Favorite Spanish Eats

Restaurant Botin (Calle De Cuchilleros, 17 Madrid, Spain)- Madrid's claim of the "earliest restaurant in the world," was founded in 1725 by Sebastian Botin. The outside of this quaint, two story restaurant features two windows. One is etched with words from Earnest Hemingway, a writer who was heavily influenced by Spain and it's rich culture of food and wine. Underneath is are paintings of bulls and a matador, along with an image of Hemingway. The inside does not have ample space, but creates a unique and intimate dining experience. Tables are close to each other as every toast of a wine glass and thud of a Sangria bucket is heard.

Artichokes with Iberian Jamon

Roast Suckling Pig and Roast Baby Lamb with Potatoes

Tarta De Queso Con Chocolate Blanco (Cheesecake with Chocolate Sauce)

Flan de huevo con nata

Meson del Champinon (Calle Cava de San Miguel, 17, 28005 Madrid, Spain)- Literally inside of a cave, there are paintings of mushrooms on jagged rocks that protrude from the walls. The tapas are delicious, and the mushrooms and 'Pimientos de Padron' are a must (pictured below).

Pimientos de Padron and Mushrooms

El Tigre (30 Calle de las Infantas, Madrid, Spain)- This place fills up quickly, but gives very generous and typical Spanish tapas. A great place when you're on a budget. Also very international.

Tapas

Taberna Almendro 13 (C/ Almendro, 13, 28005 Madrid, Spain)- Best burger I had in Spain, hands down. Also check out Home Burger Bar, and New York Burger. Pretty decent, but this place in the La Latina district owns...

Mercado de San Miguel (Plaza San Miguel, S/N 28013 Madrid, Spain)- A huge indoor market filled with vendors selling local Spanish wines, Churros Con Chocolate, Piaya, fresh fruits and vegetables, along with various pastries, candies, and much more.

Croquettes

Piaya

Mercado de San Miguel

Churros Con Chocolate

Museo De Jamon (Carrera San Jerónimo, 1 28014 Madrid, Spain)- This place is filled with every type of Jamon you can imagine. Everything from Iberian to Acorn fed, and you can choose the Bocadillo (Spanish Sandwich) of your liking.

Museo De Jamon

Tapas Bars in the Plaza de Santa Anna (Madrid)- I went to two amazing tapas bars that I unfortunately missed the names of where I experienced some amazing food.

Toast topped with Roasted Red Bell Pepper, a slice of Goat Cheese, Baked Calamari, and a sweet Vincotto sauce. 

Blood Sausage

While in San Sebastian I stopped at a cafe along the coast. I could hardly understand the menu but when I glanced at the specials board I noticed they had Foie Gras (Duck Liver). It had recently been banned in the United States and figured there was no better place (other than France) to try this dish. It was delightful, served with a sweet jam, pimento aioli, sliced almonds, and fresh bread.

Foie Gras in San Sebastian

The Menu