Wining and Dining

Santander has developed a name for itself as one of the country’s most underrated food destinations. With the most Michelin stars per inhabitants in all of Spain and some of the world’s most widely celebrated seafood (their anchovies are particularly world-class), visitors to Cantabria will see how the region quickly goes from serving traditional dishes such as the cocido montañés (a delicius vegetable and meat stew ) to Michelin starred haute cuisine in just a few miles.

From the world celebrated Cenador de Amós, a two Michelin-star restaurant set in an 18th Century palatial building in a small town just outside of Santander to an extensive traditional restaurants and “pinchos” offer around town, there is always something new to try and enjoy!

You will always find great fish to eat in Santander. As a starter, it is a good idea to try some rabas (calamari), which are specially good if they are the magano or peludín type, or some anchovies from Santoña, each time more demanded and also more expensive. The typical dishes from Santander are the cocido montañés, the fish soups, the marmita de bonito or the bonito with onion, the manganos or chipirones (small calamari) in its ink with white rice, anchovies, grilled sardines, hake or monkfish…

There’s also good meat, specially if it is from tudanca cow, a local breed from the Cantabrian mountains. Another dish that became popular a long time ago is the sirloin wirh Tresviso cheese, with D.O.P. Picón-Bejés-Tresviso. Talking about the cheese from Cantabria, don’t forget the Quesucos de Liébana, the Queso Nata de Cantabria, both with D.O.P., or the Las Garmillas (a fresh cheese from Burgos). As a dessert, try the leche frita or the rice pudding, flan and natillas. If you’d like some sweets, we recommend the famous Sobaos Pasiegos and Quesadas (with I.G.P.).

Local delicacies, from seafood to coldmeats, fish and the widest choice of wonderful cheeses or vegetables are to be found at the wonderful markets where the locals do their shopping: at the Mercado de la Esperanza, just behind Santander’s townhall, you will find all you need to cook and enjoy fantastic meals at your apartment or to take home.

To discover the latest developments in Santander gastronomy, don’t forget to download the most recent editions of the magazine  «Comer en Santander» (Eating in Santander).