€€€Traditional Cuisine
The meticulously appointed dining room here can be considered a temple of traditional Rioja cooking thanks to its respect for flavour and dishes prepared with the minutest of detail. The extensive à la carte, featuring the signature dishes of both Francis Paniego and his mother, is complemented by a daily menu (midweek only) plus a tasting option. We can definitely recommend the famous soft and creamy croquettes, the prawn carpaccio, the lightly battered hake confit (cooked at 45°C), and the Cameros cheese on toast with apple.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.5/5 · 80 reviews
Located in central Ezcaray with easy parking, Echaurren Tradition blends traditional and modern aesthetics in a cozy setting. Food quality is generally praised for exquisite dishes like chickpea stew and game, though some guests find meals average or disappointing. Service is typically warm and attentive, with owners showing flexibility, yet issues include slow pacing and billing disputes. Despite its Repsol Guide recognition, value is mixed; many consider prices high relative to the experience, leading to dissatisfaction among some diners regarding cost versus quality.
Suitable for diners seeking traditional flavors and a cozy atmosphere, but those sensitive to value may want to manage expectations.
€€steak_house
This family-run restaurant, located next door to the Santa María church, is a respected name in the hospitality sector thanks to the high quality of its ingredients. Grilled fish and meat are the highlights on the menu, although it’s well worth looking at Alameda’s daily specials as it only uses seasonal ingredients that will never disappoint (this is definitely the case with the fried artichokes with langoustines that we ordered). However, many of its guests come here with only one thing in mind – the famous ribeye steak!
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.4/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Fuenmayor, Alameda is a steak house known for high-quality seasonal ingredients and excellent wine selection, holding an average rating of 4.4/5. Guests frequently praise the food quality, particularly dishes like croquettes, lobster ravioli, and old cow chops, alongside friendly and attentive service. The atmosphere is generally described as pleasant, though some reviewers note issues with noise levels and pacing during busy periods. While a minority of diners found portions small or prices high relative to expectations, the consensus highlights the restaurant's reliability for celebrations and its commitment to classic, well-executed cuisine. It remains a strong choice for those seeking a traditional dining experience with a focus on product excellence.
Ideal for celebratory diners seeking high-quality steaks and classic cuisine who can tolerate occasional service inconsistencies.
🕐 Mo off; Tu-Su 13:00-16:00; PH; Aug off
€€€€Modern Cuisine
Located within the eponymous hotel-winery (recognised as the best vineyard in Europe in 2021) designed by the famous architect Frank O. Gehry and overflowing with imagination and creativity. Beneath the spectacular curved roof of pink, gold and silver titanium that represent the red of the wine, the golden hue of the wire mesh decorating Marqués de Riscal’s bottles, and the gold colour of their capsules, discover innovative cuisine overseen by award-winning chef Francis Paniego, with a constant nod to tradition, memories and the superb seasonal ingredients of the Rioja and Álava provinces. Eve
TripAdvisor review sample · 3.3/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Elciego, Marqués de Riscal features a striking Frank Gehry-designed building and beautiful gardens, creating a spectacular atmosphere. However, dining experiences are polarized. While some guests praise the exquisite food, professional service, and excellent wine pairings, many others report mediocre, bland, or uninspired dishes that fail to meet high-end expectations. Issues with meal pacing and negative final interactions further dampen satisfaction. Despite the architectural beauty, the inconsistent culinary quality results in an average rating of 3.3/5, suggesting the venue may not fully deliver on its gastronomic promise.
Suitable for those prioritizing architectural aesthetics and ambiance over consistent culinary excellence.
€€€Traditional Cuisine, Contemporary
Briones is one of Spain’s most beautiful medieval villages and is also home to the superb Vivanco bodega- museum. Named after a local Rioja word that means “to scrape the plate clean”, “allegar” is the perfect way to define the approach to food at this restaurant inside the Santa María Briones hotel, where the culinary focus is on an updated take on Rioja cooking, featuring intense flavours and even the occasional hint of trompe-l’oeil. The restaurant is also home to an old and typical wine cellar, known locally as a “calado”.
€€Contemporary
A contemporary, family-run restaurant offering what they define here as “contemporary Rioja cooking”. The cuisine is showcased on an impressive à la carte and two set menus (Mercado and Cruce de Caminos) based around traditional recipes from the region which have given a modern twist and an added international touch, and make the most of the very best local products. We particularly enjoyed the cod cheeks with a pilpil sauce, a dish that they also make with hake.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.3/5 · 80 reviews
Juan Carlos Ferrando receives high marks for food quality and service, though value is debated. Dishes are praised for richness and presentation, with highlights including roasted tomato with dates and cod fritters. Some guests note excellent wine pairings and personalized attention from the staff, particularly the owner and his wife. The ambiance is described as cozy and comfortable with adequate spacing. However, negative feedback cites inconsistent experiences, such as overly smoky eggplant or basic desserts, and some find the pricing excessive relative to the surprise factor. While most reviews are positive, a minority feel the cost does not justify the meal, suggesting it may not offer strong value for money despite its Michelin recognition.
Ideal for diners seeking refined cuisine and attentive service, but those sensitive to value may want to manage expectations.
€Traditional Cuisine
In this small restaurant, just a few metres from the cathedral, they are fully aware that guests are initially attracted by appearance and that as soon as they walk through the door their appetites will take over! Choose between a huge variety of tapas and raciones (toasted options, sandwiches, high-quality canned ingredients, small plates for sharing etc) that are served at the bar counter or a few high tables. Don’t miss the super-creamy and delicious ham croquettes.
€€Contemporary
This restaurant with its young, relaxed feel, stands out for its central location in front of the co-cathedral and for the closeness of the two chef-owners (Rafa Gaona and Álex Modruj), who make the experience very special indeed. Their proposal, with modern and tremendously tasty flavours, takes seasonal products from La Rioja as a base and exhibits contemporary techniques, without closing the door to influences from other cultures. Here everything revolves around two tasting menus (Corto Sabores and Sabores) and we loved the dish they call ‘Nuestra versión del bacalao Ajoarriero’ (Our Ajoarr
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Sabores in Logroño is praised for its contemporary cuisine, with guests highlighting exceptional food quality, intricate flavor profiles, and accommodating service for dietary needs. Staff are noted for being friendly, efficient, and thorough in dish explanations. The atmosphere is cozy and well-curated, fostering a pleasant dining environment. While some reviewers mentioned pacing issues or questioned the value, the overall consensus is highly positive, making it a strong choice for those seeking refined culinary experiences.
Recommended for food enthusiasts prioritizing culinary detail and service.
€€Traditional Cuisine
A restaurant with a touch of charm? This one has it in spades; in fact... it has restored a beautiful 17th century wine cellar! Here they see gastronomy as a pleasure to be shared and that is their priority, always highlighting the goodness of Rioja cuisine. In their well-kept dining rooms, all with a rustic feel, they offer a traditional menu, with modern touches and interesting suggestions of the day. We particularly liked the slow-cooked egg and their deliciously tender oxtail, stewed and shredded!
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
La Vieja Bodega in Casalarreina is noted for traditional cuisine and an elegant atmosphere. Reviews frequently praise food quality, attentive service, and charming decor, highlighting dishes like lamb chops and seafood salad. However, some guests report issues with rushed pacing, poor coffee quality, and limited options for allergies. Opinions on value are mixed; while some find it reasonably priced, others criticize expensive wine, small portions, and perceived mediocrity relative to cost. Overall, it suits special occasions, though diners should be mindful of service consistency and portion sizes.
Ideal for those seeking traditional flavors and elegance; advise communicating dietary needs and pacing expectations in advance.
€€€Contemporary
Lumbre boasts an impressive setting in a delightful 17C bodega with pleasant dining rooms suitable for individual guests and groups, an attractive underground cellar, an attic-style lounge for post-dinner drinks, plus dining options that are exclusively centred around three meticulously crafted menus: Origen (midweek only), Fuego, and Lumbre. The experience here usually starts off with a selection of appetisers (called La Huerta) in its stunning “calados” (underground tunnels in which wines were laid to down to age in days gone by).
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.8/5 · 80 reviews
Located in Casalarreina, Lumbre occupies a beautifully renovated 12th-century winery, offering an elegant and historic ambiance. Reviews frequently praise the high-quality food, highlighting seasonal ingredients, exquisite presentation, and well-balanced flavors, often paired with local wines. Service is generally commended as professional and attentive, contributing to a memorable experience. However, some guests express concerns regarding value for money, citing small portions relative to cost, while a minority noted inconsistent staff attitudes or overly complex dish designs. Overall, it is a sophisticated dining destination suitable for those seeking refined cuisine, though expectations regarding portion sizes should be managed.
Suitable for diners prioritizing ambiance, refined cuisine, and service over strict value-for-money considerations.
€€€€Traditional Cuisine
Tierra y Vino is part of the 18C Palacio de Samaniego, now converted into a luxury boutique hotel. Here, Portuguese-born chef Bruno Coelho offers his guests an à la carte that is constantly evolving and centred around locally sourced seasonal ingredients and dishes with added Galician and French culinary touches, alongside an interesting tasting menu (Edmond) that can be accompanied by two different wine pairings. The restaurant also houses a collection of works of art belonging to Baroness Ariane de Rothschild.
€€€Contemporary, Creative
If you are interested in the world of wine and all the culture behind it, you should visit the Viñedos de Páganos winery, as this restaurant is located within its well-kept facilities. The restaurant, which has the exact same name as one of its most emblematic wines, is a superb spot to disconnect, with large windows that allow you to enjoy the views of the immense surrounding vineyards and the mountains. Here, chef Cristian Solana offers two tasting menus: Calados del Puntido, with a traditional touch, and El Puntido, which is more extensive, gastronomic and daring (there are dishes that can
€€Regional Cuisine, Traditional Cuisine
If you find yourself on a tapas and “pinchos” crawl in the La Herradura section of historic Haro, we can highly recommend a refuelling stop at Los Caños, occupying a delightful 16C palatial-style property. In this attractive restaurant, which has tastefully combined historic details with a more contemporary aesthetic, the emphasis is on deep-rooted traditional cuisine that has been able to take classic tapas to a higher gastronomic level, as showcased in options such as the pork sandwich with Morbier cheese, Iberian dewlap and cured egg yolk.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.2/5 · 56 reviews
Located in Haro, Los Caños specializes in traditional Rioja cuisine. Reviewers frequently praise the high quality of fresh, homemade dishes, particularly highlighting the ribeye steak, pintxos, and desserts. Housed in a historic building, the restaurant offers a pleasant rustic-modern atmosphere. Service is generally described as efficient and attentive, with staff often noted for their helpfulness. However, some negative feedback points to inconsistent meal pacing, long waits for menus, and occasional dissatisfaction with food preparation. While isolated incidents of poor service exist, the majority of diners recommend it for its authentic regional flavors and welcoming environment.
Recommended for travelers seeking authentic traditional Rioja cuisine in a warm, historic setting.
€€Contemporary
This restaurant run by a pleasant married couple is one of those places that you love recommending to others. Here, the traditional cuisine with a contemporary touch is built around seasonal ingredients and showcased on a single tasting menu (a shorter version of the same menu is also available). Interesting dishes that we particularly enjoyed included the “canutillos” of black pudding and pine nuts with a red alubia and piparra pepper cream, the cod taco with chickpea hummus, piquillo peppers and a spinach pil-pil, and the fresh Idiazábal cheesecake with quince and walnuts.
TripAdvisor review sample · 4.6/5 · 80 reviews
Héctor Oribe, located in Paganos near Laguardia, offers contemporary cuisine and an impressive wine selection. Reviewers frequently praise the high food quality, presentation, and knowledgeable service. However, opinions on ambiance and staff behavior vary significantly. While some find the dining room cozy and welcoming, others describe it as cold, poorly soundproofed, and dimly lit, hindering conversation. Service is generally efficient, but several guests reported rude or indifferent staff, particularly regarding interactions with children. Although the culinary experience is often highlighted as exceptional, inconsistencies in hospitality and environment mean satisfaction depends heavily on individual expectations and specific visits.
Suitable for diners prioritizing culinary and wine quality over consistent ambiance or service.