Let’s eat! Here are some food places I tried (and the hotels I stayed at) that were good and worth a visit (except maybe for one)!

Arriving in Granada after a trans-Atlantic and a connecting flight, I was famished. Queried the hotel concierge for a restaurant and I was directed towards Pinot Noir. With the name alone, I should have known that this will not be a traditional Spanish restaurant that I would have preferred. Serving pastas and pseudo Japanese fusion food.

 

After being dropped off from touring the Alhambra, I came across Casa Colon, which served really wonderful tapas. Having all locals as customers guaranteed a delicious traditional fare.

 

 

First craving for chocolate con churros led me to Gran Cafe Bib-Rambla, considered one of the oldest vintage cafe (circa 1907) in the city famed for their churros.

 

 

A late lunch at Restaurante Chikito, known for the culinary traditions of Grenada and Andalusia. There was a 20-minute wait to get a table, but the food was wonderful and service was efficient.

 

 

The first dinner in Madrid was a hit at the friend-suggested Ten Con Ten. Excellent traditional cuisine in a fashionable setting with an army of wait staff, who were gracious and friendly. A definite must try!

 

 

Feeling a little guilty with all the caloric intake for the past few days, I decided to go for something healthy (but ended up not quite, but it is all in the mind!). Madrid’s version of New York-style brunch at Panela & Co.

 

 

I had dinner at Ocafu Taverna Galegga, known for it Galician cuisine including the Tortilla de Betanzos (omelette).

 

Seeking a traditional breakfast brought me to Embassy. Established in 1931, this tea salon and restaurant serves pastries and other baked goods.

 

After a long day at museum-hopping, I dropped by NuBel at the Museo Reina Sofia. Serving breakfast to tapas and dinner, with a house d.j. on hand — it was fun place.

 

 

I knew it was my last day in Spain so I had to have my final chocolate con churros. A side trip specifically to go to Chocolateria San Gines, which has been serving this local delicacy since 1894. It was worth waiting in line to get in (it was fast moving though), for the thick and rich chocolate and the crisp and savoury churros.

 

 

 

Perfect cap to a long weekend in Spain was dinner at Restaurante La Maruca Santander. Wonderful flavours abound at this restaurant, which was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand rating.

 

 

I was quite tired when I checked into my hotel in Granada at the NH Collection Victoria Granada, so I was remiss in taking photos of the room (before I made it un-photogenic). This hotel is well located in the core of the city with friendly service. Here’s a photo of my view from the room…

 

 

I recall the refined neighbourhood of Salamanca during my visit to Madrid fifteen years ago and that is the reason I chose to stay at the Barcelo Emperatiz. Opened in 2016, the completed renovated hotel has a modern glamour that is not fussy. Wish the level of service was at par with the aesthetics though.