Spanish

Ever since the Spanish began plying trade routes across Europe in the 15th Century, the world has been clamoring for the secrets of their ancient recipes. From the ubiquitous seafood paella now served in more restaurants around the globe than in Spain itself, to the home-cured meats that we so take for granted atop our takeaway pizza, we simply can't get enough of the world's second favorite cuisine. Variety is without doubt what makes Iberian dishes so popular. Southern dishes are typified by Roman influence; the use of olive oil shaping a palette of delicacies such as fried calamari, Tortas de Aceite (sweet pastry crisped with olive oil) and glistening roasted bell peppers. Cured meats like jamon serrano (mountain ham), morcillo (blood sausage) and chorizo form the basis of cold tapas dishes like embutidos platters and Asturian stews - Fabada Asturiana. Catalan cuisine, unusual to find among restaurants in the USA is popular among dieters due to the high protein content of recipes. Catalonia is one of the chief regional producers of rice and tomatoes, paving the way for simple yet delicious snacks like Pa amb tomàquet (tomato rubbed bread) and Suquet de peix (seafood casserole). Fish is another key staple in the diets of both Northern and Southern Spaniards, forming the basis of the much loved recipe “paella” and seafood coques (miniature pizzas). Pulpo a la Gallega (Galician Octopus) is a popular inclusion on gourmet menus, blending a traditional Spanish seafood favorite with potatoes, onion and fiery paprika for a casserole dish that pairs perfectly with dark Albariño wines. To truly understand the richness of Spanish flavors, you just have to try it. There's no better place to start than the tried and tested authentic Spanish restaurants featured in our guide!