Santander
Spain
Discover the best restaurants, dishes, and local cuisine in Santander, Spain. Read authentic reviews, browse menus, and find your perfect dining experience.
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Restaurants in Santander
Showing 12 of 12 restaurantsAnchoas de Santoña
Cañadío / Santander (Spain)
View Anchoas de SantoñaSantoña anchovies, a regional specialty.
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Croquetas
Cañadío / Santander (Spain)
View CroquetasCreamy croquettes, frequently mentioned as a popular choice.
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Rabas
Cañadío / Santander (Spain)
View RabasFried squid, a typical seafood tapa.
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Tortilla de patata
Cañadío / Santander (Spain)
View Tortilla de patataSpanish omelette, a classic and popular dish.
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Pescado Fresco (Fresh Fish)
Marisqueria Casa Jose / Santander (Spain)
View Pescado Fresco (Fresh Fish)The restaurant is known for serving fresh, locally sourced fish cooked in traditional Spanish styles.
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Mariscos (Seafood)
Marisqueria Casa Jose / Santander (Spain)
View Mariscos (Seafood)Casa Jose is known for its fresh seafood offerings, including a variety of shellfish and fish.
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Arroz con Leche
Restaurante La Gruta de Jose / Santander (Spain)
View Arroz con LecheRice pudding.
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Seafood.
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A rice dish cooked with seafood and meat. The most typical spanish dish.
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Fried squid, a popular appetizer.
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Pescado fresco del día
La Atalaya de Mayte / Santander (Spain)
View Pescado fresco del díaFresh fish of the day. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood. Reviews highlight the quality of the fish.
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Fried squid, a popular appetizer in Santander. Multiple reviews mention its high quality at this restaurant.
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Signature Dishes
Santander's cuisine is characterized by fresh, high-quality ingredients, particularly seafood. Flavors are generally clean and simple, focusing on highlighting the natural taste of the ingredients. Garlic, parsley, and olive oil are common flavor enhancers. Creamy textures are present, specially in Cocido Montañés. The proximity to the sea and the green pastures influence the type of dishes enjoyed in the region.
Cocido Montañés
A hearty white bean stew with chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), ribs, and cabbage. It's a traditional mountain dish, perfect for cold weather.
Rabas
Fried squid, a very popular tapa in Santander. The squid is typically lightly battered and fried until crispy.
Sardinas a la Plancha
Grilled sardines, simply seasoned with salt and olive oil. A classic Santander summer dish.
Anchoas del Cantábrico
Cantabrian anchovies, considered some of the best in the world. They are typically preserved in salt and olive oil and served as a tapa.
Marmita de Bonito
A tuna stew with potatoes, peppers, and onions. A simple but flavorful dish, showcasing the region's tuna fishing tradition.
Quesada Pasiega
A sweet cheesecake made with cow's milk, eggs, sugar, and lemon zest. It comes from the Pas Valley.
Arroz con Leche
Rice pudding, sweetened with sugar and sometimes flavored with lemon or cinnamon.
Local Tips
To fully enjoy the culinary experience in Santander, consider these tips for navigating the local food scene and making the most of your meals.
Order 'Sidra'
While not directly from Santander (Asturias), 'sidra' (cider) is a popular drink in the region and pairs well with many seafood dishes. Watch how it's poured 'escanciada' from a height to aerate it.
Try Local Markets
Visit the local markets, such as Mercado de la Esperanza, to see the fresh ingredients and sample local produce.
Embrace the 'Menú del Día'
Many restaurants offer a 'menú del día' (menu of the day) at lunchtime, which provides a great value and a taste of traditional dishes.
Learn Some Basic Spanish
While English is spoken in some tourist areas, knowing some basic Spanish phrases will enhance your experience and allow you to interact more easily with locals.
About Santander
Food History
Cantabrian cuisine, and particularly that of Santander, has been shaped by its coastal location and agricultural traditions. Celtic, Roman, and later Moorish influences, while less pronounced than in other parts of Spain, have subtly contributed. The region's long history of fishing and seafaring is evident in its seafood-rich diet, while inland areas have contributed hearty stews and meat dishes. The lack of extensive Moorish influence relative to southern Spain means less use of spices like cumin and coriander.
Food Culture
Food plays a central role in the social life of Santander. Meal times are often extended, and sharing tapas is a common way to socialize with friends and family. The city has a strong bar culture, where people gather to enjoy drinks and small bites. Many festivals and celebrations revolve around food.
Tapas Culture
Going for 'tapas' is a Santander tradition. Small plates are shared among friends, creating a convivial atmosphere.
Meal Times
Lunch is usually the largest meal of the day, taken between 2 pm and 4 pm. Dinner is later, often starting around 9 pm.
Bar Culture
Santander has a vibrant bar scene. 'Chiquiteo', hopping from bar to bar to sample different wines and tapas, is a popular activity.
Seafood Festivals
Several festivals throughout the year celebrate the region's seafood, offering opportunities to try various dishes and learn about the local fishing industry.