This small restaurant, a good representative of the famous new Spanish cuisine located near the old Jewish quarter, stands out for its high quality food, creative dishes, a good wine list and an excellent price value. El Ricón del Olivar under the management of Chef Raúl Vaquerizo can be considered one of the best restaurants in Valladolid, at the same level that the most famous restaurants in other Spanish cities.

Great variety in its menu with dishes that seem both interesting and very tempting to eat. It is a good example of the modern creative cuisine with contrast of flavours and an original use of ingredients, but it also has dishes more traditional for people more conservative in culinary matters. If you think that "turbot over seaweed, thyme aroma and soy candy" is too adventurous, you can always choose "beef loin with potatoes, pepper, spinach and boletus juice".

The place was recommended to us by a very good friend from Valladolid. Our visit at the end of November was a very nice surprise since we hadn’t heard about it before. We wanted to taste a little bit of everything, so we ordered the tasting menu, and because the wine prices were very reasonable we decided to have two bottles of wine, a white wine from Rueda and a red one from Toro. Dinner started a house appetizer, followed by generous appetizers from the tasting menu, a fish and a meat dishes perfectly cooked and by the end we had enough space for the delicate dessert selection. An excellent gastronomic experience for a grand total of 54 euros per person.

The menu is seasonally changed according to the imagination and the creativity of the chef, but they always have a good selection of appetizers, meat and fish, and of course delicious desserts.

The wine list, although not very large, has references from different Spanish regions. The best is its moderate wine prices, which allows you to enjoy a good meal with a good wine and still keep you budget under control. Wine is important here, with very appropriate wine glasses and service. They will offer you recommendations if you ask for them.

The service is excellent, directed by Cristina Arribas, Raúl´s wife, who does everything possible to make you feel comfortable and always with a smile. The place is small, just ten tables, so it is advisable to make reservations specially on weekends.

Pictures courtesy of Rincón del Olivar