Extremadura Food Guide

Even though you may have visited Spain, you may not know Extremadura. This autonomous community sandwiched between Madrid and Portugal in the Western part of Spain. I´m taking a close look at Extremadura food. This region is authentic, historic and more delicious than I could have imagined. Recently I spent a week wandering around this region exploring its food culture and amazing restaurants.

This is a big agricultural region and so it´s traditional dishes are hearty. However as a visitor there are lots of fine dining options with exceptional zero mile ingredients and an unexpected local wine industry that is excellent.

Wine produced in Extremadura

My biggest surprise was to find that Cava is produced in Extremadura. Since 1977 Almendralejo (Badajoz) has been producing this sparkling wine following the Champenoise method. Production is around 7 million bottles per year.

While in the area I tried 3 or 4 different local cava´s, all were very good and particularly good value for money. Extremadura has an extreme climate, cold winters and very hot summers, giving slightly more flavour notes of tropical fruit in the cava.

They are part of the D.O Cava (denominacíon de origin) along with more traditional regions such as Sant Sadurni de Anoia in Penedés

The standout was Cava Extrem de Bonaval – Bodegas Lopez Morenas (Var. Macabeo + Perellada) priced at 9 euros per bottle

Bodegas Habla

Now, for several years I had been recommending the Red Wine Habla del Silencio, as I think it is an excellent drink. I didn´t know (or had overlooked) its provenance. Bodegas Habla is an Extremadura producer. Their vines are located just outside of Trujillo. This a modern winery with 200 hectares (500 acres) that´s a similar in size to the state of Monaco.

They are innovating in the wine industry and even though they have exceptional red wines, one of the whites caught my imagination. Habla del Mar. This white wine has a slightly fizzy quality, yet refreshing. The wine is laid in the sea off the coast of France during the production process. The pressure and saltwater environment has a this effect on the wine, giving the flavour unique properties.

The Valley of Cherries

Extremadura is very famous for its Jerte Valley and the flavourful cherries that this region produces. As I visited in Late Autumn, I tried cherry jam, cherry cookies and other local products made from these fruits.

This dessert at the Parador de Trujillo was ice cream made from local cheese and a delicious cherry sauce is one of the dishes including the cherries I savoured. I also bought a jar of cherry jam home with me.

Cherry Festival

At the end of March and early April this valley covered in cherry trees comes into bloom. Attracting many visitors to see the delicate blooms. The Cherry Blossom Festival lasts for a few weeks each year and takes places in several villages in the Extremadura countryside.

Ham from Extremadura

On the pastures of this region, called the Dehesa de Extremadura, there are lots of oak trees (acorns) which provide food for the Iberian pigs. So Iberian ham in this region is excellent quality and locally produced.

There are also many other pork dishes such as chorizo, salchichón and other cold meats that you will be able to try as you explore the region.

Cheese – Made in Extremadura

Cheese is a major staple here. In Trujillo each year they celebrate an Cheese Fair. This year it´s on from April 29th to May 3rd 2026. There are over 100 stands showcasing local cheeses. (hotels fill up ahead of time as Trujillo is a small town)

Feria Nacional del Queso de Trujillo 29th April to 3rd May 2026

The most famous cheeses from Extremadura to look out for:

Torta Del Casar. This is made from sheep’s milk cheese (two breeds). With just 2 months curing, this has a soft texture, ideal for scooping and spreading. It´s like a ready made fondue.
Ibores is from Caceres and has a buttery flavour, From the Caceres province. This is buttery, slightly salty, peppery and acidic.
Queso de la Serena has PDO certification and is made from goats milk. Often coated with paprika, its fabulous if you pair if with a young red wine. (I would put it with a glass of Rufete wine myself)

Where to Eat in Extremadura

Restaurants in Caceres

Atrio Caceres

Atrio has been in business for over 30 years now. Headed up by Toño Pérez and José Antonio Polo, they have 3 Michelin stars, as well as National Gastronomy Awards. I have visited the setting, right at the centre of Caceres, in an historic building.

The one thing that stood out to me most was their extensive wine list. I am holding it in my hand (picture above). This is a great choice for an elevated meal or a celebration. You need to book ahead of time as they dont have many covers in this exclusive venue.

Pan de Huerta

Overlooking a quiet garden patio Pan de huerta on Calle Pizarro is a cosy restaurant, Set inside a 16th century palatial home. They serve innovative cuisine using local ingredients. The tasting menu is a great option here if you can´t decide what to choose. Let them surprise you. The team here are very detail oriented and spoke good English. I can highly recommend, however booking is necessary.

*Closed on Sunday evenings + Mondays

Hotel Rural Guacos de Yuste (Caceres)

On a visit to the Monastery of San Jeronimo de Yuste, we stopped off for lunch at the Hostal Rural Abadia de Yuste. The selection was a delicious spread of local ham, cheese and other traditional dishes. This one above, Patatas Revolconas is made with potatoes, paprika (grown locally) garlic, olive oil and pork belly.

Restaurants in Trujillo

Parador de Trujillo

The Trujillo Parador has a cosy dining room and serves traditional local dishes in an elegant setting. You don´t need to stay at the Parador to access the restaurant, but bookings are recommended. The cheese dish and the ice cream dessert in the photos above were some of the fabulous food I ate here.

Local families were dining in the space and it was busy mid week. Paradors across Spain are usually set in historic buildings and offer a high standard of service and quality. They are a good option if you travel through Extremadura, whether you stay or dine theree. There are seven paradors in Extremadura.

Trujillo
Plasencia
Caceres
Guadalupe
Merida
Jaradilla
Zafra

Bizcocho Restaurante

A classic local restaurant set one side of the main square. Bizcocho serves delicious local and traditional dishes. With a wooden interior and views across the Plaza Mayor, this is one of the most popular restaurants in Trujillo. Their extensive menu offers a selection of salads, cheese and ham boards, meats such as the suckling pig so typical in this region, but also salmon, cod and other fish dishes.

Bizcocho Restaurante Plaza Mayor, Trujillo Spain

Plasencia

Parador de Plasencia

Located at the centre of Plasencia this building was a 15th century convent, The restaurant at the Parador has a stunning interior. The old tiles were kept from the refectory where nuns would have dined centuries earlier. I had a delicious dinner of Monkfish and crisp white wine. Service here was steady but impeccable.