Located in the Natural Park of Oyambre, San Vicente de la Barquera is one of the most touristic spots of the Cantabrian. A charming village where the gastronomy has a big importance. The fish and seafood will not disappoint you if you choose to eat here. Also, you will be able to choose the bar or restaurant you want to eat at, as there is a broad variety of places to go in San Vicente de la Barquera.
When deciding what to eat in San Vicente de la Barquera, you should know that the fish and seafood from their fish market and from the closest harbors are the protagonists. The typical dish, served during the summer season, is the sorropotún, a local version of the marmita de bonito – a stew made with bonito, pepper, onion and potatoes. You will find great hake, monkfish, grouper, sardines, San Martin, and cabrachos, with which a famous pudding is prepared. The oysters from the San Vicente tidal river are acclaimed by the purists, as its waters, located inside of the Natural Park of Oyambre, are classified by the European Union ad zone A.
Apart from their numeous rices – with clams, lobster…- and barbecues, every month of July, at the same time the Certamen de la Canción Marinera and the Festival Folk Cantabria Infinita are taking place, the Festival Gastronómico del Mar is celebrated. This is a good occasion to try a variety of dishes from the restaurants of San Vicente de la Barquera. Regarding the sweets, the most typical ones are the pejinas, made of puff pastry and spaghetti squash jam, a recipe created many years ago by the Carmena bakery. You will also find the famous corbatas de Unquera, which come from the neighbor village and are also made of puff pastry and are shaped as a bow tie. If you visit the region after the Holy Week, maybe you will be able to attend to the Folía, a National Touristic Interest party.
The restaurant El Marinero has generous portions of octopus and squid. El Bodegón is another perfect restaurant to eat portions if you are in San Vicente de la Barquera. Apart from the local specialties, their ham croquetas and mussels are amazing.
In La Tapuca you will be able to order homemade tapas and portions. It is one of those places that are nothing special on the outside, but once you go inside you will be delighted by their dishes. Great portions of anchovies and morcilla (blood sausage).
Let’s talk about some great restaurants in San Vicente de la Barquera. Annua won in 2012 one Michelin star, and nowadays the chef Oscar Calleja and his team of young experts offer two menus: the Gastronomic and the Experience. A beautiful restaurant that is literally above the sea. The flambéing oyster is one of their specialties.
Las Redes is a traditional cuisine restaurant that has as their specialty the arroz bomba (rice) with Cantabrian lobster and clams. A quick, welcoming and nice service. In Los Arcos you will be able tom try their grilled razor clams.
In Boga Boga, another typical restaurant that has been working for more than 50 years, winner of numerous awards, the chef Jesús Santovenia offers traditional but modern food. Their rice with lobster de Augusto is very famous. The calf and anchovies with vinegar are also popular.
In the restaurant Maruja, that serves traditional food, a daily menu is serves. Fresh oysters and beans with clams are out favorite dishes from here.
