With a vibrant culinary scene celebrated for its diverse flavours, fresh ingredients, and rich traditions, Spain is a haven for expats who love to eat. From Barcelona’s tapas bars to delightful seafood in San Sebastian, Spain will delight you with its tantalising flavours. And with a culture that revolves around food and socialising, expats can experience a more immersive culinary journey here.
Here are the best foodie spots for expats travelling to Spain.
Foodie Spots in Barcelona
Barcelona is known for its fusion of traditional Catalan cuisine and innovative culinary trends. As one of the best foodie spots for expats travelling to Spain, Barcelona is home to diverse neighbourhoods boasting a plethora of eateries, from bustling markets and cosy tapas bars to Michelin-starred restaurants.
At the heart of Barcelona’s culinary charm are its bustling food markets. La Boqueria and Mercat de Sant Antoni are perfect places to see locals and visitors converge to sample fresh produce, seafood, and cured meats. These markets provide a sensory feast of colours, aromas, and flavours, reflecting the region’s rich culinary heritage.
Tapas culture thrives in Barcelona, with countless bars and taverns serving small plates of savoury dishes bursting with flavour. From traditional favourites like patatas bravas and jamón ibérico to creative interpretations of Catalan classics, tapas offer a delightful way to sample numerous dishes in a social and relaxed atmosphere.
If you prefer a more upscale dining experience, discover Barcelona’s high-end restaurant scene, with acclaimed chefs pushing the boundaries of gastronomy. Michelin-starred establishments specialise in innovative techniques and avant-garde creations, earning Barcelona a reputation of being one of the world’s culinary capitals.
Ronda
Located in the serene countryside of Andalusia, Ronda is worth visiting for foodie expats travelling to Spain. It’s one of the country’s hidden gems for food enthusiasts, where you can experience the delightful flavours of Andalusian cuisine with stunning countryside scenery in the backdrop.
Sample regional specialities like gazpacho, a refreshing cold soup made with tomatoes, peppers, and cucumbers, or rabo de toro, a succulent oxtail stew simmered in red wine and spices. Check out the town’s bustling markets, such as Mercado de Abastos. Here, indulge in a vibrant array of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and cheeses. Meanwhile, stop by Ronda’s charming tapas bars and family-run restaurants to enjoy authentic Andalusian fare in a cosy and inviting setting.
For a truly memorable dining experience, dine at rooftop terraces and outdoor patios with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Treat yourself to delicious dishes paired with local wines from nearby vineyards.
While exploring Ronda’s culinary delights, make sure to get travel insurance for expats in Spain. It offers essential medical coverage, trip protection, and assistance services tailored to your needs, ensuring peace of mind throughout your culinary adventures in Ronda and beyond.
Madrid´s Foodie Spots
As the culinary capital of Spain, Madrid is a delightful foodie spot for expats travelling to Spain. It boasts innovative gastronomy and a vibrant food culture, making your trip truly enjoyable. The city’s bustling neighbourhoods are home to some of Spain’s best tapas bars. Michelin-starred restaurants, and bustling markets, offering an incredible gastronomic experience.
Visit Mercado de San Miguel and Mercado de San Antón. Both markets offer a sensory feast of fresh produce, seafood, meats, and cheeses. Here, you can feast on traditional Spanish delicacies like jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, and fresh olives, all sourced from local vendors.
Madrid is also home to Michelin-starred restaurants, luring expats seeking luxurious dining experiences. Here, acclaimed chefs showcase innovative techniques and creative culinary creations, guaranteed to satisfy the foodie in you.
With its diverse culinary offerings, vibrant food culture, and endless dining options. Madrid is indeed a foodie paradise, inviting expats to embark on a gastronomic journey celebrating Spain’s rich flavours and culinary traditions.
Seville
As the vibrant capital of Andalusia, Seville is a paradise for food lovers and a fantastic place for expats who are looking for incredible food and wine tours. The city lures you with its sumptuous array of culinary delights reflecting the region’s rich gastronomic heritage. Expert Hosts are carefully chosen to enrich each trip with educated, approachable observations. You will be led through the city’s charming streets, bustling markets, and traditional taverns. These tours offer a curated experience. Allowing you to indulge in authentic Andalusian flavours while gaining insights into the history and traditions behind each dish.
Experience a tapas crawl in Seville. It’s a fun way to sample tapas at local bars and taverns. From classic dishes like gazpacho and fried fish to innovative creations featuring local ingredients. Discovering Seville’s tapas scene is an incredible experience.
To further learn about Andalusian cuisine, enrol in a cooking class to learn how to cook traditional dishes. Recipes such as paella, salmorejo, and tortilla española under the guidance of expert chefs. These hands-on experiences provide insight into the culinary techniques and flavours that define Spanish cooking.
No visit to Seville would be complete without exploring its vibrant food markets. Some of the city’s most famous markets are Mercado de Triana and Mercado de la Encarnación. You can browse stalls displaying fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. You’ll also find stalls selling local specialities like jamón ibérico, manchego cheese, and olives.
San Sebastian
Nestled along the picturesque coastline of the Basque Country. San Sebastian is a culinary mecca and a paradise for food enthusiasts. With its abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants, bustling pintxos bars, and vibrant food markets, it is one of the best foodie spots for expats travelling to Spain.
A must-do activity in San Sebastian is exploring the city’s pintxos bars, where you can indulge in bite-sized culinary delights. Choose from traditional pintxos like tortilla española and jamón ibérico or innovative creations featuring fresh seafood and local ingredients. Take a self-guided pintxos tour or join a guided food tour to discover the best bars to sample the most delicious offerings.
Want to learn how to cook Basque cuisine? Consider joining a cooking class. An expert chef will teach you the secrets to preparing the tastiest traditional dishes like bacalao al pil-pil (cod in garlic sauce) and ganguro (stuffed crab).
