Madrid
La Barraca - Calle Reina, off Gran Via
Best place for authentic paella. Beautiful dining rooms and private rooms available for groups (There were 7 of us).
Miau - Plaza San Angel
Great tapas bar. Try their selection of canapés. We thought we overordered but ended up finishing everything but the torta de patatas which was too much for 5 people.
Meson de la Guitarra - Calle San Miguel
Good selection of tapas. Receives quite a crowd. Guitarist plays all evening but we also were entertained by guest diners who brought their own guitars. Cave setting.
La Mallorquina - Puerta del Sol
Selection of pastries from 1 euro. I particularly like the hojaldre and neapolitana (with choice of fillings).
Segovia
Meson del Candido - in front of the aqueduct
The roasted suckling baby pig is the house specialty. It is moist and tender. Quite tasty.
Sevilla
El Alabardero - Calle Zaragoza
Best dining in Spain. Loved the arroz in langoustine sauce, marinated skewered fish, and pastel of white asparagus. Melts in your mouth. Try the local Manzanilla wine.
Café Roman - Barrio Santa Cruz
Usually crowded. Best spot is to stand by the bar and order chorizo, bacalao and oveja cheese.
Horno San Buenaventura - Avenida Constitucion,in front of the Cathedral
Choice of pastries. Great for morning coffee and late afternoon merienda.
Palma de Mallorca
Taberna El Burladero - Calle Concepciόn, 3B
We spent a nice afternoon here until the rain subsided. Try their veal albondigas and the variado 6 tapas. Order some Manzanilla tea on a cold day. Extra attentive service.
La Bodeguilla - Calle San Jaime, 3
Upscale look. Good selection of wines. Love the vino dulce, a sweet white wine. I savored every bit of the pastel of salmon I ordered. Excellent service.
Valdemossa
Aromas - off Carrer Uetam
The chocolate drink with marron glacé was so thick and rich, I'll always remember it.
Barcelona
FrescCo - Carrer Caspe, 30
Eat as much as you can. Start at the salad bar, try any of two soups of the day, continue with a hot dish (menu del dia) and selection of pizzas, finish off with cake and fruits. Drink as much as you can. Your choice of beverage or beer then coffee or tea with dessert. All for less than 10 euros.
Lactuca - Ronda Sant Pere, 17 near Plaza Catalunya and a branch near Sagrada Familia
Same concept as FrescCo. I liked the chicken dish and the gazpacho soup (hot dishes change daily). Take as long as you want and dine at leisure.
Cuines Santa Caterina - at Mercat Santa Caterina, near the Cathedral in the Barrio Gotic
Trendy restaurant at the market. Loved the cold melon and mint soup. Busy with the lunch crowd. Stars for ambience.
Farggi - Passeig de Gracia, 2
Popular ice cream and coffee joint.
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