Spain is worth the trip for the food alone. From beef cheek pintxo to beef tartare, here are the dishes to seek out across Spain.
A slow-braised beef-cheek pintxo, the meat falling apart over crusty bread — one of the richer stars of the Basque pintxo counter.
A thinly sliced steak napped in a rich, savory cream sauce — hearty, comforting plated cooking from northern Spain.
Counters piled high with toothpick-skewered bites are the heartbeat of any Spanish tavern at aperitivo hour. Diners point, share and move from bar to bar, turning dinner into a social crawl through the neighborhood.
Fresh tuna served over a crisp salad — a light, produce-forward plate that shows the Basque coast's love of impeccable seafood, built around the day's catch.
Hand-chopped raw beef, seasoned and plated as steak tartare — a refined starter found on Spain's better tables. Silky and clean-tasting, often served with bread or a yolk on top.
