Bodega del Riojano

The story

Bodega del Riojano: Santander's Historic Wine Cellar with Michelin Recognition

History, art and flavour meet in a unique atmosphere in Santander

Since 1940, Bodega del Riojano has occupied a traditional wine cellar in the heart of Santander. Walking in, you are greeted by the scent of wine, the glow of low lights, and the weathered wood of beams that have held up decades of meals. The restaurant’s own words describe it as “a traditional bodega in the centre of the city”, where the kitchen draws on Cantabrian and Riojan tradition, using fresh market produce and recipes that “awaken memories”.

That commitment to honest, regionally-rooted cooking earned the restaurant a Michelin Recommended award, a recognition that speaks to the consistency and soul of the food. The menu changes with the seasons, but a few signature dishes have become emblematic of the house. The pisto con papada ibérica y huevo frito is a deeply savoury stew, the kind of “cocina de cuchara” (spoon food) the north of Spain does so well. Bacalao laminado con salsa de tomate brings the Cantabrian coast onto the plate — fresh fish from the local market, gently cooked. And the steak tartar de la Bodega del Riojano adds a contemporary twist, described as “a unique bite that combines the power of traditional stew with a sophisticated touch”.

The Round Museum: art on barrel tops

What makes the space truly one-of-a-kind is the Museo Redondo. Over the years, artists have painted more than sixty barrel tops, turning the cellar into a gallery. The paintings hang on the walls among the barrels, creating a setting where art and gastronomy are inseparable. “The light, the wooden beams and the aroma of wine create an intimate and unrepeatable atmosphere,” the restaurant notes.

Whether you come for lunch or dinner, the experience is one of slow, deliberate pleasure — a meal surrounded by history, anchored in the flavours of Cantabria and La Rioja.