International restaurants in Spain
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A
Speakeasy
This clandestine restaurant lurks behind the Dry Martini bar. You will be shown a door through the open kitchen area to the ‘storeroom’, lined with hundreds of bottles of backlit, quality tipples. Dark decorative tones, a few works of art, low lighting, light jazz music and smooth service complete the setting. The menu has tempting options like the huge hunk of burrata cheese with white asparagus and strips of ravishing jamón (cured ham).
reviewed
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B
Clandestino
A trendy warehouse-style restaurant with an exciting menu that fuses northern European and Latin cuisines. A good selection of vegetarian dishes is headed by silky felafel patties on a salad dressed with alfalfa sprouts and a dill yoghurt vinaigrette.
reviewed
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C
Cinc Sentits
Enter this somewhat overlit realm of the ‘Five Senses’ to indulge in a tasting menu (from €49 to €69), consisting of a series of small, experimental dishes. A key is the use of fresh local produce, such as fish landed on the Costa Brava and top-quality suckling pig from Extremadura. Less ambitious, but cheaper, is the set lunch at €30.
reviewed
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D
Tapioles 53
A stylish place housed in a former umbrella factory, this barely lit gem has a limited yet constantly changing international menu. Ingredients are sourced daily from the city’s markets. Asian touches are sometimes present, but you might just as easily find yourself with a Moroccan-style tajine. Start at the bar and proceed to one of the stout wooden tables. Book ahead.
reviewed
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E
Café de París
There are reasons why La Malagueta neighbourhood is considered ‘posh’, and here’s one of them. Just as it name implies, Café de París is politely refined, upmarket, and very, well, Parisian. But, none of it’s an act. With a Michelin-starred Spanish chef, this is where you come with your rich friends to enjoy fried lobster and hope they pick up the bill.
reviewed
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F
La Flauta Mágica
The menus themselves are a talking point - which album cover is yours on? Neil Diamond Live? The Cars? But on to the food. A simple burned-orange décor and low lighting set a chilled ambience for a limited menu of veggie dishes, balanced by a limited selection of dishes for carnivores, all done with free-range products.
reviewed
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G
Les Cuines de Santa Caterina
Peck at the sushi bar, tuck into classic rice dishes or go vegetarian in this busy market restaurant in the Mercat de Santa Caterina. A drawback is the speed with which they whisk barely finished plates away from you but the range of dishes and bustling atmosphere are fun. They don’t take reservations, so it’s first come first served.
reviewed
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H
American Piccolo
Weary of the ubiquitous meaty fare? This independent restaurant packs in young couples on an affordable date, with its welcoming, diverse menu of Tex-Mex, Italian and Argentinean cuisine. Expect reliably acceptable rather than exceptional cuisine, with more than 125 dishes plus an adventurous wine list with plenty of imports.
reviewed
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I
Comerç 24
The Michelin-starred chef Carles Abellán, at Comerç 24, playfully reinterprets traditional tapas with dishes like the bite-sized mini-pizza sashimi with tuna; melón con jamón, a millefeuille of layered carmelised Iberian ham and thinly slice melon; oxtail with cauliflower puree; and an ever-changing parade of other mouth-watering bites.
reviewed
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J
Quim Quima
This renovated medieval mansion makes a marvellous setting for a meal. Huddle up to the bare stone wall or opt for the shady little courtyard. The playful menu is wide-ranging, including sausage-and-cheese crêpes and lasagne.
reviewed
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K
La Scala
This candle-lit place serves international cuisine with a central-European bent. A highlight is its meat dishes. The interior's attractive enough but more appealing is the pretty, floral open-air terrace.
reviewed
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L
Restaurante Albacara
One of Ronda’s best restaurants, the Albacara is in the old stables of the Montelirio palace and teeters on the edge of the gorge. It serves up delicious meals – try the beef stroganoff or classic magret of duck. Be sure to check out the extensive wine list – and to reserve your table in advance.
reviewed
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M
La Cigüeña
A few steps off Plaza San Juan de Dios, the friendly and relaxed 'Stork' has a Dutch chef who prepares adventurous and delicious food, and friendly and relaxed service.
reviewed
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N
Casa Mateo
Recognise this new, slick place, near Iglesia de Merced, by its Arabic-style brickwork. It has good meat and fish raciones and interesting salads using local products.
reviewed
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O
Da Paolo
Da Paolo is slightly more formal than average and serves international cuisine with flair: choose from the likes of lobster bisque, veg tartlets and seafood crepes.
reviewed
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P
La Terra
Homemade burgers, quiches, cakes and enough tea to sate an Englishman go well with the wonderful river views and blue-and-white Andalucian-style tile work.
reviewed
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Miramar
The Miramar's chefs whip up a range of pasta, meat and fish dishes - and the expansive beach and ocean views double your enjoyment.
reviewed
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Q
Susi
Intimate dining and creative cooking. Reservations recommended.
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R
Caravanserai
Does tasty burgers, sandwiches and pasta.
reviewed
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S
Mery Limón Gastrobar
This terrific little bar has an unusual menu divided into three parts – Italian, New York and Mediterranean. But what really stands out is the menú del día (daily set menu), which combines seven small dishes from the cutting-edge of Spanish gastronomy and wines to go with them. You'd pay at least double this for the same deal in Barcelona.
reviewed
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T
Vino Mio
This Dutch-owned restaurant has a diverse and interesting menu that includes dishes like kangaroo steaks, vegetable stir-fries, duck breast with sweet chilli, pasta and several innovative salads. Tasty international tapas, like hummus and Roquefort croquettes, are also available to tantalise the tastebuds. The atmosphere is contemporary chic with regular art exhibitions and live music, including flamenco.
reviewed
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U
Parador de Granada
On one side, the Parador de Granada is a hushed, swanky dinner experience, with a Moroccan-Spanish-French menu that also features local goat and venison. On the other, it’s a stylish little canteen for sightseers, where even your bocadillo de jamón tastes special – and it ought to, considering its €12 price tag. Overall, a bit inflated, but a lovely treat for the location.
reviewed
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V
Greens & Berries
Conveniently located for benches in the square, this is a great choice if you want to pick up something healthy, fast and filling. Sandwiches include tasty choices like salmon, avocado and lemon, and goat’s cheese and caramelised onion, plus there are soups of the day, fresh fruit smoothies and a wickedly delicious New York cheesecake.
reviewed
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W
Bar Levíes
The ultimate student tapas haunt (read: cheap), crowded Levíes is actually two bars in one, serving a mixture of raciones (large tapas servings), beer, pizzas and desserts. The food's average, but the atmosphere's electric.
reviewed
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X
La Comedia
Along with popular 1st-floor tables looking down on the little plaza, a charming candlelit room, and a mix of interesting art and photography on the walls, you get a very warm welcome from the Irish hosts, and a good selection of classic, Spanish and international dishes for carnivores and vegetarians alike.
reviewed