ARTE Y NATURA VALDIVIELSO

A third-generation family-run restaurant offering guests updated traditional cuisine with a gourmet touch, including meat from nearby Karrantza, fish from the Cantabrian Sea and Txakoli wine from its own vineyard. Here, chef Txema Llamosas conjures up classic dishes from the region alongside more contemporary recipes (we particularly enjoyed the Vizcaya-style pig’s trotters and the stuffed squid with a squid ink foam). It also hosts day events themed on ox reared on the family farm.

A restaurant with a delightfully rustic ambience that includes a profusion of exposed stone and wood, which provides the backdrop for traditionally inspired cuisine that includes a skilful contemporary touch and revolves around the sourcing of the best zero-mile ingredients. The family at the helm takes care of the meticulous service and the beautiful presentation of dishes featuring on the à la carte and three tasting menus: Cullavera, Cueva del Mirón and Cueva Covalanas. All the soups and stews we tried here, such as the pinto beans with venison, were superb.