Renoir Spanish Guides - Food Drink & Places

16/10/2026

A few days in

Explore Plasencia in Extremadura, Spain. Discover its medieval history, cathedrals, Plaza Mayor, traditional restaurants, local food and places to stay.

15/10/2026

We went back to Restaurante Niu Blau — and yes, it still feels like old-school Ibiza in the best way. Tucked right on Playa Niu Blau between Santa Eulària and Es Canar, the terrace sits on the sand beneath pine trees (perfect for lingering lunches). We tried grilled artichokes with jamón, Santona anchovies, tempura prawns, grilled sardines and sea bass, and a blind paella of fish and seafood — all served in that relaxed, family-friendly vibe. After a feast like that you’ll want a swim or a stroll along the bay (there’s even a swing for the kids and a chilled bar at the far end). If you’re planning a trip to Ibiza and want recommendations written from real visits, this one’s a proper classic. Read our full visit and tips — link below, and tell us: what would you order first? 🌊🍤🥘

RESTAURANTE NIU BLAUWe returned to Restaurante Niu Blau, which is one of Ibiza’s long-established traditional beach restaurants. Located directly on Es Niu Blau beach, between Santa Eulària and Es Canar, it has served customers for more than 40 years. Unlike many of Ibiza’s newer beach clubs, N...

15/10/2026

We found a real hidden gem in Sant Antoni: La Terreta Tapas y Más. I went in with low expectations and left full, happy and already planning my next visit. Marco cooks soulful, traditional tapas (patatas bravas that actually deserve the hype; huevos rotos with jamón that you’ll want to mix right away), and Lorena runs the room with a warmth that makes you feel like a regular—even on your first night.

Seafood skillet, pork medallions in carrot sauce, and a crisp Albariño finished the evening perfectly. Locals mingle with visitors on the terrace; seating’s cosy inside too. Open from 6pm to 1am (closed Sunday & Monday) — perfect for leisurely Ibizan evenings.

If you’re planning a trip to Ibiza and want genuinely vetted, first-hand recommendations, this is the sort of place we send you to. Read my full review and practical details (address, hours, photos) on the blog — and bring an appetite. 😉

Carrer de Sant Antoni, 36, Sant Antoni de Portmany. Read more: https://wix.to/Ch12APG

LA TERRETA TAPAS Y MÁSLa Terreta is a true hidden gem in San Antonio, Ibiza, and we arrived with very few expectations. This spot is a relatively recent addition to Sant Antoni’s traditional tapas scene. The small neighbourhood bar was already established by 2023 and is run by Lorena and her husb...

15/10/2026

We finally visited restaurant Balneari at Cala Carbó — and yes, it lived up to the hype. Founded in 1974 as a simple beach kiosk and now run by Toni, this place still feels like old-school Ibiza: chilled, unpretentious and utterly focused on fresh local fish. Start with a homemade cava sangria, then share Pimientos de Padrón, clams a la marinera, and a fish-and-seafood paella. Don’t miss the lubina a la sal (sea bass baked in salt) — perfect after a cooling swim in the bay. Service? Flawless (Toni even pops by the tables).

If you’re planning a trip to Ibiza and want authentic, hand-tested recommendations, add it to your list. Have you been to Cala Carbó? Tell us your favourite beach restaurant below — we love swapping tips. 🌊🐟🍷

RESTAURANT BALNEARIWe paid a long-overdue visit to restaurant Balneari in Cala Carbó.The restaurant has been part of this small Ibiza cove since 1974, when it began life as a simple beach kiosk.Founded by Pepe Benet, the restaurant became one of the best-known traditional fish establishments in the...

15/10/2026

Just back from a low-key afternoon at El Silencio in Cala Molí — and yes, it lives up to the whispers. I found a charming spot with a pool carved into the hillside, roomy wooden tables made for sharing, and sunset views that make you forget the rest of the island for a bit. We loved the homemade focaccia, heritage tomato carpaccio and the Galician-style pulpo (all perfect for passing around). The menu leans upscale, but most dishes are meant to be shared—so bring friends (or make new ones at the table).

For honest, on-the-ground tips: go in shoulder season (we were there in early October—peaceful and excellent service) and order a couple of small plates to sample more. Fancy a Bavarian l***r on Ibiza? Try Ce***za Noam—surprising and very drinkable. Curious for more local picks? Click through to my full write-up for photos, directions and extra notes.

Have you been to a hidden beach spot in Ibiza that stole your heart? Tell me which one — I’m always hunting for the next gem. 🌅🍻

https://www.renoirguides.com/single-post/ibiza-sant-josep-cala-mol%C3%AD-el-silencio

15/10/2026

I popped into DIS TINTO TABERNA in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras and left with a notebook full of tastes (and one very happy palate). Founded by four w**e-loving cousins, this compact tavern mixes old-school atmosphere with a keen eye for interesting w**es — Spanish reds, sherries and Champagnes all make an appearance. After reopening in 2026, they’re back to doing what they do best: tempting you to try something new.

Standouts? A tender pulpo tierno with blow-torched, rilled cheese (yes, really — it’s brilliant) and a fresh Albariño from Bodegas La Val that cut through the dish perfectly. We also loved the ensalada rusa con ventresca de atún and a cheeky bacon-ice-cream finish that I’m still thinking about. Friendly service, cosy vibe, and tapas that reward curiosity.

Planning a trip to Spain (or just Madrid)? Put DisTinto Taberna on your list — especially if you like discovering thoughtful w**e lists and playful takes on tradition. Have you tried an unexpected flavour combo that surprised you? Tell me below! 🍷🥘

Read the full review and practical details here: https://wix.to/xndm4WB **e

DIS TINTO TABERNA MADRID W**E & TAPASWe visited DisTinto Taberna Madrid W**e & Bar with Mark Walsh of Walsh Jewery. The restaurant bar opened in 2018 in Madrid’s Barrio de las Letras, just a few steps from Plaza de Jesús. Unlike some of its historic neighbours, this relatively modern establishmen...

15/10/2026

Agua de Valencia

AGUA DE VALENCIA: THE WONDERFUL STORY BEHIND VALENCIA’S MOST FAMOUS COCKTAIL

It might look like a harmless glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, but don’t be fooled. Agua de Valencia is a delicious and surprisingly potent combination of Valencian oranges, cava, gin and vodka. And its origins go back to 1959, when a Galician painter created what would become one of Valencia’s most famous drinks.

The story begins at Cervecería Madrid, a popular bar at number 10, Calle de la Abadía de San Martín, in the heart of Valencia’s Old Town. The bar was run by Constante Gil, a Galician painter who had moved to Valencia in 1948 and whose establishment became a favourite meeting place for local artists, writers and intellectuals.

Among his regular customers was a group of Basque businessmen who enjoyed ordering sparkling w**e, jokingly calling it Agua de Bilbao, or Water of Bilbao. One evening, they challenged Constante to create something different, something distinctly Valencian.

Constante responded by mixing freshly squeezed Valencian orange juice with sparkling w**e, gin, vodka and a little sugar. He called his creation Agua de Valencia, a playful response to their beloved Agua de Bilbao. The customers loved it, and although the cocktail remained something of a local secret for several years, by the 1970s its popularity had spread throughout the city.

A COCKTAIL MADE FOR SHARING

Unlike many cocktails, Agua de Valencia is traditionally served in a large jug and shared among friends, usually poured into wide ch*****ne glasses. It’s a drink that perfectly captures Valencia’s sociable Mediterranean lifestyle, where an evening of conversation can easily continue into the early hours.

The original combination of fresh orange juice, cava, gin and vodka remains the favourite, although variations include ch*****ne instead of cava, a splash of orange liqueur or slightly different proportions. One word of warning, though. The sweetness of the oranges disguises just how strong this wonderful cocktail can be!

AND WHAT HAPPENED TO THE ORIGINAL BAR?

The original Cervecería Madrid closed in 2000, but the premises were later restored and reopened as Café Madrid, which still exists today at the same address, now forming part of the Marqués House boutique hotel.

So, remarkably, you can still enjoy an Agua de Valencia in the very place where Constante Gil invented it more than sixty years ago. Not bad for a cocktail that began as a friendly challenge between a few customers and a creative Galician painter!

MY STREETS OF VALENCIA AGUA DE VALENCIA ARTWORK

I’ve created my own special Streets of Valencia gallery-grade canvas print, measuring 50 × 70 cm, celebrating this iconic Valencian cocktail, which you can see below.

Message me or leave a comment below if you’re interested.

15/10/2026

Castilla y León a stroll around

Segovia is a historic city northwest of Madrid, in the Castile and León region of central Spain.

Centuries of settlement have left a rich architectural legacy, including medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace, and a Gothic Cathedral.

Its iconic ancient Roman aqueduct has more than 160 arches, most of them in original mortarless granite, and stands above Plaza Azoguejo in the city centre.

14/10/2026

Eivissa Puerto 1952

14/10/2026

We returned to Mesón Txistu Madrid, a Basque restaurant a little off the beaten track. Tomate. It remains resolutely traditional, specialising in excellent grilled meats and fish, plus classic Basque dishes.

Tomate, y (tomato, avocado, and anchovy).

Their famous Txistu (beef chop) is served sliced, with hot plates brought to the table so diners can cook the beef to their liking, though the sizzling meat can make the dining room quite smoky. The beef is excellent.

Many footballers, bullfighters, and other celebrities have visited them in the past!