I hate to use the word amazing to describe food. But this place would fit the description. The…read moreroasted lechazo was delicious the rabbit stew was also delicious. The restaurant setting was also classically charming near a creek. I would eat here again.

After 2 weeks and hundreds of Tapas options in Barcelona, Madrid and Salamanca, this was the first…read moremeal that I actually felt I was truly eating in Espana. With no American tourists in sight, this restaurant is built in an old Mill along a quiet river in the Ribera de Duero wine region. It is rustic by nature and offers lamb, beef, fish ..you name it. They were very friendly and seemingly every Spanish wine visitor in-town during our 2 day stay in Penafiel ended up at this restaurant.

Gayle and I knew we were in good hands at check-in, when the nice woman at the front desk offered…read moreus each a glass of wine during the process. It was a very good Bodegas Y Vinedos Vega Real Red. We were after all in the middle of the Ribera del Duero Wine Country. That welcome took the edge off our frustration and the extra time it took to find this place. Certain blocked off streets and my choice not to rent a GPS complicated our arrival. The Hotel Convento Las Claras is actually in the center of Penafiel, by the river, and with a signature hillside view the Castle, that looked more like an Ark above the surrounding countryside. It was also mid-afternoon and we were hungry. Instead of getting in the car again and looking for the right restaurant, we opted to eat at the Hotel. It was a fabulous choice and perhaps one of the best Hotel meals that Gayle and I had enjoyed for a long long time. In fact, Gayle is still raving about the salad, the service, the wine, and the rest of our dining experience. Later that day, and after walking all around the Town, we discovered that the Hotel had their own Patio (on the other side). We spent a full couple hours just hanging out, reading, talking, and watching 3 elderly couples play cards. The Hotel is also a very successful Convent conversion and better than most Parador experiences (of which I am a fan). Our very spacious and comfortable room was situated around a pretty and relaxing Courtyard of which we spent some late night time. I think we lingered that long at both the Patio and Courtyard because we really didn't want our stay to end. An excellent Breakfast was also included in the room rate.

My hubby and I had lunch here. The main restaurant was full so we were whisked to the building in…read morethe back area. This area with white linen table cloths seems more private with limited seating. It felt very exclusive. We ordered their traditionally prepared cuchinillo, grilled vege platter, tiramisu with toffee, coffee ice cream with amaretto jelly and the traditional layered cake with vanilla cream and ice cream, capuccino and a glass of red wine. The service was impeccably attentive. When it was time to cut the roast pig, the owner, Jose Maria appeared. We were gathered around to watch him deftly cut the pig with a plate into several servings. The cuchinillo was perfectly seasoned. The skin was thin and crispy and the flesh was moist and melt in your mouth tender. Everything we ordered was delicious! Later on, Jose Maria came to our table for a short chat and to indulge us with a few picture with him. This was a really special experience.

What an experience! This is the most Spanish feeling restaurant I've been to surprisingly enough…read moregiven the ambience. The tradition of the cochinillo holds strong, cutting with the plates. The lamb looked amazing too. We enjoyed our cochinillo - the skin an amazing crunch in flavorful broth and delicious fries we ordered it with. Our waiter was friendly and funny as well as informative.

Of all the restaurants during my wine-tasting days in Spain this is the one place that situated…read moreitself as the massive cut above everything else. Located in the middle of the vineyard Pago de Carraovejas. The view is extraordinary, the dining area contemporary stylish, the food to die for, and wines to satisfy your soul. We had a 7 course degustation lunch accompanied by wines and it was nothing short of remarkable. Beef with roasted potatoes, simple yet so good. Stuffed fingerling potatoes, buck wheat risotto with cured fish, tuna with mussels in tomato sauce (that dish mentally knocked me to the floor!), chocolate dessert with strawberry coulis, and the finishing wooden plank with a whole assortments of sweets left me flabbergasted. The wines as well were completely magical, perfectly paired with every dish. This is food and wine at its very best and going back would be the easiest choice ever. But then I'd sit down for dinner!

This amazing delightful cafe is an eclectic combination of American-type foods with a Spanish…read moretwist. Came here tonight with my cousins fresh off a train and starving. We started with jamon croquettes which were delicious. There were six individuals ball-shaped croquettes. The cheese and ham on the inside form a light texture. We shared chicken fingers. The seasoning is unique. It came lightly crumbed, and cut into small pieces with a creamy dipping sauce. They tasted great- not overly fried. I ordered huevos rancheros. I'm accustomed to Mexican-style huevos rancheros. These, served in a small iron skillet, have a flavor of their own. The ranchero sauce is tomato based- added lightly on top of the huevos. The potatoes are more like french fries. Very good. For dessert, I had chocolate and churros which I definitely recommend.