Gazeo and Alaitza are two small towns on the Álava Plains. Fairly recently, some extraordinary and enigmatic collections of Gothic paintings were found in the towns’ tiny churches. If you like art and decide to visit both towns, we assure you that eating in Gazeo, Alaitza, and the surrounding area will make your visit all the more fascinating.
Gazeo and Alaitza are two small towns belonging to the municipality of Iruraiz-Gauna whose gastronomy is in line with the culinary tradition of the Álava Plains, the land of rolling hills in the heart of Álava. When it comes to eating in Gazeo and Alaitza, you’ll find typical dishes like potatoes with chorizo, bean stews which go well with collard greens or any kind of embutido (cured sausages like chorizo and blood sausage), as well as snails, native to the region and served with a flavorful spicy sauce. Álava-style (or Vitoria-style) fava beans are another signature dish when it comes to eating in Gazeo and Alaitza; they’re grown in the area and usually stewed with carrots and onions. You can also try perretxikos, a type of mushroom grown in the spring that is very typical of the region.
When it comes to fish, the inland location of both towns means that species that can be easily preserved are most common, such as codfish, which is typical during Lent. As in all of Álava, dishes like these can be paired with a nice glass of Txakoli de Álava, the area’s best-known beverage, or some Idiazabal cheese, another of the Basque Country’s most famous food products.
You won’t find any pinchos bars when it comes to eating in Gazeo and Alaitza, but if that’s what you’re looking for you can find many options conveniently located in the nearby town of Salvatierra. There’s a wide selection here, so we’ll highlight a few located in the center of town. First, Jai Alai is an interesting café with a variety of pinchos, especially in the morning. You’ll find even more variety at the restaurant José Mari “El Gordo”, where they serve mouthwatering pinchos and also offer à la carte and daily prix fixe menus.
Even though there aren’t many places for eating in Gazeo and Alaitza, the nearby towns have a sufficient selection so that altogether you’ll have access to a diverse and high-quality mosaic of gastronomy.
Laua Jantokia, in Langarika, is one of the most acclaimed restaurants when it comes to eating in Gazeo, Alaitza, and the surrounding area. Their dishes have a classic essence but are prepared and plated in accordance with the more innovative techniques of contemporary cuisine, achieving an appetizing and quality result.
Mesón de Erausquyn, in Alegría-Dulantzi, is, according to the owners, “the oldest restaurant in Álava.” Their menu is composed of creative, original dishes made with local products.
