barcelona, seville + madrid

 THE CHEAT SHEET

There's a more in-depth look at our trip through Spain that we took last March, and you can read all about it here, but for a quick cheat sheet of where to eat and some things to do, here's your list!  

BARCELONA
 

FRIENDLY RENTALS 
Great apartment rentals throughout Spain. A fantastic alternative to hotel living, especially for longer trips or trips with kids.

7 PORTES
PG Isabel II, 14
+34 9 33 19 30 33
Old school, close to the water with amazing raw bar and fantastic paella. Great for a bottle of Albarino and a platter of raw seafood as well.

BOCA GRANDE
Passatge de la Concepció, 12
+34 9 34 67 51 49
Boca Grande looks more French bistro than Spanish tapas, but it's a great spot for fresh seafood and feels a bit hipper than you'd expect. And don't miss the chocolate cake.

CAL PEP
Plaça de les Olles
+34 9 33 19 30 33
This is on everyone's list, and I would have to agree. Opt for a seat at the bar which is  reminiscent of a 50s American diner, and enjoy the super traditional but not at all ordinary tapas.

TICKETS
Avinguda del Parallel, 164
no phone
Ferran Adria's literal fantasy, Tickets can only be compared to a visit to Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory, and the reservation is almost as hard to get, but if you can snag it, go. Give in to the crazy inventive menu and just enjoy.

TAPAS 24
Calle Diputación, 269
+34 9 34 88 09 77
We ate here twice in as many days because we just couldn't get enough, and if we'd had more time we would have returned. Best. Tapas. Ever. Truly. Chef Carles Abellan is a fixture on the Barcelona food scene and his food is just incredible. The true standout is the bikini comerç 24, a glorified grilled cheese sandwich with jamon and black truffle.

PACO MERALGO
Calle Muntaner, 171
+34 9 34 30 90 27
Another great spot for tapas, with high top tables and a younger, funkier feel.

SEVILLe

CATHEDRAL OF SEVILLE
Avenue de la Constitucion, s/n
+34 9 02 09 96 92
Also known as The Cathedral of Saint Mary, it's the largest Gothic Cathedral, and the third largest church in the world. Take a walk to the top — the view is worth the trek.

CASA ROMAN
Plaza Venerables, 1
+34 9 54 22 12 42
The only place to eat lunch in Seville as far as I’m concerned. There’s not a tourist in sight and there’s not a bad thing on the menu. If you really love yourself though, you’ll have the fried eggs with french fries and jamon. Or the grilled pork ribs. Or the pork cheek stew …

LA BRUNILDA TAPAS
Calle Galera, 5
+34 9 54 22 04 81
A newcomer when we visited in March 2015, there was a line to get in by the time we arrived, but it was worth the wait. A little less straightforward than the typical tapas restaurants, but still delicious. Standouts were the spicy patatas bravas and the anything-but-American mini burgers.

ENRIQUE BECERRA
Calle Gamazo, 2
+34 9 54 21 30 49
Another relative newcomer, we heard it was wise to pre-order the paella, so we did. And it did NOT disappoint – maybe the best we had.

A SIDE TRIP TO ARACENA

Aracena is about an hour North of Seville and makes for the perfect day trip.

GRUTA DE LAS MIRAVILLAS
Calle Pozo de la Nieve, s/n
+34 6 63 93 78 76
The most incredible underground grottos. It’s a don’t miss.

MONTECRUZ
Calle San Pedro, 36
+34 9 59 12 60 13
Maybe the most unexpected stop of our whole trip was this incredible restaurant in the teeny town of Aracena. Clean and modern, the offerings are nothing less than perfect: the requisite jamon, red peppers stuffed with anchovy, perfectly grilled lamb chops, beef cheek stew. And for dessert an arroz con leche with anisette.

MADRID

THE PRADO
Calle Ruiz de Alarcon, 23
+34 9 13 30 28 00
Just incredible. Maybe my favorite museum anywhere.

MARINA VENTURA
Ventura de la Vega, 13
+34 9 14 29 38 10
This place is incredibly (and sadly) not on anyone's radar. It is a perfect spot for lunch - clean, airy and modern in feel, and the food is spot on: fried eggs served over fried whitebait, an incredible paella, a beautiful cheese plate and another amazing arroz con leche for dessert.

BOTIN
Calle de los Cuchilleros, 17
+34 9 13 66 30 26
It’s the oldest restaurant in the world (1725), and as such, might also be considered one of the most touristy, BUT it is so damn good, it is well worth the shame.  What they are known for is their roast suckling pig, and while there are a million things on the menu worth trying (the Boudin Noir is especially incredible) the pig is a can't-miss. A whole one is for 6 or more people, but I would argue that even if you're only 2 or 3, you should insist on it. The presentation alone is something to see.