Pamplona is particularly famous for it's San Fermín party (San Fermín is the city's patron), heard of it? Yes, that's the one with the running of the bulls. But that's not all Pamplona is about. Capital city of Navarra, it's a peaceful city near beaches in the Basque country and the mountains of the Pyrenees, another characteristic: very green. About 20% of the city is parks and pedestrian areas. And there's plenty to do: museums, exhibitions, music and of course...food! Below our own selection of some of the best and highest rated restaurants of the Navarre capital.
La Nuez
Where: C/ Taconera, 4 - Bajo, 310001
Prices: 40€ to 50€
Reservation: + 34 948 22 81 30 or book online (in Spanish)
Visit La Nuez website (in Spanish).
This restaurant in Pamplona offers high cuisine without being overly expensive. The emphasis is on the essence of the product being careful that nothing disguises it; simplicity and sobriety, as according to La Nuez's chef, the raw material is perfect, it doesn't need useless decorations. Using principally season products, this restaurant's creative cuisine delights all sorts of palates, it has an impressive wine list that the sommelier combines magically. Perfect for romantic diners. We recommend the homemade terrine of duck foie with toasted homemade bread, the veal steak tartar with french fries and the passion fruit souffle for dessert.
Europa
Where: Calle Espoz y Mina 11, 31002
Prices: 45€ for a tasting menu, 40 to 60€ a la carte per person
Reservations:+34 948 221 800
Visit Europa's website.
With a michelin star, the Pamplona restaurant of Hotel Europa is considered among the best in Navarra. It offers contemporary cuisine inspired by traditional Spanish food and uses top quality fresh produce. Despite being high cuisine the dishes are generous and it has become a gastronomic reference in Navarra. It's wine list offers Spanish and French wines that can be perfectly paired with their dishes. We recommend the lobster salad, vegetable vinaigrette and truffle oil, the hake loin, mixed wine with clams and spinach, seaweed and tempura salicornia prawn chip and the white chocolate cream with mango ice cream frosted with red wine for dessert.
Hostería El Temple
Where: C/ Curia 3, 31001
Prices: 11€ for set menu (lunch), 20€ a la carte per person
Reservation: +34 948 22 51 71
No gastronomic tour is complete in Spain without visiting a tapas bar, and this small and cozy restaurant in Pamplona is considered one of the best of its kind. In the heart of Old Town Pamplona, steps away from the cathedral, El Temple serves traditional food from the region in the form or tapas and pinchos (small rations) made with season top quality products that can give you a sample of the local tastes.
Bistrot Catedral
Where: Navarrería 20, 31001
Prices: 10€ to 20€ per person
Reservation: +34 948 210 152
Visit Bistrot Catedral's website .
Bistrot Catedral is more than just a place to eat. This Pamplona restaurant offers delicious traditional Spanish tapas and pinchos steps away from the route of Santiago. The interior decor is contemporary and modern but very comfortable, though the best place to sit is probably the terrace, as this restaurant has a privileged location. But it also offers art, it's interior mural is in permanent change, and everyone is invited to participate. Projection of of selected films or video art also take place. If you have a vide you would like projected, just tell the staff. We recommend the smoked salmon and cod toast with egg and lime vinaigrette, the sauteed mushrooms and assorted vegetables served with an egg cooked at low temperature and creamy mousse cheesecake. It also offers a brunch menu for 15.80€ and breakfast for less than 3.50€. And for those of you that visit Pamplona during San Fermín, there's a special San Fermín menu for 30€
Casa Otano
Where: San Nicolás 5, 31001
Prices: 15€ to 30€ per person
Reservation: + 34 948 227 036
Visit Otano's website.
This restaurant in Pamplona offers fabulous local traditional cuisine in one of the most centric streets of Old Town Pamplona. Opened in 1913 Casa Otano (also an inn) has evolved with time, perfecting its cookery and after so many years it still remains a family business, which assures a friendly and warm treatment that will make you feel at home. We recommend the "Itxaso-lur" brochette (chicken, cuttlefish, mushrooms, prawns and asparagus), the cod and green pepper tortilla. It also offers and assortment of sandwiches and mini rations (cheap prices) that you can pick and mix.
