CASA LABRA It is said history was made at this bar on the 2nd of May 1879 with the formation of the PSOE (Spanish socialist party), and on walking in, it appears you could still be back in 1879 as nothing seems to have changed since then! It is an excellent traditional bar. It is famous for its croquetas de bacalao. Some of the best in Madrid. The tajadas de bacalao are pieces of cod deep-fried in batter until crispy. They are served with wooden cocktail sticks or eaten with

We spent a few days in Alicante City in October. Arriving late on Saturday night, we checked into our hotel and then headed to  GASTROBAR DISTRIKT 41 Michelin Plate IIO Calle de Navas, 41, 03001 Alacant, Alicante +34 965 181 426 www.distrikt41.es This is an extraordinarily buzzy and busy bar/restaurant with modern décor and a great ambi e nce. It is run by two chefs originally from the Netherlands. They have a contemporary à la carte menu with a few Central European influen

CAMBIO DE TERCIO Under Abel Lusa's excellent hospitality and guidance, this restaurant has been a long-standing favourite in South Kensington for many years. It has become a standard-bearer for Iberian food in London. Most Hispanophiles consider it the best in town. On this occasion, we sat down, wrapped up on a reasonably chilly lunchtime, starting with a glass of Amontillado or Cava. Followed by, Pan cristal y Cinco Jotas Jamón Ibérico de Bellota 100% (Jabugo) Five Jotas Ib

KIOSKU CALA MASTELLA This beach bar on the island's northeast is a local insider tip among Ibiza's chiringuito lovers. It is sometimes unfavourably compared to the legendary fish restaurant El Bigotes, which sits to the left in the same bay. This is entirely unjustified, although it works on a different concept. Pepe Bonet and Angel Pins have created a true oasis of calm here and created honest, perfectly prepared food. They have six dishes (fresh fish, of course, hamburgers,

RESTAURANTE ES CUCÓ This restaurant is on the outskirts of Cala de Bou, moving inland. It is a great place to stop for a drink or for some affordable food. It is famous for its spit-roast chicken (with black pepper sauce) . Served with chips and salad. We started with a warm goat's cheese salad. It is a great, cheap meal. The chicken costs €11.50 without sauce and €14 with sauce.  Along with the chicken, you will find boquerones (anchovies in oil, garlic, and vinegar), calama

CASA TONI Casa Toni is a small, basic bar Restaurant that doesn't look like much at first glance. 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 typically serve generous portions, so keep this in mind when ordering. This is the place to try offal (i.e., animal innards), such as the delicious mollejas (sweetbreads, which are ofte

MANERO ALICANTE - MANERO MOLLÁ On our few-day trip to Alicante, we ate on a Monday evening in Bar Manero Alicante—Manero Mollá, which...

RESTAURANT 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 g

CHIRINGUITO CAN COLOMARET We took another trip from Sant Antoni to the lovely beach at Cala Nova, north of the Island. There are a few expensive, trendy restaurants here. The stunning Hotel Bless, at one end of the beach, has a one-Michelin-starred restaurant. We decided to go to the opposite end of the beach, to Chiringuito Can Colomaret. This traditional, tiny Cala Nova shack has served the local community with freshly caught fish and seafood for over 20 years. The family-r

CASA PIEDRA Having driven past Casa Piedra (stone house) a few times, I went in to investigate and was surprised to find a true gem of a restaurant. The outside does not reflect the delights of the inside, w ith a covered garden terrace offering views of lemon, orange, and olive trees. There are three tasting menus at €65, €90 and a vegetarian tasting menu at €65. Additionally, the children's menu is €30, and a full à la carte menu is also available. The kitchen is a Japanese