Rutas de vino en España. Vintage Spain

A great restaurant located in an old cellar from the XVII century that combines the traditional Riojan food with creativity and imagination, one of our favorites. Although the building was devastated by a fire in 2001, the owner didn’t loose his enthusiasm and he rebuilt it and open again in 2002. The place has thick stone walls and wooden beams that shelter an exquisite kitchen and a warm, careful and elegant service.

The restaurant has a large dining area, two rooms with a fireplace and a glass terrace. Although it is fairly large we still recommend reservations for Saturday or Friday night. The wine is stored in optimum conditions of humidity and temperature in a cellar with two underground caves.

The menu has enough items to satisfy everybody, from traditional Riojan food to innovative dishes with Basque and French influence, without forgetting the fire roasted or grilled specialties like roasted lamb or lamb chops or grilled fish. From the Riojan fare we love the vegetable medley or menestra and the stuffed roasted peppers, but all the vegetable dishes are to die for. They also offer the traditional roasted morcilla or black sausage and chorizo or spicy paprika sausage. But is the offer of more elaborate and original dishes what distinguishes this place from other restaurants in Rioja, we particularly love the foie terrine. Another aspect prominent in this place is the enormous care the have in the presentation of the dishes and the great quality of the raw materials.

The desserts follow the same tendency, innovated Rioja tradition. In any case, all of them are delicious. As for the extensive wine list, it has lots of references from Rioja but also from other regions in Spain. Wine is treated with respect and great care here. The knowledgeable personnel will successfully advise you with the appropriate wine if you ask.

The price is still moderate, a full meal from 35 to 45 euros or more depending on the wine you choose.