When the cold sets in and days get shorter, nothing beats warming up with a delicious, hearty meal. Plus, Spain offers cozy spots with comforting food, perfect for the season. In this blog, explore the Top 5 Places to Eat in Winter in Spain, where you can savor traditional recipes that make the chill of winter melt away.
And what better way to do this than by visiting some of the cities and regions where gastronomy shines the brightest during this time of the year? From hearty stews to fresh seafood, the culinary diversity in Spain has something for everyone.
So, if you’re someone who seeks gastronomic experiences in winter, keep reading, because we are going to take you through five destinations where eating well is practically a must.
Get comfortable as we embark on our journey to the best places to enjoy great food when the cold arrives.
1. Ávila
If there is a city in Spain where winter is felt strongly, it’s Ávila. Surrounded by its medieval walls, the cold here has a special charm, and there’s no better way to fight it than with a feast.
And what do you eat in Ávila when the temperatures drop? Two must-haves: roast suckling pig and the Ávila T-bone steak. The roast suckling pig, with its crispy skin and tender meat that practically melts, is a true delight that will make you forget the cold.
And if you prefer red meat, the Ávila T-bone steak is famous for its flavor and size. It’s grilled, leaving the outside nicely seared and the inside juicy, just as tradition demands. Intrigued? The Garden of Bea is a unique place to enjoy this dish. Learn More!
2. Madrid
When the cold hits the capital, Madrileños know very well how to stay warm, and it’s not just with coats and scarves. In Madrid, winter is synonymous with cocido madrileño and callos, two dishes that are a must on every table when the temperatures drop.
Let’s start with cocido madrileño, a stew of chickpeas, vegetables, and meats that is slow-cooked for hours, filling the house (or restaurant) with that comforting, homely aroma. The best part is that it is served in three courses: first the soup, then the chickpeas with vegetables, and finally the meats. A dish so complete and tasty that after eating it, you will feel revitalized, ready to face the cold of the city.
And if you’re into stronger flavors, “callos a la madrileña” is another winter classic. This stew of beef tripe, chorizo, and black pudding, well-seasoned and with that touch of paprika, is perfect for the coldest days. Although it might sound a bit “strong,” it’s a dish that once you try, you will love.
3. Asturias
If there’s a place where winter is truly experienced, it’s Asturias. Among its green mountains and wild coast, the cold and humidity are part of the landscape. But the Asturians have everything under control, especially in the kitchen.
Here, when the temperatures drop, nothing beats a good fabada or a cachopo to warm you up. The Asturian fabada is the star dish of winter. This stew of fabes (large, creamy beans) slow-cooked with chorizo, black pudding, and pork belly is simply spectacular.
Each spoonful is pure comfort, and if you accompany it with a piece of homemade bread, you’ll be in heaven. It’s one of those dishes that hugs you from the first bite, ideal for the coldest and rainiest days.
And we can’t talk about Asturian food without mentioning the cachopo. This dish, which might look like a breaded steak at first glance, is much more: two beef steaks stuffed with ham and cheese, breaded, and fried until golden and crispy. The best part is its size, which is gigantic, perfect for sharing (or not!). It’s one of those dishes that arrives at the table and leaves you speechless.
Enjoying it at Casa de Angie with views of the Picos de Europa is an incredible experience.
4. Granada
Granada is a city that surprises at any time of the year, but in winter it has a special charm. Between the snowy views of the Alhambra and the streets full of history, you can not only enjoy its heritage but also its gastronomy, which in the colder months is a true delight.
Here, tapas remain the stars, but there is one dish that steals the show in winter: Olla de San Antón. This is a typical stew from Granada that is enjoyed especially in January and February. It is made from dried beans, rice, and various parts of pork such as black pudding or bacon.
It’s one of those dishes that warmed farmers in the field and still serves the same purpose today: filling you with energy and warmth on the coldest days of the year.
And of course, tapas cannot be missing in Granada, even in winter. The city is famous for its tradition of free tapas with every drink. While they are enjoyed outdoors in summer, taverns come to life in the colder months. You can find dishes that warm the soul: migas, patatas a lo pobre, croquettes, and more—everything you can imagine!
5. Barcelona
When we think of Barcelona, we think of beaches and good weather, but the city has a lot to offer in the colder months, especially when it comes to food.
Let’s start with calçots, a variety of tender onion that is roasted over a grill and enjoyed with the famous romesco sauce. Although it seems like a simple dish, the calçot season, which usually begins at the end of winter, is quite an event in Catalonia. The calçotades are outdoor meals where dozens of these tender shoots are devoured by hand, and the festive atmosphere is enjoyed. If you visit Barcelona in winter, you cannot miss the opportunity to experience this traditional event.
On the other hand, there is escudella i carn d’olla, the ultimate winter stew in Catalonia. This hearty stew is made with meat, vegetables, legumes, and sausages, creating a rich and flavorful broth that is served as the first course, followed by the meat and vegetables.
Want to make your experience more authentic? Then we recommend booking a dinner at a traditional Catalan farmhouse.
Are you ready to try it for yourself?
Now you know some of the best places to enjoy gastronomy in winter in Spain, but how about taking your experience a step further?
A gastronomic experience with a local chef offers much more than just tasting emblematic dishes. Additionally, you’ll learn about their history, ingredients, and techniques. This knowledge comes directly from an expert, making the experience even more enriching. And all of this in a cozy, authentic setting!
So, the next time you visit one of these cities, don’t just be a diner: immerse yourself in the tradition and let a local cook guide you through a unique culinary experience.
Book your experience with SAZÓN The Folk Cook and enjoy the most authentic flavors of each region!
