and tourists alike and is reputedly the oldest tapas bar in the Marbella area. The bar area inside is very traditional, beautifully decorated, with many photos of bullfighting scenes

CASA TONI Casa Toni is a small, basic bar/restaurant that at first glance doesn’t look like much. However, give it a try. The food is excellent for the price, and there are always plenty of locals, which is usually a good sign. You can find extra seating upstairs. Please note that the dishes they typically serve are generous portions, so keep this in mind. This is the place to try offal (i.e., animal innards), such as the mollejas (sweetbreads, often mistakenly believed to be

RESTAURANTE LA PRIMERA We were looking for a restaurant in Madrid for 12 friends to have lunch, and we decided La Primera was the place. The restaurant is located in an ideal spot to enjoy Madrid, on the first floor (hence the name) of an iconic building on the famous Gran Vía. The interior design is elegantly minimalist, with a Scandinavian aesthetic and a dark yet cosy colour palette. It is spacious and comfortable. They offer a fine-dining interpretation of traditional Spa