7 Hidden Foodie Gems in Spain You Can’t Miss in 2026
By Intripper
There’s a moment in every traveler’s journey when the guidebook fails, the GPS glitches, and you stumble—quite literally—into a place that feels like it was waiting just for you. For me, that moment happened on a narrow, sun-bleached alley in Cádiz, where the scent of frying fish and the sound of laughter spilling from a tiny bar pulled me in like a magnet. Inside, a weathered man with a salt-and-pepper mustache handed me a plate of tortillitas de camarones—crispy, shrimp-laced fritters—and a glass of ice-cold fino. No menu, no tourists, just the kind of magic that turns a meal into a memory.
Spain is a country that wears its culinary heart on its sleeve, but some of its best flavors are hidden in plain sight—tucked away in unassuming neighborhoods, behind unmarked doors, or in family-run kitchens where recipes have been passed down for generations. In 2026, as the world rediscovers the joy of travel, these are the places where you’ll eat like a local, taste the soul of a region, and leave with stories to tell. Here are seven hidden foodie gems in Spain you absolutely can’t miss.
1. Casa Uralde (San Sebastián, Basque Country)
Address: Calle de San Jerónimo, 2, 20003 San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 1:00 PM–3:30 PM, 8:00 PM–10:30 PM; Closed Sunday and Monday
San Sebastián is a city that needs no introduction for food lovers—its pintxo bars and Michelin-starred restaurants are the stuff of legend. But tucked away in the Gros neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from Zurriola Beach, is Casa Uralde, a tiny, family-run sidrería (cider house) that feels like stepping into a Basque grandmother’s kitchen.
The moment you walk in, the scent of wood smoke and sizzling meat wraps around you like a warm embrace. The walls are lined with barrels of natural cider, and the menu is a love letter to Basque tradition. Start with the txalupa, a rustic wooden platter piled high with local cheeses, txistorra (Basque sausage), and jamón ibérico. But the real star here is the chuletón de vaca, a massive, bone-in ribeye cooked over charcoal until the outside is crusty and caramelized, while the inside remains tender and juicy. They serve it with a simple sprinkle of flaky salt and a side of roasted peppers—no fuss, just pure, unadulterated flavor.
What makes Casa Uralde special is its dedication to sidra natural, the slightly tart, effervescent cider that’s a Basque staple. The owner, Iñaki, will likely pour it for you himself, holding the bottle high above his head to aerate the cider as it splashes into your glass. It’s a ritual, a performance, and a delicious one at that. Pair it with the bacalao al pil-pil, where the cod is so tender it nearly melts into the garlicky olive oil sauce, and you’ll understand why locals keep this place a secret.
Pro Tip: Go for lunch on a weekday to avoid the crowds, and don’t skip the pantxineta, a creamy, custard-filled pastry that’s the perfect sweet ending to your meal.
2. El Pimpi (Málaga, Andalusia)
Address: Calle Granada, 62, 29015 Málaga
Hours: Daily, 1:00 PM–1:00 AM
Málaga is often overshadowed by its glitzier Andalusian siblings, Seville and Granada, but this coastal city has a culinary scene that’s as vibrant as its street art. El Pimpi is a Málaga institution, a rambling, labyrinthine bodega that’s equal parts restaurant, wine cellar, and local hangout. It’s been around since 1971, and its walls are covered in photos of famous visitors—from Antonio Banderas (a Málaga native) to Picasso (who was born just a few blocks away).
The moment you step inside, you’re hit with the smell of garlic, paprika, and sizzling seafood. The menu is a sprawling ode to Andalusian cuisine, but the real magic happens when you let the staff guide you. Start with a plate of boquerones fritos—fresh anchovies lightly dusted in flour and fried until crisp, then served with a squeeze of lemon. They’re a Málaga specialty, and El Pimpi does them better than anyone.
Next, dive into the berenjenas con miel, thin slices of eggplant fried to a golden crisp and drizzled with local honey—a sweet-savory combo that’s addictive. For something heartier, try the rabo de toro, a slow-cooked oxtail stew that’s rich, tender, and infused with the flavors of red wine and spices. And don’t leave without ordering a glass of Málaga’s famous sweet wine, Moscatel, which pairs perfectly with the torta de aceituna, a dense, olive oil-rich cake that’s a local favorite.
El Pimpi isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a cultural experience. The courtyard is strung with fairy lights, and on warm nights, live flamenco music fills the air. It’s the kind of place where you’ll find yourself lingering for hours, sipping wine and swapping stories with locals.
Pro Tip: Ask for a table in the courtyard, and if you’re feeling adventurous, try the espetos de sardinas—sardines skewered and grilled over an open fire, a Málaga beach tradition.
3. La Cova Fumada (Barcelona, Catalonia)
Address: Carrer del Baluard, 56, 08003 Barcelona
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; Closed weekends
Barcelona’s Barceloneta neighborhood is packed with seafood restaurants, but most of them cater to tourists with overpriced paella and mediocre sangria. La Cova Fumada is the exception—a tiny, no-frills joint that’s been serving some of the best seafood in the city since 1944. There’s no sign, no menu, and no pretension. Just incredible food.
The place is run by a family who’s been fishing in Barceloneta for generations, and the daily catch dictates what’s on offer. Walk in, grab a seat at one of the communal tables, and let the server guide you. Start with the bomba—a deep-fried croquette filled with spicy meat and potatoes, invented right here at La Cova Fumada. It’s crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and just spicy enough to make you reach for your beer.
Next, order the suquet de peix, a traditional Catalan fish stew made with the day’s catch, potatoes, and a rich, garlicky broth. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, especially on a chilly Barcelona morning. If you’re lucky, they’ll have esqueixada, a salt cod salad with tomatoes, olives, and onions, tossed in a bright, tangy dressing.
But the real showstopper is the calamares a la romana—tender squid rings lightly battered and fried to perfection, served with a wedge of lemon and a side of allioli (garlic mayonnaise). It’s simple, but it’s the kind of simple that takes decades to perfect.
Pro Tip: Get there early—La Cova Fumada is only open until 4 PM, and the line starts forming by 10 AM. Cash only, and don’t expect English to be spoken. Just point, smile, and trust the process.
4. Casa Toni (Madrid, Castile)
Address: Calle de la Cruz, 14, 28012 Madrid
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM, 8:00 PM–11:00 PM; Closed Sunday and Monday
Madrid is a city of grand plazas and elegant dining, but some of its best flavors are found in the humblest of places. Casa Toni is a classic taberna in the heart of La Latina, a neighborhood known for its tapas bars and lively atmosphere. This place has been around since the 19th century, and it feels like it—wooden barrels line the walls, the floor is worn from decades of foot traffic, and the menu is a masterclass in Castilian cuisine.
Start with a plate of patatas bravas, but don’t expect the usual touristy version. Here, the potatoes are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and smothered in a smoky, slightly spicy bravas sauce that’s been perfected over generations. Next, try the callos a la madrileña, a hearty tripe stew with chorizo, morcilla (blood sausage), and chickpeas. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it’s a dish that’s deeply rooted in Madrid’s working-class history.
For something lighter, order the boquerones en vinagre—fresh anchovies marinated in vinegar, garlic, and parsley, served with a slice of crusty bread. The acidity cuts through the richness of the other dishes, and the anchovies are so fresh they practically melt in your mouth.
But the real reason to come to Casa Toni is the cocido madrileño, a traditional chickpea stew with meat, vegetables, and sometimes even a bone marrow dumpling. It’s a dish that’s meant to be shared, and it’s the kind of meal that makes you understand why Madrid’s culinary scene is so beloved.
Pro Tip: Go for lunch on a Sunday, when the neighborhood is filled with locals enjoying their day off. And don’t skip the vermouth—Casa Toni makes their own, and it’s the perfect aperitif.
5. Restaurante Echaurren (Ezcaray, La Rioja)
Address: Calle Mayor, 1, 26280 Ezcaray, La Rioja
Hours: Daily, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM, 8:00 PM–11:00 PM
La Rioja is Spain’s wine country, but its culinary scene is often overshadowed by the region’s famous vineyards. Restaurante Echaurren is changing that. Located in the charming town of Ezcaray, this family-run restaurant has been a local secret for decades, but it’s starting to gain recognition for its innovative takes on traditional Riojan cuisine.
The restaurant is housed in a 17th-century building, with a cozy dining room that feels like a rustic wine cellar. The menu is a mix of classic and modern, with dishes that highlight the best of La Rioja’s ingredients. Start with the menestra de verduras, a vibrant vegetable stew made with seasonal produce from the restaurant’s own garden. It’s a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, with each vegetable cooked to perfection.
Next, try the carrilleras de ternera, slow-cooked beef cheeks that are so tender they fall apart at the touch of a fork. They’re served with a rich red wine reduction that’s the perfect complement to the meat. And of course, you can’t visit La Rioja without trying the patatas a la riojana, a simple but satisfying dish of potatoes cooked with chorizo and paprika.
But the real star of the show is the lechazo asado, a whole suckling lamb roasted in a wood-fired oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy and tender. It’s a dish that’s traditionally served at celebrations, and at Echaurren, it’s a celebration every time it’s on the menu.
Pro Tip: Pair your meal with a bottle of local Rioja wine—Echaurren has an impressive cellar, and the staff can help you find the perfect match for your meal.
6. Bar Casa Julio (Valladolid, Castile and León)
Address: Calle de las Angustias, 8, 47003 Valladolid
Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM, 8:00 PM–11:00 PM; Closed Sunday and Monday
Valladolid is a city that’s often overlooked by tourists, but it’s a culinary gem in its own right. Bar Casa Julio is a tiny, family-run tapas bar that’s been serving some of the best pinchos (small bites) in the city for over 50 years. The place is so small that there’s only room for a handful of tables, but the flavors are anything but modest.
Start with the pincho de tortilla, a simple but perfect slice of Spanish omelet served on a piece of crusty bread. It’s creamy on the inside, slightly crispy on the outside, and just salty enough to make you crave another bite. Next, try the pincho de morcilla, a slice of blood sausage served with caramelized onions and a drizzle of honey. It’s sweet, savory, and rich all at once, and it’s a dish that’s uniquely Castilian.
For something a little more substantial, order the secreto ibérico, a cut of Iberian pork that’s so tender and flavorful it practically melts in your mouth. It’s served with a side of roasted potatoes and a sprinkle of sea salt, and it’s the kind of dish that makes you understand why Spain is famous for its pork.
But the real reason to come to Casa Julio is the pincho de bacalao, a bite-sized piece of salt cod served on a slice of bread with a dollop of allioli and a sprinkle of paprika. It’s simple, but it’s the kind of simple that takes decades to perfect.
Pro Tip: Go for lunch on a weekday, when the bar is filled with locals on their lunch break. And don’t be afraid to try the vermouth—it’s a local favorite, and Casa Julio makes their own.
7. Restaurante Casa Lucio (Toledo, Castile-La Mancha)
Address: Calle de las Armas, 2, 45001 Toledo
Hours: Daily, 1:00 PM–4:00 PM, 8:00 PM–11:00 PM
Toledo is a city that’s steeped in history, and its culinary scene is just as rich. Restaurante Casa Lucio is a family-run restaurant that’s been serving traditional Castilian cuisine for over 50 years. The restaurant is housed in a 16th-century building, with a cozy dining room that feels like a step back in time.
Start with the migas, a traditional dish made with breadcrumbs, garlic, and paprika. It’s simple, but it’s the kind of dish that’s deeply rooted in Toledo’s history. Next, try the carcamusas, a hearty stew made with pork, tomatoes, and peppers. It’s a dish that’s uniquely Toledan, and Casa Lucio does it better than anyone.
For something a little more substantial, order the cochinillo asado, a whole suckling pig roasted in a wood-fired oven until the skin is crispy and the meat is juicy and tender. It’s a dish that’s traditionally served at celebrations, and at Casa Lucio, it’s a celebration every time it’s on the menu.
But the real reason to come to Casa Lucio is the perdiz escabechada, a dish of partridge marinated in vinegar, garlic, and spices. It’s a dish that’s deeply rooted in Toledo’s history, and it’s the kind of dish that makes you understand why the city is such a culinary gem.
Pro Tip: Pair your meal with a bottle of local wine—Toledo is known for its vino de la tierra, and Casa Lucio has an impressive cellar.
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Hidden Gems
Spain is a country that’s full of culinary surprises, and these seven hidden gems are just the beginning. Whether you’re sipping cider in a Basque sidrería, feasting on seafood in a Barcelona bodega, or enjoying a hearty stew in a Toledo tavern, the real magic of Spanish cuisine is in the places that aren’t on the tourist trail.
So, in 2026, skip the guidebook and follow your nose. Talk to locals, wander off the beaten path, and let the scent of garlic, paprika, and sizzling meat lead you to your next great meal. Because in Spain, the best flavors are often the ones you stumble upon when you least expect them.