7 of the best restaurants in Santander

In the heart of the Cantabria region, the capital city of Santander sits on a hotbed of gastronomic excellence that’ll set your stomach rumbling the minute you step off the plane. Sourcing raw ingredients from the rich environment of the lush surroundings, the restaurants in this area are as sustainable as they come. Feed on fish from the Cantabrian Sea and tuck into organic veggies and local produce that’ll leave you counting down the days to your next trip. Here’s our pick of the seven best restaurants in Santander. 

Boasting a Michelin star, this is without doubt one of the best examples of fine dining in town. A foodie paradise, El Serbal prides itself on serving traditional dishes with a modern twist and it certainly doesn’t disappoint. Open since 1999, the restaurant is located in the central neighbourhood of Puertochico and sources all its ingredients from the local Cantabrian region. With a menu featuring only the very best fish, a mouth-watering steak tartare, homemade artisan breads and a wine list that’ll blow you away, it’s not hard to see why this place is one of the best places to eat in Santander. 

Treat yourself to an exquisite meal at one of Santander’s best eateries. Centrally located, this elegant space serves a selection of Cantabrian seafood, fish and meat dishes which all emulate the true spirit of local life. Spread across several floors, La Bombi has two dining rooms and a terrace so you can chow down on some of the best organic food in the city while you watch the sun disappear into the ocean. A must when visiting Santander, the cosy atmosphere and friendly staff will have you booking in night after night. 

Overlooking the iconic plaza of the same name, this classic eatery is the best spot for pinchos in the city. Offering the traditional cuisine with a contemporary twist, the food here is presented like little works of art and tastes as good as it looks. Settle into the bold red interiors and embrace the authentic top-notch Spanish experience. Take a bite out of pure cooking with a creative interpretation and try the hake fillet. 

A quick pitstop, the waterside tapas restaurant only offers standing room, but the intense flavours of the traditional skewers are well worth the queues. A sight for sore eyes, the rows of tiny snacks lining the bar are enough to make your mouth water.. Award-winning chef, Joseba Guijarro sources fresh ingredients daily and makes it his mission to offer customers a unique gastronomic experience unlike anything else. 

Adopting a farm-to-table concept, this next place is potentially the most organically sourced, sustainable restaurants in Santander. Located in a refurbished manor, the cosy, welcoming eatery is renowned for its wood-fire grilled fish, meat and poultry dishes as well as an array of vegetarian options. Stop by here for brunch or breakfast and try some of the freshly baked pastries presented in a way that looks too good to eat. Five star service and even better gastronomy, this is a must when looking for places to add to your list of where to eat out in Santander. 

If you’re after a high-end experience, then look no further than wine bar, La Vinoteca. Featuring an extensive menu of both meat and vegetarian dishes, everything on offer is down to the seasonal growth of the region. Decked out in muted whites and blues, the relaxing atmosphere of the place is perfect for an evening glass of wine accompanied by some delicious local delicacies. Innovative, trendy and boasting service next to none, this is definitely one of the best restaurants in the city. 

Home of creative tapas, Dias Desur doesn’t hold back, presenting a selection of everything from Cantabrian to Andalusian, Asian, Mexican and even Japanese. The contemporary white-walled space decorated with stunning photography, is the ideal setting for an internationally inspired feast washed down with some of the best wines from the region. Settle in to Greek moussaka, sushi and breath-taking burgers for a dining experience you’re not likely to forget. No questions asked, this place is a must when visiting Santander.

Planning a trip to Santander soon? Be sure to tag us in your photos of the best places to eat out in Santander using the hashtag #ryanairstories, for the chance to be featured on Ryanair’s social media channels.

Flights to Santander

- Lucy Norris