Salamanca is the “land of the roasts,” specializing in pig and lamb dishes. Pork-based meals are common with specialties like pinchos morunos (kebabs) and chorizo. Salamanca fare is simply cooked Spanish cuisine with deep Mediterranean flavors. Meat heavy meals are most common during lunch, the largest meal of the day, and are usually accompanied by a bread. Hinojosa de duero is the most famous cheese in this area and is perfect for tapas eating. Paella is one of the national foods and can be found here as well. The cold winters and dry climate make hearty meat and bean stews a regional dish found in most places. Spanish tortas, an egg and potato omellette dish, with meat and cheese is a filling meal that will hold you over for hours.
The Plaza Mayor holds more eating options than you can experience in one trip, with many restaurants hiding in the arcade alleys and side streets. This central area alone is enough to serve your entire Salamanca visit with cafes for coffee and pastries, restaurants for lunch and dinner, and bars for tapas and glasses of wine. Wandering the city is the best way to find fantastic local fare displaying the culinary liberty of each chef on classic dishes. Taking a look at posted menus each day will give you the best idea of which meats and cheeses are featured at each spot, but chorizo, ham, and roasted meats are all but guaranteed everywhere popular.
Spanish wine is of the highest quality and Salamanca bars and restaurants offer numerous local wines to experience another regional specialty. This region focuses on red wine but is home to great white wine wineries as well. Look for the keywords Rueda, Toro, and Ribera del Duero (the Duero River runs along the most important wine-growing areas). Red wines are best from the Toro, Ribera del Duero and Arriba del Duero regions while white wines from the Rueda region are recommended.
Vegetarians do have a harder search in this area since so much food is meat-based, but they shouldn’t be discouraged. One of the staples of the region for centuries has been the chickpea and is the main ingredient in Castilian Spanish stews. Although most of these stews do include meat and sausage, look for home-style restaurants that can alter recipes to your needs. The restaurant El Bardo across from the Pontificial University has vegetarian options everyday of the week and is widely popular. El Grillo Azul across from the Breton Theater uses mainly organic ingredients and has vegan options. In addition, pescatarians will be pleased with the fresh fish selection including trout, cod and crayfish. Famous in this region is Bacalao al ajoarriero, or salted cod cooked in tomato and garlic sauce.
San Pablo 66
In the Zona Monumental, just 200m (656 ft.) from Plaza Mayor
Calle de Azafranal 57
Jazz Music and Bohemian Clientele...
Calle de Prior 4
Generous Helpings...
Calle de San Pablo 21
Savory Offerings...
7 Calle de José Jaúregui
Pioneer in home-style tapas...
Calle de Rua Antigua 11
Irish Parties and Shows...
3 Calle de las Eras
Downtown oriental restaurant...
7 Calle de Ruiz Aguilera Ventura
In the heart of the old city...
9 Plaza Mayor
'Pinchos' in the Plaza Mayor...
Plaza Mayor 15
The Best Sangría...
Calle de San Pablo 66
Latest Michelin Star Restaurants...
15 Calle del Concejo
Refined Quality...
4 Calle del Concejo
An old tradition...
Calle de San Pablo 58-64
Palacio de Castellanos
Traditional Spanish Cuisine...
Calle de los Condes de Crespo Rascón 11
Delicious Charcoal-Grilled Meat...
6 Calle de Jacinto
Remarkable grilled cuttlefish...
Plaza de San Marcos
Home-made and traditional delicacies...
8 Calle de la Compañía
In 15th century building...
50 Calle de la Compañía
Distinguished downtown restaurant...