We often visit the Parque Natural del Cabo de Gata-Níjar in the province of Almería (Andalucía’s most significant protected coastal area, with a wild, isolated landscape and a hot desert climate). This time, we went to Agua Amarga, which borders spectacular, barren spaghetti western territory. This low-key village packs in cool bars, restaurants, locals, and fishermen. Beside a headland of troglodyte caves at the southern end of the beach. Most of the tourists here are Spanis

GANDARIAS JATETXEA We returned to Casa Gandarias for our regular fill of pintxo de solomillo and red wine! We had a bottle of El Lagar de Isilla Paraje Peñalobos Tinta del Pais 2018 DOC Ribera del Duero . This was a good match with the solomillo. The famous Basque Gildas. Guindilla pepper, green olive and fresh anchovy - named after Rita Haywood (hot, tall and spicy). During this visit, we also had a sit-down lunch with a group at the restaurant. Something not done before a

TAST CATALANA PERMANENTLY CLOSED 2026 With Chef Paco Perez at the helm, Tast Catalana opened in King Street, Manchester, in 2018.  Although we are in Manchester quite often to watch football, this evening, Manchester United vs Olympique Lyonnais, this was our first visit here, on this chilly Mancunian spring day. They offer two different dining areas, both stylishly modern: a bar and terrace on the ground floor, and a casual restaurant on the first floor. After settling in a

I’ve walked past S-Mari Cocina Bar countless times, thinking it was just another hostal with a bar. I even had breakfast there once, ages ago. But a friend recommended it for dinner, and I decided to give it another shot. To my surprise, it turned out to be a classy and welcoming local restaurant. It’s a delightful escape from the hustle and bustle of central San Antonio. Breakfast Bliss Every morning, they offer a fantastic breakfast selection. If you’re craving a traditiona

RESTAURANTE ASADOR TXAKOLI SIMÓN After a 15/20 minute walk from the Funicular de Artxanda (funicular railway), you arrive high above Bilbao at Restaurante Asador Txakolli Simón. The Friesian breed of cow is the favourite of Óscar García, the grill master at this restaurant, which stands out for its value for money. On busy days here, eight strips (rib strips) can be dispatched in a single service.  When the sun is shining in Bilbao, you go to Artxanda, the viewpoint of Bilbao

RESTAURANTE CAN PUJOL We returned to Can Pujol in September 2025, after previously visiting during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when all the restrictions were in place. It was great to see everything seemed to be back to normal. Can Pujol started as a small snack bar over thirty years ago and is now a no-frills restaurant serving superb seafood. Pan con alioli We had a few dishes we had not had in previous visits, and started with some zambariñas (scallops) Al

CHIRINGUITO CALA D’EN SERRA UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2025 You will see the sign for Cala d’en Serra on the right, just before you arrive in Portinatx. Follow the road until the tarmac ends and park. You can see the beach below, a small horseshoe bay with satellite coves nearby. The sandy beach boasts clean, clear water and was once named one of  Europe’s  best beaches by The Guardian newspaper. Cliffs surround the bay. Beware: the access is steep (not great for young children and

CASA EGEA If you are looking for well-made, traditional Spanish food on the long, winding beach road that runs along Mojácar Playa, Casa Egea is the place to go. The restaurant is a little set back from the beach and has a glass terrace. Since 1995, you will find authentic Spanish food, lovingly prepared from traditional recipes, at this family-run restaurant spanning three generations. They serve excellent seafood and fish, along with an ever-changing menu of local special

ES ALOCS RESTAURANTE Set at the back of the excellent family beach of Es Figueral in the Northeast of the island, this is an authentic local restaurant, managed and owned by true Ibicencos from nearby Sant Carles de Peralta. A glimpse of what the island was like before the influx of high-end tourists wiped out many of the traditional bars and restaurants.  They serve simple local cuisine; you shouldn’t expect too much, but the prices are reasonable. They are open for breakfas

RESTAURANTE CABO NORTE This excellent little restaurant is hidden up a side street off the main promenade in Mojácar Playa, near the Europcar car rental. Upon entering, you arrive in the bar and restaurant area. When the weather is excellent, you can eat outside in the lovely enclosed garden area. On this pleasant summer evening, we had Mini gazpachos. Carpaccio de presa Ibérica (presa is a cut of meat from the shoulder of the Iberico pig). Carpaccio de atún (tuna). Pimient