Terrific Cantabrian lunch...we didn't have a reservation but we were seated in the bar and the…read morestaff were helpful and friendly. We were started with an amuse bouche of roast beef (beef is their specialty), then followed their recs for an octopus entree and sirloin main. The octopus leg was nicely pan fried and served on a rich vegetable bed. The sirloin was done mostly rare and with a nice bed of sliced potato and red pepper. Wife enjoyed her dulce-de-leche tart and coffee.

Cartes is a charming little village. It was pretty empty that day. But the courtyard of this…read morerestaurant was pretty busy. Looked really inviting and the menu had some interesting items. So we took a table outside on this sunny day. Our Bulldog was welcome as well. Staff/owner was very friendly. The setting in the courtyard was very relaxing and everybody seemed to have a good time. Had two glasses of white wine each. Fresh, nice, crisp. Ordered a plate of "Revuelot de Ajetes, Gambas Y Setas". A nice mix of scrambled egg, mushrooms, garlic and veggies and shrimp. An unlikely combo, but a perfect match. Tasty! Then the "Foie de Oca Y Compota de Manzana". Half-warm Foie Gras on apple compot. And some Balsamico. And wow...this was one of the best (maybe THE best) Foie we've ever had. And we've had may. The combination with the sweet/sour apple compot was just a match made in heaven. Ordered a second plate soon after. A highlight on this trip and I can't recommend this item enough. Surely, this place can cook. Too bad we couldn't come back here anymore (was our last day on vacation), because the other items looked great as well. Definitely will come back the next time when we are in Northern Spain. I would drive hours just to come and eat here.