20 Amazing Restaurants in Spain for Foodies

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Spain is a food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of traditional flavors and modern culinary artistry that’s hard to beat. As one of the top places to live and visit in Europe, the country boasts everything from bustling tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants that push creative boundaries. Picture yourself savoring smoky jamón ibérico, fresh seafood paella by the coast, or churros dipped in thick chocolate at a charming café. Spain’s dining scene is as diverse as its regions, with bold Basque flavors, hearty Andalusian stews, and Catalonia’s innovative cuisine stealing the spotlight. These 20 amazing restaurants showcase the vibrant food culture that makes Spain a must-visit destination for foodies. Get ready to eat your way through one of Europe’s most flavorful gems!

👉 Pro Tip: Explore Barcelona’s flavors with the Tapas and Wine Experience! Visit top tapas bars to sample dishes like patatas bravas and Iberian ham, paired with local wines. Your guide shares the stories behind each bite, making it perfect for foodies and wine lovers alike. Come hungry and ready to indulge!

Unique Restaurants in Spain

Ready to explore the coolest places to eat in Spain? We’ve got a lineup of incredible restaurants, from opulent dining spots to charming, offbeat treasures. Join me as we uncover the most unique places to eat in Spain.

Ever thought about dining under the sea or in a whimsical fairy-tale forest? Or how about a meal in complete darkness, guided by your senses? Spain’s dining scene is as varied as its rich culture and history. Here’s your ultimate guide to the most unique restaurants in Spain, inviting you to fly to Spain for a culinary adventure like no other.

1. DiverXO

• 📍 Location: Madrid
• 💲 Price range: $300 – $500+ per person (Tasting Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Avant-Garde / Experimental / Culinary “Canvases”
• 🔥 Standout Features: 3 Michelin stars, Creative cuisine, theatrical presentations (“canvases”), pig-themed decor accents.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Foodie splurges, avant-garde cuisine, Chef Dabiz Muñoz fans, and edible art.

Prepare for culinary madness at DiverXO, Chef Dabiz Muñoz’s three-Michelin-starred universe in Madrid! It’s an unforgettable performance. The tasting menu, “The Flying Pig Cuisine,” is a whirlwind journey where artistic guides build anticipation.

Expect every bite to astound. The complex Nigiri Madurado Del Pirineo with Pyrenean trout is a highlight. The inventive Frosty Salad from the Bottom of the Fridge with lettuce granita and yakitori-style turbot, or a “canvas” featuring Galician lobster, also showcase genius.

• Read Next: Spain’s Coolest Spots: 12 Experiences You Can’t Miss

2. Casa Mono

Sitting in the heart of Madrid, Casa Mono is an effortlessly cool spot that makes you feel like you’ve just stumbled into a modern art loft. The exposed brick and funky murals match the creativity coming out of the kitchen. Their beef tartare with grilled bone marrow is a must – if you’re more into seafood, the red tuna tataki surprises with its flavor punch. The cocktails are top-tier too (try the barrel-aged negroni). Lively music sets the mood, so definitely plan dinner here if you’re in the city for a night out. It’s just steps from the Gran Vía, so you can wander over to Puerta del Sol after eating. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave – the vibe is that infectious.

3. Enigma Concept

• 📍 Location: Barcelona
• 💲 Price range: $200 – $300+ per person (Tasting Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Avant-Garde / Experimental (Albert Adrià)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Multi-space theatrical dining experience, mysterious ambiance, innovative techniques.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Molecular gastronomy fans, and followers of Albert Adrià’s immersive dining.

Unlock a culinary puzzle at Enigma Concept, the brainchild of legendary chef Albert Adrià. This isn’t a restaurant; it’s a theatrical journey through multiple, distinct “enigmatic” spaces, each offering a different course and sensory experience.

The tasting menu is a masterclass in avant-garde techniques. Savor innovative bites like an airy foie gras puff that dissolves on the tongue. Deconstructed Spanish classics, like a spherical olive, or surprising seafood preparations using unique textures, also feature.

• Read Next: The 12 Prettiest Spots in Barcelona You Won’t Believe Exist

4. KultO

KultO is one of Madrid’s most inventive dining rooms right now. If you geek out over new-school tapas, take a seat here and let them take the wheel. You can’t miss their renowned chili crab Mollete – soft bun, spicy crab, sheer genius. The “false risotto” with octopus and piparras is flavorful, creamy, and totally unique. The dining room feels cozy but with a quirky edge – mismatched chairs, bottles lining the walls, and a constant buzz. It’s tucked right off Retiro Park, making it ideal after a late stroll. I came as a skeptic but walked out an obsessive fan.

5. La Sitarella

• 📍 Location: Barcelona (Gothic Quarter)
• 💲 Price range: $20 – $40 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Italian (Pasta/Pizza focus)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Italian trattoria vibe, pasta and pizza, charming atmosphere.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Italian food lovers, Gothic Quarter adventurers, and budget-friendly Italian dishes.

Find a charming slice of Italy in Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter at La Sitarella. This cozy, rustic trattoria offers a warm welcome and delicious, unpretentious Italian classics done right. It’s like a hug from nonna, in restaurant form!

Dive into satisfying bowls of freshly made pasta with rich sauces, like a classic bolognese or a creamy carbonara. Share a traditional Neapolitan-style pizza straight from the oven, perhaps a simple margherita or one with prosciutto. Their tiramisu is also a great finish.

• Read Next: 12 Picture-Perfect Spots in Granada (Spain) That Feel Like a Dream

6. fismuler madrid

If rustic chic is your aesthetic, fismuler near Madrid’s Plaza de Colón nails the vibe. Set in an airy, brick-walled dining room, fismuler is where Madrileños go for unfussy but incredibly deft seasonal cooking. The chicken escabeche is pure comfort, while their cheesecake has reached near-legend status – creamy, almost pudding-like, and subtly tangy. Lighting is dim and intimate. It’s great for a date or long catch-up over wine. A pro tip: book ahead, and if you’re up for drinks after, you’re only a 10-minute walk from Madrid’s iconic Chueca neighborhood. I’ve made myself a regular here – it just never misses.

7. Cañete

• 📍 Location: Barcelona (El Raval)
• 💲 Price range: $40 – $80 per person (Tapas/Raciones)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: High-Quality Spanish Tapas / Seafood
• 🔥 Standout Features: Lively tapas bar with an open kitchen, fresh ingredients, excellent seafood.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Tapas enthusiasts, seafood lovers, Spanish bar fans, El Raval explorers, and shared plates.

Get ready for a tapas tornado at Cañete! This bustling, high-energy spot in El Raval is a temple to top-quality Spanish tapas, especially seafood. Snag a seat at the “barra” (counter) for a front-row view of the kitchen action.

Feast on incredibly fresh seafood tapas. Gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp) are a must. Perfectly grilled pulpo a la plancha (octopus), or classic pan con tomate (bread with tomato), are also fantastic. The ingredients are pristine, the execution flawless.

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8. Restaurante Espacio Montoro

Alicante gets serious culinary cred with Restaurante Espacio Montoro. Chef Javi Montoro’s tasting menu is hyperlocal and modern, mingling creative plating with fierce flavors. Don’t miss the signature squid sandwich with crunchy black bread, and their wild mushroom rice that’s as photogenic as it is addictive. The space feels like an architectural studio – tall ceilings, sleek wood, earthy art – and there’s not a white tablecloth in sight. I left with my phone full of food photos and zero regrets.

9. Asador Etxebarri

• 📍 Location: Axpe, Basque Country (Rural, near Bilbao/San Sebastian)
• 💲 Price range: $200 – $400+ per person (Tasting Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Grill / Wood-Fired Basque Cuisine
• 🔥 Standout Features: World-renowned (often in Top 10 lists), Chef Victor Arguinzoniz’s fire/grilling, seasonal ingredients, rural Basque setting.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Grill enthusiasts, food pilgrims, and ingredient-driven cuisine lovers.

Witness the artistry of fire at Asador Etxebarri, a world-renowned temple to wood-fired grilling in the Basque countryside. Chef Victor Arguinzoniz is a master of smoke and flame, transforming high-quality local ingredients into sublime, deceptively simple dishes.

The tasting menu showcases pure flavor. Impossibly tender grilled prawns from Palamos are legendary. Smoky home-made chorizo, or a perfect cut of aged beef chuleta (rib steak), let the ingredients shine. It’s a pilgrimage-worthy experience.

10. Smoix Restaurant

Hidden in the heart of Ciutadella, Menorca, Smoix Restaurant is a stunner flexing serious locavore credentials. Chef Miquel Sánchez fuses Menorcan traditions with modern twists – the lobster ravioli is as dreamy as you’d hope, and their crispy suckling pig is pure comfort. The courtyard seating is lush and candlelit, making it super romantic, but there’s a cool indoor dining room for chillier nights. It’s a quick walk to the cathedral and quaint harbor. If you adore slow dinners that run on local wine and honest hospitality, this is your sweet spot. Trust me, I lingered here way longer than planned, savoring every bite.

11. Restaurante Submarino

• 📍 Location: Valencia (Inside Oceanogràfic – City of Arts and Sciences)
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $120+ per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mediterranean / Seafood Focus
• 🔥 Standout Features: Circular aquarium dining, Europe’s largest aquarium, underwater ambiance, views of sharks/fish.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Marine life enthusiasts, unique dining, special occasion meals at Oceanogràfic.

Dive into an unforgettable meal at Restaurante Submarino, within Valencia’s spectacular Oceanogràfic aquarium! This stunning restaurant is surrounded by a massive circular aquarium, allowing you to dine while sharks and rays glide gracefully past your table.

Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. Grilled octopus with paprika potatoes is a popular choice. A classic Valencian paella (check for availability and portion size), or fresh local fish baked in salt, are also excellent. The unique setting is magical.

• Read Next: The 12 Prettiest Places in Valencia (Spain) You Won’t Believe Exist

12. Con Gracia

This Barcelona hideaway invites you in with a quiet buzz and gray velvet banquettes, just blocks from Passeig de Sant Joan. Con Gracia spins up surprise tasting menus – you pick classic or “surprise me”, and let them take you on a playful journey. The soft poached egg with truffle and foie is a showstopper, and don’t skip their “risotto” made with orzo and local fish. It’s an intimate spot for food lovers, with just a handful of tables and attentive, warm service. Stroll to La Sagrada Família after – it’s about fifteen minutes away. Even as a jaded diner, I left grinning ear to ear.

13. Dans le Noir ? Madrid

• 📍 Location: Madrid
• 💲 Price range: $60 – $90 per person (Dinner/Experience)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Mystery Menu (Dining in the Dark)
• 🔥 Standout Features: Served by visually impaired staff, surprise multi-course menu.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Sensory explorers, unique dates, and adventurous eaters.

Experience food like never before at Dans le Noir ? Madrid, where you dine in complete darkness! Guided and served entirely by visually impaired staff, this unique concept challenges your senses to identify the Surprise Multi-Course Menu.

Without sight, your other senses heighten. You might encounter a creamy seasonal vegetable soup. For mains, perhaps tender braised Iberian pork or delicate white fish with intriguing textures. A fruit-based dessert with contrasting elements could finish the meal.

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14. El Campero

You haven’t tasted tuna until you’ve eaten at El Campero in Barbate, Cádiz. This place is a mecca for bluefin lovers – they use nearly every part of the fish, nose-to-tail style. The tuna tartare and belly sashimi are unmissable, super fresh, and melt in your mouth. The vibe is classic Andalucía, relaxed and cheerful, with whitewashed walls and nautical decor. Stroll the fishing port before or after – Barbate is all about old-school seafaring charm. Hands down, I’ve never had a better tuna tasting. Make a reservation and go hungry.

15. Restaurante Cueva del Tunel

• 📍 Location: Near Valencia (Potries/Villalonga area – Requires confirmation of exact spot)
• 💲 Price range: $30 – $60 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Spanish / Valencian
• 🔥 Standout Features: Natural cave dining, traditional regional dishes.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Cave explorers, rustic Spanish cooking, escaping city bustle, and atmospheric dinners.

Dine deep within the earth at Restaurante Cueva del Tunel. This spot offers a unique experience, with dining set inside a natural cave or a rustic, tunnel-like structure, creating an incredibly atmospheric and memorable meal. It’s dining with a distinct echo!

Expect hearty, traditional Spanish or Valencian cuisine. Arroz a banda (rice cooked in fish broth, served with aioli) is a local specialty. Grilled meats, like lamb chops or pork ribs, or various seafood stews (calderetas), are also popular.

16. El Invernadero Rodrigo de la Calle

If you think vegetables are boring, El Invernadero in Madrid will absolutely flip that idea on its head. Chef Rodrigo de la Calle runs one of Spain’s only Michelin-starred, veggie-focused restaurants, with a mad scientist’s approach to flavor. The tasting menu changes constantly – the creamy green asparagus “latte” and artichoke confit are wild, beautiful, and wildly tasty. The setting is ultra-modern but somehow tranquil, filled with plants and light, making you feel tucked away in a (very chic) greenhouse. It’s a quick metro trip from city center attractions. This was hands-down the most surprising meal I’ve had in ages, and I’d eagerly go back for the next harvest.

17. StreetXO Madrid

• 📍 Location: Madrid (Inside El Corte Inglés Serrano – Gourmet Experience)
• 💲 Price range: $50 – $100 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Asian-Spanish Fusion / Street Food Inspired
• 🔥 Standout Features: Chef Dabiz Muñoz concept (of DiverXO), creative fusion small plates, open kitchen.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Adventurous eaters, unexpected flavors, and a taste of Dabiz Muñoz without the DiverXO price.

Get ready for a flavor riot at StreetXO Madrid, Chef Dabiz Muñoz’s electrifying street food-inspired concept! Located in the Gourmet Experience of El Corte Inglés, this spot is loud, fast-paced, and delivers an explosion of creative Asian-Spanish fusion small plates.

No reservations, so be prepared to queue for a seat at the counter overlooking the frenetic open kitchen. Must-try dishes include the iconic “steamed club sandwich” with suckling pig and ricotta. The dumplings with a “Pekinese” twist, or the “Korean lasagna”, are also fantastic.

• Read Next: 12 Unique Places to Eat in Madrid for Foodies

18. Disfrutar

• 📍 Location: Barcelona
• 💲 Price range: $200 – $350+ per person (Tasting Menu)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Modern / Avant-Garde Mediterranean (elBulli alumni)
• 🔥 Standout Features: 3 Michelin stars, ex-elBulli head chefs, playful cuisine, Mediterranean-inspired decor.
• 🎯 Perfect For: elBulli’s legacy followers, avant-garde Mediterranean lovers, culinary technique fans, fine dining enthusiasts, and edible artistry experiencers.

“Disfrutar” means “to enjoy,” and you absolutely will at this three-Michelin-starred Barcelona sensation, helmed by three chefs from elBulli. This is playful, brilliant, and utterly delicious modern cuisine. Get ready for culinary fireworks!

The tasting menus are a journey of surprise. Expect dishes like their famous crispy egg yolk with mushroom gelatin. The multi-spherical pesto gnocchi, or inventive seafood “sandwiches”, showcase mind-bending techniques and stunning presentations. Disfrutar is a masterclass in creativity.

19. El Bosc de Les Fades

• 📍 Location: Barcelona (Near La Rambla – Wax Museum passage)
• 💲 Price range: $10 – $25 per person (Drinks/Light Snacks)
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Cafe / Bar
• 🔥 Standout Features: Enchanted forest theme decor, magical atmosphere, located by Wax Museum.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Fantasy lovers, unique bar experiences, families, escaping reality, and Instagrammers.

Step into a fairytale at El Bosc de Les Fades (“The Forest of the Fairies”)! Tucked away near La Rambla, this incredibly themed cafe/bar transports you to an enchanted forest complete with towering trees, twinkling fairy lights, and hidden grottoes.

While the food menu is simple, the main draw is the enchanting atmosphere. Grab a coffee, a beer, or a simple cocktail like a sangria. They offer light snacks like olives or chips, and pastries. Lose yourself in the fantasy.

20. Bar La Campana

• 📍 Location: Madrid (Near Plaza Mayor)
• 💲 Price range: $5 – $15 per person
• 🍽️ Cuisine Style: Traditional Spanish Bar / Bocadillos
• 🔥 Standout Features: Bocadillo de Calamares (fried squid sandwich), standing room only, quick eats.
• 🎯 Perfect For: Bocadillo de Calamares, budget eats, local bar culture, quick bites near Plaza Mayor, and traditional snacks.

Join the lively crowd at Bar La Campana for one of Madrid’s most iconic and delicious cheap eats: the Bocadillo de Calamares! This no-frills, historic bar near Plaza Mayor is legendary for its perfectly crispy fried squid stuffed into fresh bread.

Don’t expect fancy seating – it’s often standing room only. Order your squid sandwich. A small Caña (draft beer) or a Vermouth are perfect accompaniments. Their simple patatas bravas are also a good choice. It’s a true taste of Madrileño tradition.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Most Unique Restaurants in Spain

Are you searching for more information about where to eat in Spain? Here are some common questions (and answers) I get asked a lot about Spain’s most unusual restaurants.

What part of Spain has the best food?

In my opinion, every region of Spain has delicious food. If I had to choose, I’d say Andalusia and Catalonia are exceptional. Andalusia is famous for its tapas and seafood, while Catalonia, especially Barcelona, offers a blend of traditional and innovative cuisine. Don’t miss the chance to try paella in Valencia and fresh seafood in Galicia!

What food is famous in Spain?

Spain is known for its diverse and flavorful dishes. Tapas, small plates of food shared among friends, are a must-try. Paella, a saffron-flavored rice dish with seafood or meat, is another iconic Spanish dish. And let’s not forget about Jamón Ibérico, a delicious cured ham, and Churros con Chocolate, a sweet treat perfect for breakfast or a snack.

What is the foodie capital of Spain?

Many would argue that San Sebastián in the Basque Country is the foodie capital of Spain. It’s known for its high concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants and its unique pintxos (similar to tapas). The culinary scene here is a blend of traditional Basque cooking and avant-garde cuisine.

Is it expensive to eat out in Spain?

Eating out in Spain can be quite affordable, especially compared to other countries in Western Europe. Tapas bars offer small plates at reasonable prices, and you can enjoy a full meal with drinks at a local restaurant without breaking the bank. Of course, there are upscale dining options as well, but overall, Spain offers great value for money when it comes to food.

What is the most popular street food in Spain?

The most popular street food in Spain varies by region, but Bocadillos (sandwiches made with Spanish bread) are universally loved. In Madrid, the Bocadillo de Calamares (calamari sandwich) is a must-try. Churros, especially when enjoyed with a cup of thick hot chocolate, are another popular choice across the country.