Sitting between the emerald waters of the Cantabrian Sea and the dramatic peaks of the Cordillera Cantábrica, Santander offers a dining scene defined by exceptional raw materials. As the capital of Cantabria, this elegant northern city has long been a summer retreat for Spanish royalty and travelers seeking a cooler, greener alternative to the Mediterranean. The culinary landscape here is built on a foundation of pristine seafood pulled daily from the Bay of Biscay, often referred to locally as the Mar Cantábrico.
Dining in Santander is less about molecular gastronomy and more about honoring the intense flavor of the Atlantic. The cold, nutrient-rich waters produce some of Spain’s finest anchovies, sardines, and hake, while the rocky coastline yields prized percebes (goose barnacles) and sweet lobsters. Whether you are sitting in a high-end marisquería or a bustling portside tavern, the focus remains steadfastly on the quality of the catch rather than heavy sauces or complicated plating.
The geography of the city shapes its food culture distinctly. The historic fishing quarter of Barrio Pesquero buzzes with family-run taverns where fishermen once hauled their nets ashore. Meanwhile, the elegant streets of the Sardinero district cater to a more refined palate, offering terraces with sweeping views of the bay where diners can enjoy white tablecloth service and expertly curated wine lists.
Understanding the local terminology is key to navigating the menus. A "rabas" craving means you are after fried squid rings, the undisputed king of Santander’s tapas scene. "Nécoras" are velvet crabs, "zamburiñas" are delicate scallops, and "cachón" refers to cuttlefish, often served in its own ink. Pairing these delicacies with a crisp white wine from the nearby Rueda region or a local craft beer enhances the experience.
Price points vary dramatically depending on your location and choice of shellfish. A casual lunch of rabas and a beer can be incredibly affordable, while a full seafood platter featuring a fresh "bogavante" (lobster) or a large rodaballo (turbot) represents a significant investment. Regardless of budget, the one non-negotiable rule in this city is freshness; if a restaurant is busy with locals, you can trust the product is moving fast and is of high quality.
To truly eat like a local, you must adjust your schedule. Lunch is the main event, typically beginning around 2:00 PM and stretching until 4:00 PM, while dinner rarely starts before 9:00 PM. Reserving a table is highly recommended, especially during the summer months and weekends, as the best establishments in the Barrio Pesquero and El Sardinero fill up quickly with both residents and tourists.
From rustic maritime taverns to sophisticated dining rooms overlooking the Magdalena Peninsula, the city offers a table for every occasion. To help you navigate this rich gastronomic landscape, we have curated a selection of the finest establishments the capital has to offer.
Marisqueria Casa Jose
| Address | Pl. Cabildos, 1, 39009 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM |
| Phone | 942 13 53 81 |
We went for lunch and it was still quite busy at 1400. They were accommodating in setting up a table outside for us. Alberto speaks perfect English, funny and he was very helpful with recommendations. Big boss Jesus recommended percebes and we were happy to have tried it. It was an interesting experience. Definitely back again mañana. Highly recommend
If you are looking for an incredible dining experience, this hidden gem offers some of the most excellent and fresh seafood you will ever taste. You get the unique opportunity to personally choose your meal from a daily selection of freshly caught fish, brought in directly by local fishermen. Or choose from the menu.
While the restaurant itself doesn't look overly fancy or pretentious, that understated, rustic vibe is precisely where its true charm lies. To top it all off, the service is absolutely fantastic, the prices are incredibly reasonable for the value you receive, and the overall quality of the food is nothing short of perfect.
And outside is dog friendly! So a big plus.
It was fisherman's area and as it was sunday and they were mostly closed, we went to this. The atmosphere is very law. But for this ambiance, the price range was quite high. As we went there to feel the local and good price, it was not satisfied. Later there were dead crabs in the tank, it did not feel fresh.
The worst was the owner's attitude. He got our order wrongly and insisted that we ordered. Two dishes were brought wrongly and we denied. Salad we ordered was also wrong but we took just not to make fuss. As they were quite busy also. Service was quite slow. Food quality was not the best.. out of 10 almejas 2 not opened. Rodaballo quite fatty. After all we asked for the bill and there was error putting wrong dish also. Wouldn't go back.
Food is very fresh, but honestly, nothing special, flavors were ok but far from delicious. Not cheap, basically a touristic spot with decent fresh seafood. Go for the spot (if that´s the case) not for the food.
The 2 main dishes you can appreciate on the pictures were basically rice with a tiny bit of seafood, very expensive both.
Service was good but they try too hard to sell you specific staff which is always not welcomed.
Wouldn't go twice unless prices were half they are now, one visit was enough.
Friendly service, at the heart of the seafood port in Santander. The portions were massive; certainly enough to take home and have another meal. We got the lobster rice, octopus and fried calamari. All of them I'd recommend!
Restaurante La Gruta de José
| Address | Pl. Cabildos, 9, 39009 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:45 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:45 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:45 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:45 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:45 PM |
| Phone | 942 13 47 18 |
Amazing place that we found. Thought it didn't exist at first after the sat nav told us we arrived but the restaurant entrance wasn't there! You have to walk around the other side. Doesn't look like anything from the outside but inside it's a little rustic cave. The staff were so friendly, tried their best to explain the menu even though they couldn't speak english. We had thebest seafood meal here of the whole holiday. Would have returned if we had stayed in spain longer.
Probably one of the best meals to be had in all of Spain. The food was absolutely fantastic. Didn’t even get a photo of the house cheese cake because we ate it so fast. The staff there were very kind about the language barrier and still tried to create conversation beyond ordering which was greatly appreciated. The atmosphere was also great. It’s a must visit if you’re in Santander.
one of the best restaurants i ve been to, everyone is friendly, the food is impeccable, the prices are pretty good. it deserves no less than 5 stars!
The birthday celebration was wonderful, featuring a romantic atmosphere and a beautifully decorated table with stunning flowers. The food and wine exceeded expectations, and the staff was kind and helpful, making the overall experience a great success. Highly recommended.
Lovely Fresh seafood and Great Customer Service
We visited this restaurant as a result of reading all the good reviews. The reviews were spot on and our first lunch experience was so good, we were able to squeeze in a second lunch the next day before heading to the airport. On the first day we worked our way through the Spanish menu, but on our second visit the hostess presented us with an English version…great seafood and great customer service. Thanks for two memorable lunches.
Restaurante Los Peñucas
| Address | C. Marqués de la Ensenada, 35, 39009 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 942 22 94 45 |
Amazing place for lunch. Food is delicious but we will be returning thanks to the lovely service received. My fish dish was a bit undercooked and when asked to the staff to get it cooked a bit longer they were more than happy to help and it was done in less than 5 minutes. We also had to wait and be called to the table by numbers, which passed so quick and the wait was definitely worth it. We also brought my little dog with us and they were wonderful accommodating us.
Great place for the sea food; so fresh and so tasty! Top notch for sea lowers. Wish I could eat there every day!
We took the seafood platter for 2 persons and it was very good! The fish tasted very fresh and the wine tasted great! Our waiter was one of the friendliest people ever!
I got there around noon and reserved a table. Everyone were nice and attentive. Food was great. shrimps were sweet and fresh. so were the octopus.
Busy, loud, not very personal but good food. You need to come very early to get a table. Even though this restaurant is large, they are always packed. The owner is on the grumpy side but worth the wait. It is a no frills, no nonsense type of restaurant. Well cooked, what you see is what you get restaurant. Good fish.. worth the wait.
Restaurante La Mayor
| Address | C. Juan de la Cosa, 5, 39004 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 942 21 69 73 |
I had the best experience at this restaurant. The food was absolutely delicious… the seafood and fish were so fresh and perfectly prepared. The service was super friendly and efficient. I highly recommend this restaurant and will definitely go back there on my next visit to Santander.
After a long walk at this beautiful city waterfront, my wife and I were looking for a restaurant to have dinner. We came across this location, which seemed to be very local and friendly restaurant.
We got a table very fast. The service was amazing, they gave us a menu for our surprise. It was very affordable and they have plenty of seafood dishes.
We order some tapas and raciones which came out pretty quickly they were fresh and delicious, Literally loved it.
I will come back here if I have a chance the highlights I would say fresh good service and very affordable price for the high-quality
What a gem is this place. Amazing food, attentive and polite staff. We sat outside for a drink first and then we went upstairs to the restaurant area. The restaurant was fully packed but no surprise there as the food is so yummy and fresh. And the desserts are to die for!!!!!!!!! Many thanks to the waiters Jose and Rodrigo, super nice guys and made our evening even more pleasant, keep up the good work guys! If I ever visit Santander again that would be the first place for me to go.
Amazed by the way they cooked the fish! So garlicky and flavorful, batterd calamari is so crunchy. We were there at the time when kitchen is almost closed. They still willing to serve us. The staff are so friendly despite the language barrier. Local and authentic granted. (Even open on Monday which is rare in Santander.
The food was delicious and super fresh! Big thanks to the owner and staff - super friendly and polite. We loved sardinas and fish with potatoes. Can’t wait to go back to try other dishes!
La Mulata
| Address | Calle Tetuán, s/n, 39004 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM Wednesday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM Thursday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM Friday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM Saturday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 8:30 PM – 12:30 AM Sunday: 1:00 – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 942 36 37 85 |
Best eating experience! The paella, scallops, calamari, wine, everything was perfect. 10/10 service and the place has a quiet terrace. We arrived early (8-9ish) so there was no need for a reservation then.
Inside is it very clean as well.
The prices are a bit more expensive than in other places, but completely justified.
We had an amazing time at La Mulata, one of the best seafood meals we have had in Santander during our stay.
Service was welcoming and friendly even though my husband and I don’t speak Spanish.
We ordered a portion of razor clams which was excellently cooked. The spider crab pudding appetizer was delicious and great with crunchy toasts. We shared a grilled sea bass and seafood paella. The sea bass was well cooked with all bones removed carefully. We were stuffed by the paella which was filled with plenty of seafood.
Portion was generous and worth every penny.
Highly recommending this restaurant if you are looking for a decent yet worthwhile dining experience in Santander. Remember to make your bookings in advance as it was full when we were there on a Sunday night.
We had such a wonderful dinner at this restaurant. The staff was super friendly, and Micaela in particular took the time to help us with all our questions since we don’t speak Spanish. The starter was absolutely amazing (see photo). Next time we’ll be back for the Paella! 😃
If you want excellent seafood and refined, professional service, this is your place. Have had both tapas and dinner here (twice) and the preparation of fish and shellfish dishes was always perfect. Good wine list with reasonable prices. Friendly, well-informed staff. The fish was so fresh and artfully prepared that it felt like it came straight from the deck of the boat to the oven to our table. Recommended.
We only had paella which we liked a lot. The service was great, very attentive personal, but it wasn’t a busy night . Simple looking and clean restaurant.
Restaurante Marucho
| Address | C. Tetuán, 21, 39004 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM |
| Phone | 655 85 01 86 |
Absolutely amazing! The fish was incredibly fresh, juicy, flavorful, and cooked to perfection. The potatoes and vegetables were delicious too, and the portion was very generous. One of the best meals we had during our holiday. Highly recommended—we would definitely come back! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
OMG, the food is amazing!!! We were on our way to a fancy restaurant and saw this restaurant almost fool with many locals and what looked to be delicious seafood. We went in; got seated by very friendly staff which seemed to be also the owners and ended up enjoying the most wonderful dinner in our week enjoying Northern Spain including San Sebastián! I am fully recommending this place, the wine, the fish and seafood, and the cheese cake!! They are unbelievably tasty and the atmosphere is nice and cosy! Thank you!
This is a must-try if you stop by Santander: the food was exquisite and local, the staff were lovely, and the price was fair considering the high-quality ingredients. The sea bass we ordered was of excellent quality and melted in the mouth. The tarta de queso was also very good.
I would definitely come back to try other dishes.
We came here on a normal weekday specifically for their €18.50 menu of the day (applicable from Monday - Friday) which we saw posted recently and their good reviews. Upon being seated, we were told to scan the QR code for the menu, but it only had expensive ala-carte items. We asked the waiter specifically for the menu of the day but were told there is none. Quite disappointing since we came only for the deal and hence, we left. Perhaps the restaurant could clarify the non-existence of the menu of the day.
Fantastic fresh seafood. The restaurant has a charming old school atmosphere. The staff was quite busy therefore the service and waiting time was average. The fried squid (calamari) is a real treat. I can recommend that.
Marisquería Santander La Chulilla
| Address | Av. Sotileza, 36, 39009 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:45 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:45 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:45 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:45 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:45 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 942 31 36 55 |
Excellent restaurant in Santander’s Barrio Pesquero, where we had a wonderful meal! Fresh fish of the day and traditional seafood cuisine, all very tasty. Special thanks to our waiter, who gave us excellent recommendations for both the wine and the fresh fish to choose. Friendly and attentive service. Reservations are necessary, especially during busy periods. We highly recommend it to anyone looking for great seafood in Santander!
Wonderful lunch here. Our waiter recommended the rice/paella dish with fresh seafood and it was amazing. Really fresh lobster and crabs. Marvelous wine… we had a great time.
Freshest seafood right by the docks. It's about 30min walk from the Santander centre or quick taxi ride. Small restaurant loved by locals. We were the only tourists. Absolutely delicious.
It’s very nice cozy place with friendly personal and amazing food 👌🏻
A cute restaurant by the port. I couldn’t speak Spanish but the waiter was very helpful and attentive. The food was delicious too. Would go back again!
Restaurante La Nueva Gaviota
| Address | C. Marqués de la Ensenada, 32, 39009 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM Thursday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM – 11:45 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Phone | 942 30 41 12 |
Went for lunch and we loved it! The octopus, slightly spicy mussels, shrimp, and tender beef were all outstanding. And actually, simple dishes like this salad are highly recommended in Spain - the quality of the olive oil and tomatoes really makes the difference. That's what surprised me at my first visit to Spain.
Service is bad. One of the waiters (maybe the owner, because he was giving orders) was very rude an loud. They brought us things, we didn't order, and even told us that we did. The merluza rllena was ok. One of us ordered merluza a la vasca and said it was bad. The rabas were mediocre. The sardinas were fine.
Simply fabulous. A very large and obviously hugely popular seafood restaurant in the port area of town. We arrived rather late for lunch but were warmly greeted and seated at an outdoor table. We ordered the special seafood platter which comes with choice of local wine. The seafood selection was amazing, a real photo, with lobster, crab, prawn and langoustine. Everything was high quality and perfectly and simply grilled with just right amount of seasoning. We couldn't imagine a more wonderful Santander farewell lunch. Highly recommended.
The Pulpo a la Parrilla was lovely, a bright combination of textures and tastes. The Arroz I had at the recommendation of the waiter was dull and bland after that. It contained a pair of langostinos which were worth the battle I had to pull them out, though.
Very good service and well tasting food , fresh fish grilled and cantabrian fried squid. Good wine pairing. Low key and familiar. Highly recommend
Restaurante Posada Del Mar
| Address | C. Castelar, 19 BAJO, ENT.C, 39004 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM Friday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM |
| Phone | 942 21 30 23 |
Absolutely delicious. A great meal and lovely service. Come here for a special meal. The fish dishes are outstanding. Great wine choices.
What a gem in Santander. It has indoor and outdoor seating. It has fresh seafood and daily specials. Such kind staff. And the place is clean. I recommend it.
Had a team dinner here. Great food and excellent service. Delicious fish dishes.
Ranks among the Top 3 places in Santander in my view. Spectacular fish, nice decor and outstanding service.
Nice restaurant in the best vicinity of Santander. The food was very good.
Restaurante Vivero
| Address | C. Marqués de la Ensenada, 5, 39009 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM Thursday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM Friday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Saturday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Sunday: 12:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 942 30 21 54 |
A lovely afternoon and restaurant to celebrate a birthday with super friends. Freshest of fish in front of where the trawlers come in. Friendly and professional service and all with a smile…
Incomparable and highly recommended. We will be back.
Lobster with rice, "zamburiñas" and the different kinds of fish make this restaurant the best one to have real seafood in Santander. Economical due to the quality of the dishes and the service. It's recommendable to spend a whole day for resting the food.
Truly wonderful seafood, the clams & red mullet were incredibly tasty and so well cooked. Perfect place for fish & shellfish.
A fine restaurant. Great atmosphere and kind service, with seafood you’d hope to find in a place like this. Thanks for the tip, Rick Stein!
Great price/quality seafood. Pulpo/almejas and bonito fish very tasty.
La Mar
| Address | C. Peña Herbosa, 11, 39003 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 – 11:00 PM Friday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM, 8:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 627 71 73 84 |
Delicious oysters, nose food and perfect service, important thing for us is English speaking personal!
Lovely oyster bar. Only 4 different oysters when I visited but the menu has about 10-15. From as little as 1.50 per oyster so pretty good value. Nice vibe and very friendly and helpful staff. If you like oysters you can't go wrong here.
I would give a standing ovation if that was a thing! I had the best experience my first day in Santander and part of it was the staff, the views and the oysters. Wrapping my day up at La Mar, with these two wonderful men helping me to find a great tortilla place for breakfast tomorrow…!!! Way beyond my expectations. The ladies were also lovely!! I’m just oozing with happy happy, joy joy vibes! The oysters were fantastic, I had a full dozen of the especial La Mar! Thanks to you all😁🤩😀
Beautiful people serving delicious fresh food! Oysters are super good. Raw tuna belly is exceptionally delicious, smoked eel is stunning, but here I had the best tomato salad in my life.
Oysters were amazing as well as the raw prawns which were to die for!!
We also tried the gilda and the duck pate which were also delicious.
I hate going to the same restaurant more than once but during our short stay, we came here everyday for the 3 nights we stayed!
Just walk in as there’s tables at the side even if there’s no seats. At the back there are 2 round sit down areas so head down there to see if they’re available even if the front looks full
Taberna La Prensa Restaurante
| Address | Bo. Monte la Torre, 86, 39012 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Thursday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM Sunday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Phone | 942 32 01 82 |
Really nice spot and super friendly staff. Would definitely recommend for a chill night with the family or a football match. The vibe is really nice and the rabas portions are outrageously large. I can’t quite communicate how full I am but 1000% satisfied.
A fantastic seafood restaurant. Everything we ate was freshly prepared and cooked to perfection. Anchovies were my personal favorite, but muscles were also delicious. Be mindful of the size of the portions; otherwise, you will overeat! The service was excellent, especially from the lady with the glasses (sadly, I didn't get her name).
Really good starters, especially the tomatoes and the rabas (fried calamari). The mains can be a hit or a miss (steak and fish were quite good, but the rice was meh.)
AMAZING restaurant WONDERFUL food and fish and seafood, AMAZING kind people you can go here with no problems thx merci David !
Great place for seafood. The scallops are must-try!
La Pedreñera
| Address | C. Hernán Cortés, 22, 39003 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:30 PM Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM, 7:30 – 11:30 PM Friday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday: 9:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Phone | 654 19 84 12 |
Wow the food was so disgusting that it made us feel like we wanted to vomit.
They refused to sell us bread or chips or something that might help. They put on good show bur it is a hole. Be wary....
Food was delicious, fish was so fresh & excellent value.
Really helpful staff, service was quick
Good food and excellent atmosphere
Very good sea food and wine
La Bombi
| Address | C. Casimiro Sainz, 15, 39003 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 9:00 – 11:30 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 9:00 – 11:30 PM Thursday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 9:00 – 11:30 PM Friday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 9:00 – 11:30 PM Saturday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM, 9:00 – 11:30 PM Sunday: 1:30 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 942 21 30 28 |
Wonderful restaurant, if you want to eat seafood this is the place, the owner is the one who's taking care of you. The wine list is great
This is a nice seafood place if you like fish they cook fish to perfection not overcooked, the service is super I think the owner or manager he helps us choose our food and was spot on.
Amazing place with great food! The service was also incredible!!!
We entered La Bombi completely by chance and it was the best decision of our Santander stay ! The bar tender immediately welcomed us although it was already busy. He made sure we had a table (as the restaurant only opens at 21h, everyone waits at the bar)
The food was outstanding: very nice clams to start, then we chose the solomillo (beef). It was absolutely out of this world. I took the one with salt, my husband with the anjovis sauce - we recommend both. You do need to like red meat rare/max medium rare. Excellent wine list and friendly service by the staff and restaurant manager. We will definitely come back !
Excellent fish service not at level higher prices good quality that is missing some point
Peña Candil
| Address | Pl. Progreso, s/n, 39009 Santander, Cantabria |
|---|---|
| Maps | Click here |
| Website | Click here |
| Opening Hours | Monday: Closed Tuesday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM Wednesday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM Thursday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM Friday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM Saturday: 1:00 – 3:30 PM, 8:30 – 10:30 PM Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM |
| Phone | 942 31 30 25 |
Eat like a local at Peña Candil in Santander! This cozy, authentic spot features a charming nautical vibe and incredibly polite staff. We enjoyed a true Cantabrian feast: perfectly grilled zamburiñas, tender octopus, and juicy prawns. The highlights were the rich lobster rice and melt-in-your-mouth meat with fries. Don't miss the creamy cheesecake to finish. A must-visit!
Delicious and authentic fresh fish served in a lovely local type restaurant. Pity we're only here for one night otherwise we would have had tried the lobster rice
This restaurant is fantastic. We had an Airbnb rental across the road and we turned up without a reservation. The food quality was excellent and the service was friendly and professional. They also had menu’s in English and all the staff were extremely attentive and they were setup to have a child at the table.
A wonderful experience all around ! Also some signing broke out behind our table from the locals eating lunch. (The waiter in the video was our server and he was superb 💥)
The food here is absolutely delicious - both the calamares and the gambas were very tasty, as well as the tuna salad. If you’re searching for good seafood - this is a great place. The only thing that’s worth improving is the service - it was very chaotic inside, the waiters were at times rude (probably because we were tourists) which is a let down, considering the quality of the meals.
We had this salad and paella. Both were unbelievably delicious. The salad was light with the right degree of sour and sweet. The shrimps are super fresh! A great summer dish. I am thinking about the flavor after almost a month. The paella is also very good. I experienced so many flavors exploded in my mouth. Highly recommended!!
Essential Tips for Enjoying Seafood in Santander
Navigating the seafood scene in Santander requires a bit of local knowledge to ensure you get the best value and flavor. While the city is welcoming to tourists, understanding the rhythm of the dining culture and the specifics of the menu will elevate your experience from a standard meal to an authentic Cantabrian feast. Keep the following advice in mind before you sit down at the table.
Order the "Rabas" as a Starter: In Santander, fried squid rings are not just a snack; they are a point of civic pride. Look for "rabas de potera" on the menu, which indicates the squid was caught by hook and line rather than net. This method preserves the texture of the flesh, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite that locals insist upon.
Understand the "Market Price" System: You will often see "s/m" (según mercado) next to items like lobster, barnacles, or turbot. This means the price is based on the daily market rate. Do not be shy to ask the waiter for the exact weight of the fish and the price per kilogram before committing. A good restaurant will happily bring the whole fish to the table for your approval before cooking it.
Embrace the "Menú del Día": If you want to experience high-quality seafood without the high price tag of a dinner service, visit at lunchtime (1:30 PM to 3:30 PM). Most restaurants offer a fixed-price menu that includes a starter, main course, dessert, and wine. This is often the best way to try locally caught hake or tuna at a fraction of the evening cost.
Venture Beyond the Center to Barrio Pesquero: While the restaurants around the cathedral and town hall are convenient, the most authentic atmosphere lies in the old fishing quarter. A short taxi ride or a pleasant walk along the waterfront will take you to streets where the buildings smell of salt and wood smoke. Here, the focus is solely on the product, often served without the tourist premium.
Pair with Local Wines: While Galician Albariños are popular, Cantabria produces its own distinct wines. Look for a white from the "Costa de Cantabria" designation or a crisp Txakoli from the neighboring Basque Country. These high-acidity wines cut through the richness of fried foods and complement the salinity of shellfish perfectly.
The beauty of dining in Santander lies in the simplicity of the ingredients. Whether you have chosen a plate of glistening anchovies cured in olive oil or a giant platter of grilled shellfish, you are tasting the distinct character of the Cantabrian Sea. The restaurants in this city understand that their role is to serve as careful stewards of the ocean’s bounty, adding just enough technique to let the natural flavors shine.
As you plan your itinerary, remember that a meal here is more than just sustenance; it is a cultural ritual that connects you to the city’s maritime history. Take your time, watch the fishing boats return to port, and savor the deep, briny flavors that have sustained this region for centuries.
