Ronda, a beautiful town in Southern Spain, is famous for its views and architecture but also for its food. Whether you’re a foodie or a casual tourist, you have to try the best restaurants in Ronda. This guide will help you through the foodie scene in Ronda, the key places and local flavors that make Ronda a foodie gem.
Ronda is a Foodie Gem
Ronda’s food scene is a mix of traditional Spanish food and modern gastronomy. The town is surrounded by olive groves and vineyards so the local produce is always super fresh and features in many of the dishes. The local Ronda wines and high quality olive oil are evident in the flavours of the food. Traditional ingredients combined with modern cooking techniques means a genuine and exciting dining experience.
Interesting Fact: Ronda is part of the Serranía de Ronda, the region where tinto de verano is born, a refreshing summer drink made with red wine and soda.
Introduction to Ronda’s Culinary Scene
Ronda, a charming town in southern Spain, is renowned for its rich culinary heritage. The city’s gastronomic scene is a perfect blend of traditional Spanish cuisine and innovative flavors, making it a paradise for food lovers. From bustling tapas bars to elegant restaurants with panoramic views, Ronda offers a diverse range of dining experiences that cater to every taste and budget. In this guide, we will explore the best restaurants in Ronda, highlighting their unique features, menus, and atmospheres.
Best Restaurants in Ronda
El Lechuguita: Busy Tapas Bar
One of the most popular places in Ronda is El Lechuguita, a busy tapas bar with a huge selection of traditional Spanish tapas. This busy bar offers tasty tapas created from fresh, local ingredients, pleasing locals and tourists alike. The lively atmosphere and the flavours of local dishes like squid sandwiches and the Spanish omelette make it a must. Affordable and good food makes it a favourite among budget travellers and foodies.
Tapas to Try at El Lechuguita:
- Patatas Bravas
- Chorizo al Vino
- Boquerones en Vinagre
Entre Vinos: Local Favourite with Local Ronda Wines
If you want to try local wines and a lively atmosphere then Entre Vinos is the place to go. This charming restaurant is tucked away in a quiet side street and has a varied menu that features the freshest produce of the region. The dining experience is intimate and personal with the staff happy to share their knowledge of the local flavours and wine pairings. Good service and good food makes Entre Vinos a must for foodies.
Tasting Notes:
- Cured Iberian Ham with Local Cheese
- Wild Mushroom Risotto with Truffle Oil
- Grilled Octopus with Paprika
Wine Pairing Tip: Try the Ronda wines with your meal for the full experience.
Hotel Catalonia Ronda’s Fine Dining
If you want a more upscale dining experience then the Hotel Catalonia Ronda has a fine dining restaurant worth visiting. Calle de la Bola, a main pedestrian street in Ronda, is nearby and offers a vibrant atmosphere with various restaurants and bars showcasing unique culinary experiences. The menu changes regularly and features innovative and authentic dishes, beautifully presented to please the eyes and the palate. You can dine al fresco and enjoy the views of the historic centre of Ronda. The wine cellar has an extensive selection of local wines to complement your meal.
Specialties:
- Foie Gras with Fig Jam
- Grilled Sea bass, garlic cream, green asparagus and cured egg yolk
- Dulce de leche coulant and crème brulée ice cream
Booking Tip: Book ahead as it’s very popular especially during peak season.
Restaurants with Panoramic Views
Ronda’s stunning natural scenery provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable dining experience. Here, we feature two restaurants that offer breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.
Restaurante Panorámico: Breathtaking Views
Located on the rooftop of the Hotel Catalonia, Restaurante Panorámico offers a fabulous view of Ronda’s ancient bullring and the surrounding countryside. This elegant restaurant is a great spot for sundowners, serving a range of local wines and delicious dishes. The menu features traditional Spanish cuisine with a modern twist, using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, Restaurante Panorámico is an excellent choice.
Venta la Parrilla: Scenic Views and Grilled Meats
Venta la Parrilla is a restaurant located near the hospital on the Ronda circular road, offering scenic views of the surrounding landscape. This rustic eatery specializes in grilled meats, serving a variety of dishes, including their famous mollete, a unique breakfast dish that combines Andalusian and British breakfast traditions. The restaurant also offers a range of local wines and traditional Spanish tapas, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a casual, yet delicious dining experience.
Must Try Dishes
Traditional Dishes
When in Ronda there are certain dishes you simply must try. Russian salad, cured ham and goats cheese are staples in many local restaurants. These dishes show the simplicity and flavour of Spanish cuisine and let the ingredients do the talking. If you’re a seafood lover Ronda is close to the coast so fresh seafood is always on the menu.
Spanish Tapas:
- Russian Salad: A creamy potato salad with peas and carrots.
- Cured Ham: Thinly sliced Iberico ham that melts in your mouth.
- Goats Cheese: With honey and walnuts.
Ronda Goats Cheese: A Local Delicacy
Ronda is famous for its high-quality goat’s cheese, made using traditional methods and brands. Look out for Flor de Ronda and Queso Payoyo, two of the most popular types of goat’s cheese in the region. Queso fresco is a lowest-fat version of goat’s cheese, while Rulo de cabra is a type of goat’s cheese with a thick white rind. Queso semi-curado o curado is a harder type of goat’s cheese with a stronger taste. Ronda’s goat’s cheese is a must-try for food lovers, and can be found in many local restaurants and shops throughout the city.
Michelin Guide in Ronda
Ronda has been included in the Michelin Guide and several restaurants have been awarded stars for their cuisine. Dining at a Michelin starred restaurant in Ronda is an experience that combines the art of cooking with the science of flavour, it’s a must do on your visit. Book ahead as they are very popular with locals and tourists.
Michelin Stars:
- Restaurant Bardal: 2 Michelin stars and tasting menus.
- Tragatá: Modern Andalusian cuisine.
Foodies in Ronda
Best Times to Eat
In Ronda and Spain in general dining is a slow affair. Lunch is between 1:30 and 3:30 PM and dinner is around 8:30 PM and can go on late. Follow the locals and take your time to enjoy each meal, and pair it with a Tinto de Verano for the full experience.
Tips:
- Lunch: Go for the menu del día, it’s a great value.
- Dinner: Tapas hopping, try small dishes at different bars.
How to Get the Vibe
To really get into the Ronda dining scene look for restaurants with friendly service and affordable prices. Chat with the staff and other diners and you’ll get a deeper understanding of the culture and local cuisine. The atmosphere in Ronda restaurants is always lively and welcoming so you’ll feel at home.
Cosy Restaurants:
- Casa María: Family style dining no menu.
- Bodega San Francisco: Lively atmosphere and extensive wine list.
FAQs
- What makes Ronda’s dining scene special? Ronda’s mix of traditional and modern cooking with local produce.
- How to find restaurants with local produce? Look for restaurants that highlight their local ingredients and have seasonal menus.
- Is there fine dining and casual options? Yes, Ronda has a wide range of options from casual tapas bars to fine dining.
- What to try in Ronda? Traditional tapas, fresh seafood and local specialties like Russian salad and cured ham.
Summary
Ronda is a culinary experience not to be missed, full of flavours and vibrancy. Whether you’re tapas hopping or fine dining the best restaurants in Ronda will take your taste buds on a journey. Follow the locals, eat the food and enjoy the atmosphere and Ronda is a foodies heaven.
Surely these other restaurants may surprise you. Enjoy!
