Eating in Elciego

Eating in Elciego

We find ourselves in Elciego, located in the southern part of Rioja Alavesa. This town has been declared a national artistic heritage site and is home to several wineries that you won’t want to miss, such as Marqués del Fiscal. But you’ll have to have something to go with the wine, right? When it comes to eating in Elciego, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the Rioja-influenced Basque gastronomy, especially if you do a pinchos bar crawl.

There’s a lot of ground to cover when it comes to eating in Elciego, one of the most charming towns in Rioja Alavesa. One pillar of the town’s cuisine is meat. Veal and lamb are the most widely-consumed kinds of meat and are used in traditional recipes like veal chops al sarmiento, which are also very common in nearby Rioja. The influence of this neighboring province can be seen in some dishes that are typical when it comes to eating in Elciego, including Rioja-style codfish as well as other specialties from across the border.

The streets of Elciego are home to a considerable number of wineries which produce Rioja wine. Some of them, including the iconic Marqués de Riscal, are also popular tourist spots and are open to visitors. The influence of wine is evident in the wine festival celebrated annually by several towns in the area. For a finishing touch on eating in Elciego, you can try some of the town’s most popular pastries: wine-soaked peaches, cuajada (milk curd), custard, and homemade rice pudding.

Tapas are a good option for eating in Elciego thanks to the presence of several establishments where, in addition to a large selection of local wines, they also serve this type of mini cuisine. One place to keep in mind is 1583, where you can try the Basque Country’s most typical pincho, gildas, consisting of olives, peppers, and anchovies. Another option for eating in Elciego is La Ermita, a modest but quality place, notable for its wide variety of wine which you can purchase if you’d like. And, finally, there’s El Olivo.

comer elciego restaurante ermita
Restaurante La Ermita

The options for eating in Elciego are appealing and high-quality. Marqués de Riscal winery owns a restaurant which is one of the most popular establishments in the town. This Michelin Star restaurant headed by Chef Francis Paniego offers a menu that represents a fusion of the culinary avant-garde and the gastronomic tradition of Rioja Alavesa.

Another restaurant in Elciego is Real Fortuna, which specializes in barbecue and also offers all kinds of local products and typical dishes. The restaurant consists of various spaces, including a “chill out” terrace, and they hold special events.

La Cueva restaurant is located inside one of the town’s wineries. Their food is a perfect blend of classic and innovative options, made well using locally-sourced ingredients.

comer elciego restaurante cueva
Restaurante La Cueva
comer elciego restaurante real fortuna
Restaurante Real Fortuna
Comer Elciego restaurante marques riscal
Restaurante Marqués de Riscal

About the author