Eats
Blanca Paloma Pizzeria - Puerto Sherry (Cádiz)
If you're in the mood for some good Italian while visiting Puerto Sherry without breaking the bank, then Blanca Paloma Pizzeria is the spot for you. This was actually the first restaurant we came to when we first arrived to Spain. My husband and I had their pasta Tortelloni al Gorgonzola con nueces (shown in photo above) which was very delicious. The next morning we came for breakfast/brunch which was also was very good. I had the eggs Florentine and my husband had the English breakfast, both were delicious. This restaurant is located next to Playa de la Muralla which has beautiful views of the bay over looking to Cádiz as your enjoying your meal. The service and staff are also great, our good server (now friend) Alejandro is such a sweet person, with all the patience in the world, he will take care of you. Like most places in the Andalusia region, the Blanca Paloma has very fair prices indeed. We highly recommend this restaurant.
Address - Paseo de la Bahia , 11500, Cádiz
Tilcara - Puerto Sherry (Cádiz)
While cruising on our bikes across the Boardwalk of Puerto Sherry, we came across a small but cozy Argentinian joint. Tilcara has some good tasting empanadas with 3 options to choose from Ternera (Beef), chicken or cheese and veggies, all 3 are very good, but the beef ones seem to be the local favorite. There house Ternera (beef) strips are amazing as well. Their freshly made deserts are amazing, especially the cheese cake. With views looking into the marina, this place is a hidden gem. Recommend stopping by Tilcara when walking the boardwalk.
Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor
Address - Av. Del Puerto, 35 Local 3, 11500 El Puerto de Sta Maria, Cádiz
Bodega Biarritz - Barcelona
Traditional tapas bar located in the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona. My husband and I stumbled across this place in search of some great tapas and let me tell you, we were not disappointed. Bodega Biarritz has THE BEST tapas in Barcelona in our honest opinion (and we have tried plenty). We love this place so much we couldn't wait to share it with you guys!!! Just a heads up though you will more than likely have to wait a bit to be seated, however it is well worth the wait so just be patient and you will not be disappointed, trust us. Another bonus, you can grab a beer or drink outside while you wait so that should ease up your patience a bit like it did to my husband and I, hehehe. Service is also great and staff is super friendly. Our server Gianmarco was super, he explained the menu to us and suggested some items, everything was AMAZING!!! Oh! and did I also mention the prices are VERY fair.
Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor.
Address - Carrer Vidre 8, 08002 Barcelona
Pez Vela Chiringuito - Barcelona
We drove up the coast of Spain from the very south tip of Cádiz to Barcelona, exploring the best Paella recommended by locals along the way. We have come to find that there is a never ending argument between Valencia and Barcelona for who has the best Paella. Both are excellent but both are uniquely different. Without getting too much into the history of paella, it did originate from Valencia. The true paella had rabbit, duck, or even snails, going as back as 1200 years ago. It was once known as farmers and farm laborers food, but is now a popular dish across Spain. A spot we were recommended by many locals was Pez Vela. This place does indeed serve delicious paella. Be patient as the paella is made fresh and takes about 30-40 minutes once ordered. So sit back and enjoy a white wine and enjoy the view of the Mediterranean Sea. Try the charbroiled galician-style octopus over potatoes while you wait for your paella, they are delicious!
Address - Passeig del Mare Nostrum, 19, 21, 08039 Barcelona, Spain
Konoba Otprilike Ovako - Split, Croatia
Our trip to Split, Croatia could not have been complete without experiencing home cooked food from a traditional Dalmatian restaurant. Talking with various locals, we were told about Kanoba Otprilike Ovako. What an experience it was. This is a true family restaurant, no set menu, and the food changes with the seasons. The menu depends on what fish are available that day from his fisherman. The chef, Mr. Davor Grabovac will tell you, a fish caught in the winter waters will taste different than a fish caught in the summer waters. The family is very welcoming, they actually say they are welcoming you in to their home, which really is there home! Very cozy indeed. They serve their Grabovac wines which are also made by the Grabovac family along with other wines from the regions of Croatia. Their herbs and vegetables are seasonal and also from the garden. You will need to have patience, as the food is prepared fresh. The Gregada fish is slow cooked in a delicious broil that takes up to an hour but is well worth the wait.
Grab some red or white house wine and enjoy an appetizer and relax. Try the Tuna Saur or the Octopus salad which is cooked in their homemade olive oil and Cape leaves. We definitely recommend making time for dinner here at this hidden gem, you will not regret it. We were there in the offseason, so if you plan on going to Split in the summer peak times, you will need to make reservations to experience this Kanoba. Uživajte!
Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor.
Address - Sinovčićeva Ul. 5, 21000, Split, Croatia
La Tapería De Columela - Cádiz, Spain
If you ever find yourself in Cádiz, while visiting the Andalusia region, make sure to stop by La Taperia De Columela in the city streets of Cádiz located just a few blocks north of the Central Market. We found probably the best Tapas there is in the city and very fairly priced. This is a hot locals spot and gets full fast, with lines extending out to the street at times. They open from 1pm to 4pm and re open at 8pm to 11pm. We found that showing up right at 1pm or before 1:30pm was best to avoid the long lines. Sitting at the bar is also probably the best experience you can get, and if lucky you will meet "Fran tu Barman" (main guy at the bar) and will help with any food recommendations needed. Their house "Tinta de Verano" drink is one of the best we have tasted in Spain. They have an incredible ceviche they make with Zamburiñas (scallops) and clams together with with a mango marinate, so delicious!
Address - Calle Columela, 4, 11001 Cádiz
Remember, these are Tapas so portions are small but makes it all better to explore the menu and try different dishes. Try their "Tapas Frias" section of the menu, you will find the Ensaladilla de gambas y atún with alioli de pistacho, so good.. (middle picture just above) Or their tuna or salmon tartar's are a very good choice. The one must try tapa is there house special "Tuna lasagna" which was not a disappointment. With plenty of other selections and delicious and generous pricing, this is the place to eat when in Cádiz. It is very easy to miss as it is located in a small back street, unless you know about it, you would walk right passed it. Unless of course you see the long line extending out the door into the street.
Check out their reviews on TripAdvisor
Casinha Do Petisco - Lagos, Portugal
Just off the main old town streets of Lagos is a small restaurant called Casinha Do Petisco with an incredible Portuguese Cuisine. We were told about this place from a cool local we met at bar in the center of the old town. Upon arrival we just knew it was a hot spot as there was a small crowd outside the small restaurant like a delicious Pancake house on a Sunday morning! There were both tourist and locals waiting, but the wait is not that bad, as we got lucky and only waited about 10 minutes being only a party of two. Once inside the place, it is fairly small with only about 8 tables and one server. It is said that the main chef "Luis Rosa" is probably one of the best cooks in the Algarve region of Portugal. After our experience we can probably say that it may be true as the food here was incredible! The Cataplana is the must try dish when dining here, it's about as traditional Portuguese as you can get, and NOT to be mistaken for Paella the traditional Spanish dish. Cataplana when cooked, uses a copper cooking device also called a Cataplana which unique to the Algarve region and where the dish gets its name from. This dish is made with a combination of different delicious seafoods like prawns, littleneck clams, and chorizo sausage. Cataplana is perfect for making this dish because it efficiently contains the flavor and heat of the contents in the dish to provide a uniquely flavored dish in a delicious rice and thick broth. If in Lagos, this place is a must!
Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor
Rua Da Oliveira 51, Lagos 8600-700 Portugal
