If you are a lover of delicious food and beautiful scenery, Iberia is calling your name! This sunny, culturally rich region straddles Spain and Portugal and is filled with culinary gems, from rustic bistros to chic modern restaurants. To help you plan the ultimate Iberian food tour, we’ve listed 10 places we think you’ll absolutely love.
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1. Tusscada Esquina, Lisbon, Portugal
Tasca da Esquina, located in Lisbon, is where Portuguese tradition meets creative flair. Chef Vítor Sobral brings Portugal’s rich culinary heritage to life with dishes such as tender octopus and crispy salted cod fritters, bursting with local flavor in every bite. The atmosphere is elegant yet earthy, allowing you to truly feel the charm of Lisbon. If you want to find more coastal treasures, take a ride Trains from Lisbon to Faro. Famous for its maritime history, Faro is home to some of the best seafood in Portugal, perfect for continuing your gastronomic adventure along the Algarve.
2. El Sampayet, Barcelona, Spain
Located near the Picasso Museum in Barcelona’s El Born district, El Xampanyet takes you back to an earlier time. This family-run kava bar is full of warmth and character, with tiled walls and a vibrant atmosphere. Here you will find delicious tapas: Iberian ham, anchovies, tortillas and the famous montaditos (small open sandwiches). Paired with a glass of house cava, this is an unforgettable, quintessentially Catalan experience.
3. Cervegiaria Ramiro, Lisbon, Portugal
Cervejaria Ramiro is a must-visit for seafood lovers and is always packed with locals and tourists alike. This simple Lisbon restaurant focuses on quality, offering a range of fresh shellfish, including garlic shrimp and tiger prawns cooked to perfection. For a fun twist, end your meal with a prego steak sandwich—a surprising but delicious tradition here that ends a seafood feast with a hearty bite.
4. Taberna da Rua das Flores, Lisbon, Portugal
Taberna da Rua das Flores is a charming spot in Lisbon’s Chiado district that puts a fresh spin on Portuguese tapas. This cozy little restaurant offers creative small plates perfect for sharing, as well as a seasonal menu ranging from mezze to calamari with coriander rice. It’s no secret, so there’s a queue, but it’s worth the wait.
5. Casa Lucio, Madrid, Spain
Casa Lucio in Madrid is the place where you can find the famous Wevos Lotos: Fried eggs over crispy potatoes. This dish is served in a cozy and welcoming setting at La Latina, a real comfort. Whether you choose huevos or one of their classic stews, each dish offers a taste of traditional Spanish cuisine with simple yet deeply satisfying flavors. It’s easy to see why Casa Lucio has been an icon of Madrid’s gastronomic scene for many years.
6. Quime and Quime, Barcelona, Spain
a swift Madrid to Barcelona trains Cycling through the heart of the Spanish countryside you will reach Quimet and Quimet. The place is known for its montaditos, famous bite-sized sandwiches piled high with toppings like smoked salmon and pate. It’s standing room only and fast-paced, but the food is delicious. Pair it with a glass of absinthe and you’ve got yourself a delicious snack to fuel up for a day in the city.
7. Restaurante Ponto Final, Almada, Portugal
If you want to dine with unforgettable views, head across the river from Lisbon to Restaurante Ponto Final in Almada. The location is located on the seafront and offers unobstructed views of Lisbon and the 25th of April Bridge. Order some grilled sardines or octopus salad and watch the sun set over the city – it’s an experience you won’t soon forget.
8. Asador Etxebarri, Axpe, Spain
In the Basque Country of Spain, Asador Etxebarri is the place to go for wood-fired cuisine. Chef Victor Arguinzoniz brings the ingredients to life through expert grilling, with dishes such as prawns, chorizo and rib-eye steak showcasing the richness of Basque culinary tradition. Dining here is a true celebration of country flavour, with a level of sophistication that leaves a lasting impression.
9. A Casa do Porco, São Paulo, Brazil (Honorable Mention)
Across the Atlantic in Brazil, A Casa do Porco has deep Iberian roots. Chef Jefferson Rueda’s restaurant is a pork lover’s paradise, with a menu focused on slow-cooked whole pigs and other Iberian-style meats. This place is a must-visit for those who are inspired by Spanish cuisine, blending tradition with modern creativity.
10. Botan, Madrid, Spain
The Iberian gastronomic route would not be complete without Botin, the oldest restaurant in the world. Located in Madrid, with its Cocinillo Asada (roasted suckling pig), cooked to perfection in a centuries-old wood-fired oven. Dining here is like stepping back in time, offering not just a meal but a piece of Spanish history and culture.
