Best Restaurants to Visit on a Vacation to Spain

According to legend, a Spanish god came to a priest and asked of him to make a special rice dish. The priest awoke Sunday morning, made the dish and named it "paella." In reality, the word "paella" is the Valencian word for frying pan, in which the dish is made. Like much of Spain's vast culinary treats, paella is an explosion of flavors and textures.

Spain has taken the dish of paella and transcended it to an art form. A myriad of experiences can be enjoyed with one teaspoon and some people have been known to openly weep at its delicate complexity. If you think this sounds good, then you haven't tried anything until you check out the best restaurants to visit on a Spain vacation!

Spain's Best Restaurants

Fresh seafood, bountiful vegetables, light seasonings and succulent meats make up the backbone of Spain's cuisine. These main ingredients are prominently on display in many of Spain's best restaurants. Here are a few Spanish eateries to add to your dining itinerary when you choose to make your trip to the delicious country of Spain.

For a truly world-class dining experience, you owe it to yourself to reserve a table at El Bulli -- one of the most renowned restaurants on the planet. Located near Barcelona, critics consistently rate this small, high-tech culinary establishment as one of the top restaurants in the world. El Bulli uses curious ingredients and maverick gastronomic techniques to create dishes that are as artful and intricate as they are delicious. The average meal costs around €250. Make sure you book your reservation far in advance of your travel to Spain. El Bulli is already completely booked through 2008.

There's nothing like a little music with your dinner, and patrons can enjoy both at Madrid's Restaurante La Favorita. In this very popular restaurant, the servers provide an operatic background to the exceptional food that is served. Why opera? The restaurant also doubles as the headquarters of the Opera Society of Madrid and the Opera Foundation of Navarra.

In Barcelona, Restaurante Can Fabes is considered one of the best. Under the watchful eye of master chef Santi Santamaría, the restaurant's menu degustación is one of the most popular orders. The restaurant even has five suites available if you are too stuffed to leave the building!

San Sebastian's world-famous Arzak Restaurant has long been considered one of the best restaurants in all of Spain. Master chef Juan Mari Arzak (along with his daughter Elena) produces some of the most innovative dishes in the country, while remarkably holding true to traditional Basque cuisine.

Entertainment is included with your dinner if you are enjoying a meal at Kikara's in Bilbao. This extremely popular eatery changes its menu and its entertainment on a daily basis. It not only keeps the restaurant true to using only the freshest ingredients, but it also makes for a unique dining experience every night of the week! Think of it -- you're just one last minute flight to Spain away.

Discovering the Best Restaurants in Spain

There can be no more enjoyable vacation than one that includes traveling across Spain to sample the various cuisines across the country. From rustic and hearty dishes in the North to the South's light and healthy cuisine, the food in Spain offers a different experience at the dinner table in each of its remarkable cities. Discover more about the best restaurants in Spain by looking online and reading reviews from previous patrons. In a short amount of time, you'll have a thorough list of places to eat on your vacation to the gorgeous country of Spain!