A Gastronomy Guide To Northern Spain: What To Eat On Your Spain Tour

Northern Spain is a true feast for food lovers, with each region offering distinct flavours, ingredients, and culinary traditions. Each area, from the Basque Country to Asturias, offers distinct culinary experiences shaped by local geography, history, and cultural influences. This means that despite how big your meal is, you will always want more. The good news is that there's much more to indulge in, from Michelin-starred restaurants to unique local dishes and wine experiences.Here's a detailed guide on what to include for each stop on the tour, covering Bilbao, San Sebastian, Santander, Altamira (Cantabria), Oviedo, and Gijon in Asturias.Bilbao (Basque Country)The Basque Country, particularly Bilbao, is famous for its pintxos—small, bite-sized dishes served in bars. The tradition of hopping from one bar to another, tasting a variety of pintxos, is an integral part of the local food culture. The Basque people take immense pride in the quality of their ingredients, often relying on the bounty of the Bay of Biscay for fresh seafood like anchovies, hake, and squid. This dedication to high-quality produce extends to their meat, vegetables, and renowned cheeses like Idiazabal. Here are the top experiences to check out in Basque:Nerua Guggenheim Bilbao (Michelin-starred): Located inside the Guggenheim Museum, Nerua offers avant-garde Basque cuisine inspired by the region’s seasonal ingredients. The focus is on simplicity and authenticity, using locally sourced products. Try their "Tasting Menu" for a true culinary journey. Café Iruña: A charming, historic café in the heart of Bilbao that serves traditional Basque pintxos and affordable plates like Bacalao a la Vizcaína (cod in a red pepper sauce) and Guiso de Rabo (oxtail stew).Rioja Alavesa: Visit nearby Rioja Alavesa, one of Spain’s premier wine-producing regions. Just an hour away, this area offers vineyards, bodegas, and tastings of Rioja wines, particularly Tempranillo.Pintxos Crawl in Casco Viejo (Old Town): A pintxos crawl through the cobblestone streets of Bilbao’s Old Town is essential. Hop from bar to bar sampling small bites, from traditional gildas (anchovy, olive, and pepper skewers) to more avant-garde creations. Top bars that you must check out are Gure Toki, Bar Charly, La Olla, and El Globo.San SebastianSan Sebastian is often referred to as the gastronomic capital of Spain, boasting more Michelin stars per capita than anywhere else in the world. San Sebastian also has a deep connection to txakoli, a slightly effervescent white wine produced in the surrounding hillsides, which is a perfect match for the region’s seafood-heavy diet. The food culture here is one of constant innovation while staying true to Basque culinary roots. Here's where to dine when in San Sebastian:Arzak (3 Michelin stars): This legendary family-run restaurant, helmed by Juan Mari Arzak, is at the forefront of modern Basque cuisine. Expect a tasting menu that pushes boundaries while preserving local flavours like Basque fish, peppers, and txakoli wine.La Cuchara de San Telmo: Located in the Old Town, this small pintxos bar is famous for its creative, affordable dishes such as caramelized pork cheeks, octopus, and foie gras.Bodega Txomin Etxaniz:Located in the picturesque town of Getaria, about 30 minutes from San Sebastian, Txomin Etxaniz is one of Txakoli's oldest and most renowned producers. This family-run winery has been producing Txakoli for centuries, and its vineyards overlook the Bay of Biscay. Visitors can enjoy tours, tastings, and breathtaking views of the coastline.Santander (Cantabria)Cantabria's food culture is centred on the freshness of its ingredients, particularly seafood from the Cantabrian Sea. The city's cuisine is also influenced by the region's fertile land, where dairy farming is prominent, producing the famous quesada pasiega (a creamy cheesecake) and sobaos (a traditional sponge cake). Santander is also close to the wine-rich regions of Rioja, meaning wine culture is important when pairing it with local dishes.Cenador de Amós (3 Michelin stars):Located a bit outside Santander, this restaurant by Chef Jesús Sánchez delivers an exceptional blend of Cantabrian traditions with creative, artistic flair. The tasting menu celebrates local seafood, with dishes like Cantabrian anchovies and lobster.La Bombi:A family-run restaurant offering local seafood at affordable prices. Try the calamares en su tinta (squid in its ink) or rabes (fried squid tentacles).Marqués de Riscal: A visit to vineyards in La Rioja from Santander takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by car, making it an excellent day trip. One of the most iconic wineries in La Rioja, Marqués de Riscal is known for its blend of tradition and innovation. The winery’s modern hotel, designed by Frank Gehry, is a work of art in itself. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about their wine production process, followed by a tasting of their world-renowned reds, including Reserva and Gran Reserva.Asturias (Oviedo and Gijon)Asturias is a land of hearty, rustic cuisine known for its rich dairy products, cider, and beef. The Asturian coast also provides excellent seafood, with dishes like calamares fritos (fried squid) and merluza a la sidra (hake in cider). Another unique aspect of this place is Sidra (cider), which is central to the region's food culture, with sidrerías (cider houses) being lively, communal spots where cider is traditionally poured from a height to aerate it. Here's where to go for a thrilling culinary experience in Asturias:OviedoCasa Marcial (2 Michelin stars):Located in the mountains outside Oviedo, Casa Marcial blends Asturias' rural culinary traditions with innovative techniques. Its tasting menu includes signature dishes like fabada asturiana (bean stew) and fresh seafood from the nearby coast.El Ferroviario:A no-frills place that serves up classic Asturian dishes like fabada, calamares fritos (fried squid), and queso cabrales (local blue cheese).Sidrería El Gaitero: One of the oldest and most famous cider producers in Spain, El Gaitero is known for its globally exported sparkling cider. Their more traditional sidra natural is also highly respected. Visitors can tour the factory and cider museum in Villaviciosa, learning about the history of cider production in AsturiasGijonAuga (1 Michelin star):Auga, located in the marina, is famed for its fresh seafood, served with a modern twist. The lobster and hake dishes are exceptional, and the coastal views are stunning.Sidrería El Restallu: A classic Asturian cider house where you can pair your food with natural cider. Dishes include chorizo a la sidra (chorizo cooked in cider) and cachopo (breaded veal fillets with ham and cheese).Spain is home to hundreds of excellent quality restaurants. The examples listed above are just a few. Travellers can fine more detailed information on official websites for:The best Michelin-starred restaurants you can find in different regions of SpainThe best fine dining options in SpainOr some great regional food in SpainSpain offers an unforgettable gastronomic journey that captivates all the senses. Each region's unique traditions and ingredients present a rich tapestry of flavours that reflect the country's diverse culture and history. Whether savouring a simple paella by the sea or indulging in sophisticated Michelin-starred creations, travellers will find that Spanish cuisine is not just a meal, but a celebration of life itself.(This article is published in collaboration with Tourism Office of Spain (Turespaña), Mumbai. For more information, follow Turespaña on Instagram, Facebook, X and YouTube)